Share Article

Ascot Park - "Kings of Speed"

flyer for Kings Of Speed

August 27 – October 13, 2018

California State University, Northridge Art Galleries presents  Kings of Speed: Ascot Raceway 1957-1990 August 27 – October 13, 2018.

By Harold Osmer

Wed, Aug 1, 2018 02:57 PM PST

Located in Gardena California, Ascot Park Raceway ranked behind only the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Daytona International Speedway as the best-known racing facility in the country. For thirty-three years, Ascot was the busiest racing venue in the world, hosting an endless array of weekly races.

J.C. Agajanian, one of auto racing’s greatest car owners and promoters, hosted midget, sprint car, flat track, and motorcycle races, among others, at Ascot. Racecar drivers Parnelli Jones, A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Rick Mears, and Al Unser, and motorcycle racers Kenny Roberts, David Aldan, Skip Van Leeuwin, and Wayne Rainey, among many others, plied their trade at Ascot over the years. Motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel performed his first nationally televised jump at Ascot.

The exhibition will showcase a selection of vehicles, including sprint cars, midgets, and motorcycles, all integral to the legacy of Ascot Park. Historic objects, including posters, helmets, leathers, trophies, and other memorabilia generously loaned by the Agajanian family will be on display.

Gallery hours are from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday. More information and press images are available upon request; call the Art Galleries at (818) 677-2156 or visit www.csun.edu/artgalleries.

Exhibition Dates:
August 27 – October 13, 2018
Reception: Saturday, September 8 / 2 – 8pm
Curator’s Talk: Monday, September 10 / 10am

 

About The Author

Harold Osmer's profile picture

Harold Osmer

Harold Osmer works as a writer as well as a publisher in whatever spare time he can find. He’s authored award-winning books about auto racing in Los Angeles, has a Masters degree in geography, and holds a black belt in karate. He’s a regular at local car shows and race venues where he’s often seen setting up a table and selling books. His show ride is a 1951 Chevy pickup, dressed to emulate a Spec truck, complete with graphics, numbers, and sponsor decals.

You Might Also Like These Articles:

porsche taycan at sunset with a camera crew

Taycan Turbo + Super Bowl = ?

leh-keen-porsche-taycan-in-garage

Porsche Taycan Breaks Indoor Speed Record

gymkhana car barely staying on dock while racing

Launch Control: Road to Gymkhana

BMW 2 front with signature BMW grille

BMW 2 Press Launch Lunch-Shoot

Elvis-singing-with-minis-in-background

MINI USA Looking for #MINILoveStories