2021 RPM Nationals – Flat-Out Flatheads!
Nestled in the hills on the Central Coast of California less than an hour north of where the old Santa Maria Dragstrip used to be, sits a historic piece of property that’s been around since the 1770s. Santa Margarita Ranch covers 14,000 acres and contains a working cattle ranch, a vineyard and hundred-year-old trees, but it’s the old paved runway hidden at the heart that lured hot rodders from all over California for a day of old-school drag racing and a chance to soak up the hot rod lifestyle.
The 5th annual RPM Nationals, held September 25, was arguably the biggest one yet. With over 100 traditional hot rods competing in six classes, the race featured some of the coolest flathead-powered cars on the West Coast. The event was created by Justin Baas and Russ Hare, a couple of guys who know their hot rodding history and are doing their best to make sure it gets passed along to future generations.
The rules for the RPM Nationals were simple: entries had to be 1936 and earlier and be powered by a flathead or a 4-cylinder engine. All race cars had to be period correct and appear to be from the 1950s or earlier. The event featured everything from high-end show quality cars and patina’d hot rods to barn finds that were given a new lease on life. Roadsters, coupes, sedans and even a couple of rails were all there to burn a little rubber.
And then there was the car show. The majority of the entries parked parallel to the staging lanes to be close to the action, but there were hot rods parked literally all over the grounds.
The RPM Nationals was a laid-back event that allowed competitors to make as many runs as they wanted to in the morning and grudge race with friends and foes before the on-track action halted prior to the start of eliminations. This gave everyone a chance to grab a bite to eat, check out all the hot rods, stroll through the swap meet and catch up with old friends.
When the clock struck 1pm, the break was over and it was time to race. It was just like the old days: drop the flag, hit the gas and wait for the guy at the finish line to signal who got there first. Don’t be mistaken, there was plenty of stiff competition, especially in some of the quicker classes, but in the end it was all about having fun.
Racing continued throughout the day until there were only two cars left in each class. One by one the final rounds were run, the winners drove back up the track and were greeted by the crowd. Each winner was presented with a custom trophy designed by Joe Buffardi.
The RPM Nationals is easily one the best traditional hot rodding events in California. It has an old-school feel that just can’t be duplicated. Maybe it’s the magical setting of Santa Margarita Ranch, the airstrip in the middle of nowhere, the dirt return road, the hand-painted signs, the laid-back atmosphere or the California sun. Maybe it’s the hand-built tower on the back of a vintage truck, the American flag blowing in the wind, the combination of cool cars and cool people or the camaraderie that exists there. Whatever it is, it just works, and it’s worth checking out for yourself.
Photos by Marc Gewertz
