Night of Fire Car Show in Oregon Draws Thousands (VIDEO)

Nothing beats a jet powered dragster when it comes to crowd pleaser's.

Photos and video by: Tim King

(KEIZER, Ore.) - Few things get a crowd more excited than watching a drag racer light the afterburner on his jet engine race car.

We're talking about a 6,000 pound thrust jet engine straight out of a corporate jet airplane, complete with afterburner, placed in a fiberglass bodied drag funny car that actually has the capability of running the quarter mile in five and a half seconds.

This was just one of many attractions at this year’s Night of Fire car show, held in Keizer. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to fight meth problems in the Salem/Keizer community.

The Night of Fire is a family event. Participants say hot rods and motorsport events represent fun for all ages. Margie Strohmeyer says that for she and her husband, auto enthusiasts in the Salem area have been a source of healing.

“Oh great people, we lost our son six years ago and these people are what made us get through it, the car people are great people, I mean they are back behind you, they do everything for you, its cool”

Her husband Russ Strohmeyer is a well known name in local hot rodding circles and he has been at it for a number of years. Like others, he talked about how much fun they all have, but he also drew attention to the more serious side of what the event accomplishes.

“Yeah all the Night of Fire car shows have been for great causes; this one is for the No Meth Not in my Neighborhood, and before that it was to benefit children and families with problems”

The Night of Fire was started by a small handful of people in the Salem community who all share a love for things that are car related. At the offset of every summer, that same crew gathers to put on the Night of Fire event again, each time the event grows in popularity.

Night of Fire's Rich Bailey

Rich Bailey is the event’s founder and a major advocate for not just cars and drag racing, but also for a healthy people and a healthy community.

“This is the best show that we’ve ever done and it is all because of the teamwork between myself, Lee Morgan and Mike Adams of Adams Ribs and of course his beautiful wife, Katrina. Everybody, Jim Billings, all the volunteers, the Salem Evangelical Church, everybody’s come together to put this event on to try to put an end to meth in the Salem area and this is by far our best show ever and it’s not over yet but I can just tell by the amount of people, it is incredible, I’m just very happy with the way it turned out.”

Dan Kaplan is a friend and supporter of the event. He says the work Rich and the others are doing should go on to inspire others.

“Rich Bailey does a phenomenal job of promoting this, it is always a good cause and look around, look at all the cars that are here this year, it is phenomenal, it is the best year, and we need more people like Rich to promote for these good causes, he’s doing a great job.”

Over 2,500 people attended the Night of Fire, and some say that is a conservative number. Either way, it wouldn’t happen without sponsors like Adams Ribs in Salem.

Mike and Katrina Adams took a break from the routine at their restaurant on State Street in Salem, near the state capitol, to make sure people at the event had plenty to eat. Each time Mike lights the barbecue at an event like this, the smell of the cooking meat alone guarantees plenty of orders. Katrina said they stayed busy, “Well, we’re out here serving pork sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, kielbasa and shaved ice and it is a big blast tonight.”

What sets this car show apart from some others is the fact that all proceeds are donated to charity. Last year the beneficiary was a small baby, this year it’s the fight against drug problems in the community. Hot rodders say it makes a difference. Katrina Adams talked about the group that they are helping.

“We’re doing the No Meth Campaign, we No Meth community enforcement folks are out here just kind of sharing about how meth is in our community, sharing facts about how it affects our children.”

For hot rodders like Michael Hayes, the variety and good cheer are something to look forward to every year. “Well charity events always benefit people who are needy and I’m always glad to show up and donate as much as I can plus we get the thrill of being around these old cars, classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, motorcycles, dragsters, you name it and everybody has a great time doing it.”

If you missed it you will get another chance to see the Night of Fire next year. You can also help by contacting No Meth Not in my Neighborhood and you can visit Rich Bailey’s Website at capracing.com

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WATCH THE STREAMING VIDEO NEWS REPORT BELOW, BY SALEM-NEWS.COM'S TIM KING

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