NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum recently received a high-horsepower spotlight from KCAL CBS News Los Angeles. In a special feature segment, CBS News took viewers inside the hallowed halls of the museum located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, giving audiences an intimate look at the legacy of NHRA founder Wally Parks and nearly 75 years (1951-2026) of drag racing history.

Leading the tour was Bryan Garcia, museum staff member, who shared Wally Parks’ mission with the audience to legitimize and organize hot rodding into a nationally recognized motorsport. Garcia walked viewers through decades of innovation and adrenaline, from the grassroots beginnings of the NHRA in 1951 to the cutting-edge technology on display at today’s national events.

“The museum is here to educate, preserve, and inspire,” Garcia told CBS 2. “Wally’s vision wasn’t just about speed—it was about safety, opportunity, and community. He wanted racers to have a place to compete fairly, and fans to fall in love with the sport.”

The segment highlighted some of the museum’s most iconic vehicles and artifacts—everything from early dragsters to Funny Cars that shaped NHRA history. With the NHRA celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026, Garcia emphasized that the museum is more than a collection of cars—it’s a living archive of American ingenuity, speed, and culture.

KCAL's feature not only celebrated the museum’s impact on motorsports but also helped bring its story to a broader audience. As Southern California remains the birthplace of hot rodding, this collaboration between local media and NHRA reinforces the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that fueled a global motorsports movement.

To experience the legacy firsthand, visit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, where the past, present, and future of drag racing are always on display.

About the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich history of American hot rodding and drag racing. Founded in honor of NHRA founder Wally Parks, the museum showcases nearly 75 years of motorsports innovation, culture, and competition. All proceeds directly support the museum’s mission to uphold Wally Parks’ vision of organized, safe, and community-driven racing. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and events, the museum serves as a living archive of the National Hot Rod Association and its impact on American automotive heritage.