Engines revved, tires shrieked and nine seconds later, another victor of the 1/8 th mile drag strip claimed bragging rights at the Southern Plains Mopar Fest (SPMF) in Bristow, May 1012.
Events kicked off May 10 with a “Run for the Tower” cruise as 65 people drove 100 miles on Route 66. SPMF co-owners Doug Cataline and Matt Hindi raised $650 to assist restoring, relighting and relocating our 102-foot Chrysler tower. Mopar means “motor parts” and is an umbrella name for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat parts and accessories.
On May 11, 104 cars and pick-up trucks from 12 states and Canada showed off on Main Street (Route 66) under clear skies. Crowds admired restored bodies, interiors and engines and appreciated survivors too. Cataline and Hindi gave Top 30 and specialty awards. Tom Dillinger of Flower Mound, Texas, won Best in Show with a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda.
Afterwards, the action shifted to the Crown Auto World Bristow (one of 60 sponsors) on Rowland Ave (Route 66) for arm drop drag racing and a merchandise swap meet. It was “mopars versus the world,” as 65 racers ran solo or against each other. Jarrod Whitehouse, a Creek County Commissioner, raced his 1973 Camero. “I’m having fun. This is a wonderful activity.” Corey Wilson drove his 1967 Plymouth Barracuda from Des Moines. “I came from Iowa to race on Route 66 where this car was born.” A video of one race is posted on YouTube at h t t p s : / / youtu. be/ QzDKrLo3cqQ, title, 2024 Southern Plains Mopar Fest drag racing.
Paul Rossi, a former National Hot Rod Association drag racer, displayed his 1970 Dodge Challenger and held performance clinics with car enthusiasts.
On Sunday, clouds rolled in. Another 16 racers got an hour of strip time and a couple of kids foot races occurred before closing due to rain.
Cataline is happy with SPFM’s second trip to Bristow. “The car show and drag racing numbers have more than doubled. Our national and international promotion efforts are working…We are extremely happy with the support Bristow has given us.”