Burbank Road Kings host 70th Anniversary car picnic

Road Kings President Bruce Borst, left, uses a megaphone to gather members for a historic group photo during the 70th Anniversary of the Road Kings Car Club Picnic held at Don Redding's Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522.
Road Kings President Bruce Borst, left, uses a megaphone to gather members for a historic group photo during the 70th Anniversary of the Road Kings Car Club Picnic held at Don Redding's Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522. Dan Watson/The Signal
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On Nov. 17, 1952, Jim Miles and 16 others decided to create a group to share their love for drag racing and cars in a way that gave back to their community. They named it the Burbank Road Kings.  

“We decided to give back to the city what the city has done for us,” said Jim Miles. 

Road Kings Car Club original member, Jim Miles chats with members during the Road Kings 70th Anniversary Car Club Picnic held at Don Redding's Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522.
Road Kings Car Club original member, Jim Miles chats with members during the Road Kings 70th Anniversary Car Club Picnic held at Don Redding’s Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522. Dan Watson/The Signal

Burbank Road Kings hosted their 70th anniversary car picnic for their 80-plus members last weekend. The event featured more than 30 of the members’ cars, including a 1967 Plymouth Barracuda, 1965 Ford Mustang and 1963 Plymouth Fury Super.  

Santa Clarita resident Don Redding, left, joins Platinum Club Member Eddie Salvatore as they discuss  Redding's 1963 Plymouth Fury Super - Stock on display during the Road Kings 70th Anniversary Car Club Picnic held a Don Redding's Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522.
Santa Clarita resident Don Redding, left, joins Platinum Club Member Eddie Salvatore as they discuss Redding’s 1963 Plymouth Fury Super – Stock on display during the Road Kings 70th Anniversary Car Club Picnic held a Don Redding’s Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522. Dan Watson/The Signal

All cars stayed true to Burbank Road Kings’ members’ policy of having to own an American-made vehicle dating prior to 1979 with modifications. Miles attributes this to wanting to be reminded of the cars they had in high school. There were refreshments and food for all, cooked by their fellow members.  

Road Kings members Gary Arellano, left, and Don Hoffman flip burgers on the grill  during the Road Kings 70th  Anniversary Car Club Picnic held a Don Redding's Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522.
Road Kings members Gary Arellano, left, and Don Hoffman flip burgers on the grill during the Road Kings 70th Anniversary Car Club Picnic held a Don Redding’s Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522. Dan Watson/The Signal

The event took a month to plan by special event coordinator Gary Arellano and his wife Karen Arellano. It was hosted at Don Redding’s Old Car House on The Old Road near Towsley Canyon. 

“They kind of adopted me,” said Don Redding, a three-year honorary member of the Burbank Road Kings. Redding felt honored to host the event at his property.  

Santa Clarita resident Don Redding, left, joins Platinum Club Members Don Hoffman, Jim Miles and Eddie Salvatore with a 1932 Ford on display during the Road Kings 70th Anniversary Car Club Picnic held a Don Redding's Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522.
Santa Clarita resident Don Redding, left, joins Platinum Club Members Don Hoffman, Jim Miles and Eddie Salvatore with a 1932 Ford on display during the Road Kings 70th Anniversary Car Club Picnic held a Don Redding’s Old Car House in Newhall on Saturday, 062522. Dan Watson/The Signal

For the past 70 years, Burbank Road Kings has been giving back to the Burbank community. As President Bruce Borst said, they have given back to the homeless through working with the Burbank Temporary Aid Center, raised money for a Kevlar bulletproof vest for a police dog, participated in YMCA’s trunk and treat and more.  

Burbank Road Kings doesn’t want to be solely recognized as a car club.  

“They should think of us a charitable organization,” said Miles.  

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