With the cunning planning of his daughter, Cindy - on this day Steve Gibbs moved into the "second phase" of his career...we all know he's never going to retire, but he and wife Gloria (Gordy) will be riding off into the sunset in their new motorhome for some much deserved R&R. After a "lifetime" with NHRA, the Gibbs' are going to see the world outside drag racing. This was a night that many hundreds of "Steve's Friends" just came out to honor him...no political statement...just out of respect of the Man. Steve will still sit on the Board of the Wally Parks Motorsports Museum and oversee the California & National Hot Rod Reunions, but mostly life will be about quality time and some stress free fun. We all wish them our very best!

 
The guests mingle prior to the Gibbs' arrival.

The museum was filled to capacity with old friends. We're sorry everyone didn't end up in the photo gallery, but here's some who did.

Tom Ivo, Jeep and Ronnie Hampshire

Three of the best Top Fuel drivers of all time... Gary Beck, Kelly Brown and James Warren.

This trio wasn't too shabby either... Gordy Bonin, Frank Bradley and Carl Olson

Bob (aka Floyd Lippencott Jr.) Muravez and "TV Tommy" Ivo - two of the original Road Kings of Burbank.

Steve Faria, Jim Tibbitts, Dorothy and Doug Thorley, H.L. Shahan and other guests

Cindy Gibbs, Larry Dixon and his daughter-in-law Ali with granddaughter Alanna...Larry Jr's balance of the family

Pete Starrett and Bob Muravez

Greg Sharp, who has worked side by side with Steve at the museum shared his mixed feelings about the whole "retirement" thing.

Speaking BEFORE his boss (for a change), Austin Coil was tame. Actually he was covering for John who was late due to the fact his back yard had slid into his neighbors yard and John had been busy digging it out.

Never short on words, once he cleaned up his neighbors yard, John Force was in rare form both roasting and praising Gibbs.

The evening couldn't pass without a nose joke or two...apparently a local novelty shop was wiped out of horn rim glasses and "hooks".

In honor of a "let's blow up this old car" deal at Irwindale that got a little out of hand - another life ago.

Everyone who could make it was there and there were a ton of folks who wished they could that didn't. Two of the most honored guests were seated next to Gordy... Steve's parents Selma and Steve Grana who were on hand to see their son honored.

Bill Holland models an original "Big Hook's Traveling Acceleration Show" T-shirt in honor of the special edition units Cindy had made for the event.

Steve's daughter Stephanie, and her daughter Kayla who gave a very wonderful speech about her grandpa...the whole family really idolizes him.

Steve and Gordy's other daughter, Debby is not much on racing (how'd that happen?) but was on hand to wish her folks all the best.

When it was Cindy's turn to speak, as usual her heart was on her sleeve(s). She really put everything into making this day special for her dad (and mom) and by all account, she did a killer job.

Then it was time for the "Man of the Hour". Steve and Gordy took the stage and those who know them can pretty well guess what was said.

The good folks at In N' Out donated the food (best damn hamburgers in the whole damn world) as yes, they remember Mr. Gibbs from Irwindale where they both started.

Believe it or not, in his 44 years of being involved in drag racing Steve Gibbs never sat in a fuel dragster - not once. That changed when Art Chrisman put Hook in the seat and 98% in the tank. Can you say, mini-Cacklefest?

With nitro filling the air and Steve thinking God knows what, Gordy hung in right behind the thumping hemi. She wasn't going to miss this moment for anything!