Friends of Steve McQueen 2015 – Report and Photos

“On Any Sunday”, the 1971 American documentary about the sport of motorcycle riding was the theme for this year’s Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show, staged on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the Boys Republic in Chino Hills, California. The 8th annual event was co-chaired by Chad McQueen and Ron Harris to raise funds for Boys Republic in memory of the legendary actor and racing enthusiast. Because of this year’s theme, a large gathering of motorcycles were present and displayed prominently throughout the show, including motocross, cafe, sports bikes and vintage motorcycles.

The car and motorcycle show featured many notable entries. Motorcycles included Mike Vils’ 1913 Excelsior Twin Cannonball; Evel Knievel’s 1967 Triumph Bonneville 650 T120 TT Special jump bike; Larry Capalbo’s 1972 Norton Commando Cafe Racer; Mike Begley’s 1951 Vincent Black Shadow and Bruce Gross’ 1966 Harley Davidson Aermacchi 250 Sprint H.

Automotive entries at Friends of Steve McQueen 2015 included the Newman Freeman Racing 1969 Porsche 911S driven by Paul Newman and Bill Freeman; Jack Wirtz’s 1955 Porsche Continental Coupe; Tom Shaughnessy’s 1971 Porsche 911 ST factory race car; Tony Raynor’s 1936 Singer Le Mans; Gelo Racing Team Interserie 1972 Porsche 917-10; Kerry Morse’s Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo; Herb Wysard’s recreation of the Porsche 917-023, the first Porsche to take the overall Le Mans win in 1970 and a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder e-Hybrid. Several Ford Mustang “Bullet” editions were also on display, the car made iconic for the famous chase scene in the movie “Bullet”.

The complete list of Friends of Steve McQueen 2015 award winners can be found here.

In the last 7 years, the Friends of Steve McQueen event has experienced increased popularity and steady growth with this year’s crowd expected at more than 5,000 enjoying over 350 cars and motorcycles on display on the Boys Republic lawns.

The annual event was established in 2008 by members and friends of the (Porsche) 356 Club of Southern California, raising over $700,000 with the goal of reaching $1 million for 2015. Last year alone, nearly $280,000 was donated to Boys Republic, a private, non-profit community established in 1907 for at-risk teens. Steve attended from 1947-49 and credited the school with pointing him on the path to success. McQueen never forgot his time there and he frequently visited the school, even after achieving fame on stage and as a film star. Chad and the McQueen family continue their strong involvement and support of this event.

All proceeds from the 2015 Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show benefit the Boys Republic, 1907 Boys Republic Drive, Chino Hills, California. For more information, visit Friends of Steve McQueen.

Friends of Steve McQueen 2015 – Photo Gallery (click image for larger picture and description)

[nggallery id=801 images=15]

[Source: Victor Varela]