The Checkered Flag - Hot Rod Annual, PA

05/21/2026

Super thanks to the Hooligans CC for the amazing help and kind words.

Be sure to thank this man EJ and Liz put a lot of work into making this show happen. It turned out awesome! Thank you EJ,Liz and all those who volunteered from the Museum to make this happen! And the weather topped it as it was gorgeous!

05/14/2026

Everyone! Here’s the second FAQ as well as a couple of maps that should help everyone! 
Looking forward to seeing you all soon! #

05/08/2026

Todays “the Checkered Flag!” Spotlight is on drag race cars! Nitro Funny Car world champion Bruce Larson will be in attendance with his 1972 Chevrolet Camaro USA-1 funny car to fire up on a health dose of nitro during the day. We also will have the Rick Sturz blown Chrysler Rice Performance slingshot dragster. Plus the newly restored JC Baker Dragmaster blown Chevy rail owned by Dennis Frymoyer on display. Come on out for a great day of fun on May 16th!
🏁

01/08/2026

This weeks ‘the CHECKERED FLAG!’ Spotlight is on featured performer Allison Borek Music
Allison and her dad John are long time EMMR Eastern Museum of Motor Racing supporters and we are honored to have them on the main stage. Allison Borek is a talented Appalachian folk and Americana musician who began her musical journey at a remarkably young age. Growing up immersed in music and born with an innate love for music, Allison's earliest exposure to performance came as a backup vocalist with The Laurel when she was just six years old.
Her deep connection to the music community fueled her passion and inspired her to continue growing as a performer and songwriter. Throughout her young career, Allison has had the opportunity to play at some remarkable venues, including The Palace Theatre in Greensburg, the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival, and even
traveling to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Retreat.
She has also had the honor of being featured on live radio, including a memorable appearance on HUGS radio, and
was a part of the Heart to Hope Telethon on television. Allison has also attended EMMR events since she was a baby, and has been immersed in vintage racing, old cars, and their history all her life.

12/31/2025

Happy new year from our family to yours!
🚀🏁🌟🎊🎉
See you May 16th!

12/10/2025

This week’s ‘the Checkered Flag’ spotlight is DJ Marcus! Long time EMMR supporter and legendary DJ will be back on May 16th 2026 at the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds. He will be set up with his fantastic big bus on Friday night for the pre party and Saturday spinning the great rock n roll records we all love to hear.

11/26/2025

This week’s The Checkered Flag spotlight is on the Hooligans Car Club PA that will be in the house on May 16th 2025! This great group of guys and gals are always are willing to jump in and lend a hand with anything from working the gate to parking cars. Always having a presence at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing events throughout the year. This year we will have a ‘Hooligans Club Pick’ to a special vehicle at the show. How cool is that! Make sure you mark your calendars for May 16th 2026 at the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds!

11/12/2025

It all starts with a blank sheet.
Kicking off ‘The Checkered Flag!’ Hot Rod Annual at the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds the home of the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing. We were asked to take over the former Jalopy Showdown/Hot Rod Annual to keep the show going into the future. Some changes are being made, some backwards and some forwards, but always geared towards a fun time for all at a great venue. The Latimore Valley Fairgrounds race track was built in 1923 and Automobile races were ran from 1933 to 1940. It fell into neglect and was unearthed by the Williams Grove Old Timers in 1975 eventually birthing the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing by a fantastic team of dedicated, history saving volunteers. For many years the EMMR hosts track time events, car shows, tractor pulls, and a great Fair for all to enjoy. We are proud and very excited to tell all about the new and fun plans to make ‘The Checkered Flag!’ the best show possible. Stay tuned!!

11/10/2025

OK here it is everybody! ‘The Checkered Flag’ is on for May 16, 2026. The old Jalopy Showdown/Hot Rod Annual is under new management and we are trying some new things just like the old things. Track time will be back for two big sessions of Speedsters/Early Sprint Cars, Roaring Roadsters, and Hot Rod Coupes. After track time its the return of the ever popular single car MUD RUNS! We will flood the track so everyone who wants to can get a shot of two laps on the world famous Latimore Valley Fairgrounds Speedway. We will have bands, swap meet, vendors, dj, food trucks, side show performers, artist alley, celebrities, and more to be announced! Pre 69 traditional hot rods and customs on the infield but plenty of parking for all in the spacious Latimore Valley Fairgrounds home of the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing. We have an IG .pa , a Facebook general event page and a Facebook home page with lots more details on whats in the lineup. Lots of things still in the works but this will get things rolling and remember to mark your calendars for May 16, 2026!

11/10/2025