Thunder in Depot Park from Rio Linda, California

The Thunderbolts Car Club's "Thunder in Depot Park" Car Show.
Thunder in Depot Park Car Show presented the Thunderbolts Car Club.

It has been several years since I last attended “Thunder in Depot Park” the annual car show presented by The Thunderbolts, (the Capitol Auto Club), the oldest Hot Rod Club in the U.S. I knew this because the T-Shirt I’ve been wearing says Thunder in Depot Park #2 and this was #9. So, in between rain storms here in Northern California, I drove out to Rio Linda. I was shocked by how many cars were there, this show has really grown. Depot Park is a long narrow grassy area that starts on M Street and probably goes back about half a mile and it was filled with cars.

1930 Ford owned by Wayne & Judy Cleveland from Citrus Heights, CA. Winner of the NorCal Car Culture Coolest Car Award.

For many years I worked in Rio Linda, either at Brasher’s Auto Auction or at my Auto Transport business. It was great to see some old friends again and eat a Tummy’s sandwich. I got to meet Wayne Cleveland from Citrus Heights, a member of the North Valley Rodders. He showed me his beautiful 1930 Ford, which he drives to most of the nearby shows. The colors were so bright and clear, an absolutely gorgeous street rod.

The following are a few of my favorites.

1969 AMC AMX owned by Reno & Cindy Clark of Sacramento. Winner of the NorCal Car Culture Best Muscle Car Award.
1939 Ford Cabover owned by Jim & Barbara Major of Newcastle. Winner of the NorCal Car Culture Best Truck Award.
1953 Studebaker owned by Jim Gardner of Fresno. Winner of the NorCal Car Culture Most Unique Hot Rod Award.
1932 Ford Roadster owned by Alan Taylor from Roseville, CA.
1949 Ford owned by Carter Gimlen, a member of the Thunderbolts.
Engine compartment of a 1967 Chevelle SS belonging to Russ & Denise from Roseville.

There were several car clubs represented including: the Capitol City Cruisers, the Townsmen of Sacramento, Rods & Relics, the Cherrietters, the Slicks of Sacramento, the Hot Rods of Fresno, the North Valley Rodders and of course, the Thunderbolts. I apologize there were probably some others that I missed. The West Capitol Raceway Alumni Association was also there with a few examples of vintage race cars.

Our thanks to the Thunderbolts for again putting on such a great show and for somehow squeezing it in between the rain.

For lots more photos from Rio Linda, check out our photo gallery.

One thought on “Thunder in Depot Park from Rio Linda, California”

  1. Is there going to be a low rider car show in Rio Linda anytime in the future, also is there some kind of schedule for Depot park with upcoming events, car show’s etc.?

    Thank You…
    B

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