FORCE OPEN HOUSE A RECORD SUCCESS

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The 2005 John Force Holiday Car Show benefiting the California Highway Patrol’s “ChiP’s for Kids” toy drive was the most successful in history. Featuring more than 780 show cars, trucks, boats and motorcycles, the one-day event attracted more than 18,000 participants and fans who, according to event coordinator Craig Hoelzel, donated 10,709 toys to “ChiP’s for Kids.”

A measure of the success of the event was the fact that a two-hour autograph session featuring 13-time NHRA POWERade champion John Force stretched to four hours to accommodate all of those in attendance.

In addition to Force, the autograph session included Eric Medlen, Ashley Force, Robert Hight, Brandon Bernstein, as well as Force’s youngest daughters, Brittany and Courtney, who next year will drive Super Comp dragsters.

Among the other celebrity guests were legendary racer and designer Carroll Shelby (shown), automotive designer Chip Foose from the OVERHAULIN’ television show, and personalities from the nationally syndicated Speed Freaks radio and television show.

"To have Carroll Shelby stop by, even for a minute, was special," said Force. "He really is a legend and since he’s so closely tied to the Ford Mustang GT, we get to talk a little shop. I can’t wait for next year's show." (James Drew photos) [12-14-2005]