The Legacy of the Motor Trend Riverside 500
Looking back, the mid-20th century was a golden age for car enthusiasts in Southern California. Many of us seemed to be born with an inherent passion for automobiles, possibly passed down from our parents.
During the late 1950s, I found my interest in NASCAR stock car racing sparked by browsing my father’s collection of Motor Trend magazine issues. The racecars mirrored the new cars cruising SoCal streets, and rivalries like Ford versus Chevrolet and Pontiac versus Plymouth ignited early excitement among California kids.
1960: NASCAR Takes to Television
In 1960, NASCAR stock car racing transitioned from the pages of Motor Trend to television with coverage of the Daytona 500 in Daytona, Florida. While television significantly elevated NASCAR’s popularity, it wasn’t until 1963 that California NASCAR fans could watch a race in person. This landmark achievement was made possible due to support from Motor Trend.
Experiencing the Racing at Riverside
Before 1963, my family had taken me to Riverside to enjoy sportscar races at the Times Grand Prix. However, nothing compared to the thrill of attending a NASCAR stock car race at Riverside. The atmosphere was electric! Upon arriving, fans were handed giant T-shirts adorned with STP logos, while programs were available for purchase at the ticket gate. To this day, I treasure a Times Grand Prix program along with a few Motor Trend 500 programs stashed in a box of old magazines.
Dan Gurney / Holman-Moody: First Motor Trend 500 Victory
In the inaugural Motor Trend 500, Riverside local Dan Gurney claimed victory driving a Ford. The event featured a mix of Ford, Pontiac, Mercury, Dodge, Chevrolet, and Plymouth stock cars, marking an iconic moment in NASCAR history.
1964 Motor Trend 500: Gurney’s Continued Victory
Ford’s styling evolved in 1964, represented on the Motor Trend Riverside 500 program cover featuring a 1964 Ford during a pit stop. Dan Gurney’s 1964 Ford, serviced by the Wood Brothers, once again secured victory at the Motor Trend Riverside 500.
Dominance in 1965: Ford and Gurney
The 1965 Motor Trend Riverside 500 was dominated by Ford, with Dan Gurney driving a red 1965 Ford belonging to the Wood Brothers. He was followed closely by Junior Johnson in another 1965 Ford, with Marvin Panch finishing third in a similar vehicle.
Gurney’s Continued Success in 1966
The cover art for the 1966 Motor Trend 500 depicted Petty’s No. 88 Dodge Charger leading a 1965 Ford, but it was Gurney who emerged victorious once again, solidifying his racing legend status.
1971: The Final Year for the Motor Trend Riverside 500
In 1971, the Motor Trend Riverside 500 held its final race, marking a significant turning point as it was the first year a Ford did not triumph. Ray Elder claimed victory with his 1970 Dodge Charger, defeating NASCAR legends like Bobby Isaac and Richard Petty. This event marked a pivotal moment for Chrysler’s success in NASCAR.
