James Dean Run

James Byron Dean was born in Fairmount, IN on February 8, 1931. He died at age 24. Between those brief years his passion for film and racing became widely known.

He was nominated for an academy award for his performance in "East of Eden," which made him an overnight success. He had looks, talent, appeal and a serious attitude towards his profession.

During the filming of "The Giant," with Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson, Warner Brothers forbade him to engage in his other passion, racing.

The day after the film was completed, Jimmy was happily preparing for one of the year's most important and exciting sports car events. He left Los Angeles and headed for the race in his Porsche. On September 30, 1955, at the intersection of Routes 466 and 41, James Byron Dean was no more.

Songs to and about him, memorials, museums, festivals and memorabilia have preserved his memory to this day. There is one testimonial that we have a feeling he would be smiling "that smile" of his about..

My Classic Car was in Fairmount, IN on September 24, 1999 for the 20th annual James Dean Run. Growing from only a few cars to over 2,600 plus, Jimmy's faithful followers preserve his memory in a three day event he would have loved. Throughout the weekend, amidst the 50's & 60's music, this fine-tuned organization keeps things running smoothly.

George Barris, Gene Winfield and Joe Bailon were in attendance, the Mercury Corral was so full by Saturday morning that another one had to be opened. A Show N' Shine, live entertainment, the Parade of Neon (way cool!), games, contests, along with raffles, keeps everyone at this 1970 or older car show entertained!

There's are Top 20 Merc. Awards, a Dean Family award, Rebel Merc and Lowest Car award to name only a few. The motels and hotels in this tiny community overflow and there's a James Dean Museum for those who want to find out more about him.

This event is hosted by the Cluster Busters Hot Rod Club, Inc, one of the oldest hot rod clubs in the United States. Celebrating their 50th anniversary in 1998, they began as a group of high school students and graduates of Broad Ripple High. Interested in drag racing, early hot-rodding and cruising drive in restaurants, hot rodders were considered "hoodlums." The Cluster Busters were out to change that image.

By 1954 every member of Cluster Busters was also a member of NHRA. Their first drag racing event in the summer of '55 was sanctioned by NHRA and chronicled in the October, 1955 issue of Hot Rod Magazine.

They helped form the Indiana Street Rod association in 1971 and to this day are very involved in the sport of street rodding. The club also puts on a car show every July 4th at Avon Park in Avon, IN.

My Classic Car salutes the Cluster Busters for preserving the hobby. We salute Fairmount, IN for those high school kids of yesteryear and we salute you, too, Jimmy for that brief shooting star that continues to shine today.

We suggest you book that hotel room early and for information on the 2000 James Dean Run or the Cluster Busters, please call Steve Thompson at 317-898-0522 or Matt Thompson at 317-3569-293. Be sure to tell them My Classic Car sent you!

For more history on Jimmy, visit http://www.jamesdeanartifacts.com/