The Road Runners Car Club was established in January 1937. Later that year, in November, they were one of seven car clubs that became charter membersof the newly formed Southern California Timing Association (SCTA). The SCTA was formed to conduct speed trial events on the dry lakes of Southern California. The Road Runners and another club, the Sidewinders, are the only two charter member clubs that exist today. Two of the founding members of the Road Runners were Wallace “Wally” Parks (founder and president of the National Hot Rod Association) and Akton “Ak” Miller (first vice-president of the NHRA, racer, and Ford Motor Company “performance consultant”). Over the years, there have been some hot-rodding legends that were Road Runners members. Some notables who were inducted as members of the American Hot Rod Foundation Pioneers include: Ray Brown, Bill Burke, Fred Carrillo, Art Chrisman, Chuck Daigh, Vic Edelbrock Sr., Vic Edelbrock Jr., Jack Harvey, Jerry Kugel, Bobby Meeks, Bud Meyer, Bob Morton, Bob and Dick Pierson, Joe Reath, and Don Waite.Morton, Bob and Dick Pierson, Joe Reath, and Don Waite. Bill Burke, is recognized as being the first to use a WWII P-51 wing tank to build a racer,which ran 131.96 mph. Both Vic Edelbrocks, Senior and Junior, were instrumental in creating the Edelbrock we know today. Many of the other names listed as Pioneers from the Road Runners were legends in hot-rod
parts which ran 131.96 mph. Both Vic Edelbrocks, Senior and Junior, were instrumental in creating the Edelbrock we know today. Many of the other names listed as Pioneers from the Road Runners were legends in hot-rod parts manufacturing and building. When RJ and the crew were at El Mirage in June 2013 for a private testing session for the newly installed ProCharger on the front of the 598 big block, Jerry Cornelison (club secretary and historian) and his grandson Reece Moore welcomed RJ as a new member of the Road Runners club. They ceremoniously handed RJ a rare club flag and plaque. The flag was one of only two that existed at the time. They are two of RJ’s most prized possessions, and will be displayed proudly in the future Big Red museum. In September 2017, the Road Runners celebrated its 80th Anniversary, and assembled 16 of its current 26 competing vehicles for a group picture. Big Red proudly participated in the group photo, and RJ looks forward to many more runs at El Mirage and the Bonneville salt flats as a Road Runner member
