Bean Bandits: Discover San Diego's Drag Racing History
Not many people know that San Diego has a storied car and drag racing history. Native San Diegan Joaquin Arnett Jr. co-founded and led the Bean Bandits racing club in the early 1950s and went on to win over 300 trophies and set land speed records in races across the country – including Bonneville Salt Flats. In 1953 Arnett won the first National Hot Rod Association Championship and was later named to the International Car Racing Hall of Fame in 1992. Arnett got his start with a group of neighborhood kids (later called the “Bean Bandits”) who were also addicted to speed and started driving when they were only eight or nine years old. They gathered at an abandoned airstrip in Paradise Mesa and raced their hot rods built with junkyard parts. The track later became a legitimate drag racing venue due to Arnett’s efforts.
Learn more about the Bean Bandit’s exploits at this month’s special joint meeting with the La Playa Trail Association. Meet the authors of the recently published book, San Diego Drag Racing and the Bean Bandits, enjoy food provided by Miguel’s Restaurant, and see the original Bandit Dragster – and some Bean Bandits. RSVP: 619-786-5395.