Drag Racing history was on the center stage in Southern California this past weekend as the Lions Automobilia Foundation inducted their first Hall of Fame class on Saturday night with a sold-out event. Additionally, the winners of the last drag race held at the famed drag strip on the weekend of its 50th anniversary.

The special awards dinner, a suit-and-tie event, featured some of drag racing's most iconic names and personalities in attendance. Among those in attendance were "TV" Tommy Ivo, Roland Leong, Steve Gibbs, Carl Olson, and Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, one of the inaugural inductees.

"This was a spectacular evening," Lana Chrisman, Executive Director of Lions Automobilia Foundation, said. "This was our inaugural Hall of Fame, and we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the last drag race at Lions. The moods couldn't line up better. It was just absolutely perfect. I love seeing all the legends here, walking around; just happy they're being remembered after 50 years of racing. It was great to see the winners and honor our five Hall of Famers.."

The event kicked off just before sunset with the "roar of Lions" as the power and sound of nitro-powered cackle cars shook the Lions Automobilia Foundation parking lot. This moment was followed by the sold-out crowd mingling in the halls of the Lions Automobilia museum, being able to participate in the cocktail mixer and the silent auction, which was to help benefit the Lions Youth Engagement and Career Path Program, followed by dinner in the banquet room.

The night's main event was the induction of the inaugural Hall of Fame class which featured Prudhomme, Mickey Thompson, Vic Edelbrock Sr, CJ "Pappy" Hart, and Ed Iskenderian.

"That was extremely difficult because there were so many people that were so well worth it," Chrisman said when asked how the organization picked the five Hall of Fame inductees. "We kind of based it around the last drag race. Of course, Mickey Thompson, that was a no-brainer. He's a no-brainer in any field of motorsports. He was the first manager and the man who put together Lions Dragstrip. CJ Hart is another member. Don Prudhomme, incredible. How do you not recognize him? The 'cam-father' (Ed Iskenderian) and, of course, Edelbrock Sr. Those guys are the roots of what we're starting to do here now."

Prudhomme and Iskenderian were the only two living legends at the induction ceremonies. Both gave heartfelt speeches as Prudhomme admitted his induction into the Lions Dragstrip Hall of Fame, ranked up at the top, and mentioned how he missed his good 'ol pal Tom McEwen. However, at 101 years of age, Iskenderian stole the show, as his fantastic storytelling about his career was quickly met with a standing ovation from the crowd immediately following.

Family members and friends of Mickey Thompson, Vic Edelbrock Sr, and CJ" Pappy" Hart accepted their awards on their behalf.

The night's theme was not just the induction ceremony, but it was also to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the last drag race held at Lions Dragstrips and its winners. The list of winners includes Carl Olson (Top Fuel), Tom McEwen (Nitro Funny Car), Bill Bagshaw (Pro Stock), Ken Veney (Injected Funny Car), Dave Benisek (Stock), Ron Zoelle (Super Stock), Ed Sigmon (Modified), and Jimmy Scott (Competition).

Ed Sigmon, Jimmy Scott, Bill Bagshaw, and Carl Olson were in attendance to receive their awards.

The event wrapped up Saturday night with live music, group pictures with all the inductees and past winners, and a chance for fans to get a picture with their favorite legend. Former Funny Car driver and drag racing historian "Fast" Jack Beckman was in attendance.

The inaugural Lions Automobilia Hall of Fame ceremony was a success. Now the nonprofit organization, which pays homage to the track once a staple in southern California in the mid-1950s to early 1970s, has the task of picking the second group of legends they deem fit to be inducted next year.