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History
The Bean Bandits Club started in 1949 as members of a club called
the Cam Pounders. But this name would change in early 1951 to
become the Bean Bandits. Many stories have been told as to
where the name came from. Centered around the prominent
enlistment of club members being Mexican, they were commonly
called the Beaners. Which was a derogatory slur of the time, but
these attitudes never stopped the Bean Bandits from doing what
they did. Bandits derived from the varied antics that the club did.
the Cam Pounders. But this name would change in early 1951 to
become the Bean Bandits. Many stories have been told as to
where the name came from. Centered around the prominent
enlistment of club members being Mexican, they were commonly
called the Beaners. Which was a derogatory slur of the time, but
these attitudes never stopped the Bean Bandits from doing what
they did. Bandits derived from the varied antics that the club did.
One story told was that the club was challenged to a race. While
prepping the car to race the club tried to come up with a name for
the car. They showed up to race and win the challenge but never
paid the entry fee to enter the drags. So they were deemed
Bandits. Other references were how the club would show up to
race and take a trophy in one class running a single engine
dragster. Then add another engine and take another trophy in
another class. Many racers made the reference, "Those beaners
are a bunch of bandits!"
prepping the car to race the club tried to come up with a name for
the car. They showed up to race and win the challenge but never
paid the entry fee to enter the drags. So they were deemed
Bandits. Other references were how the club would show up to
race and take a trophy in one class running a single engine
dragster. Then add another engine and take another trophy in
another class. Many racers made the reference, "Those beaners
are a bunch of bandits!"
Many people have their story as to how the Bean Bandits started
or how the Bandits beat them or someone they knew at racing.
Regardless the creation of the Bean Bandits was truly the efforts
of Joaquin Arnett and the friends he had in the neighborhood. In
1951 the Bandits became one of the key players in establishing
the Paradise Mesa Drag Strip in San Diego. The Bandits formed to
pull their resources together to race. The club started with 7
original members, Joaquin Arnett, Mike Nagem, Andrew Ortega,
Carlos Ramirez, Bill Gavin, Louie Najera, and Harold Miller.
Eventually by the end of 1951 the club grew to a membership of
30.
or how the Bandits beat them or someone they knew at racing.
Regardless the creation of the Bean Bandits was truly the efforts
of Joaquin Arnett and the friends he had in the neighborhood. In
1951 the Bandits became one of the key players in establishing
the Paradise Mesa Drag Strip in San Diego. The Bandits formed to
pull their resources together to race. The club started with 7
original members, Joaquin Arnett, Mike Nagem, Andrew Ortega,
Carlos Ramirez, Bill Gavin, Louie Najera, and Harold Miller.
Eventually by the end of 1951 the club grew to a membership of
30.
Joaquin Arnett was the brainchild and mastermind of the Bean
Bandits. Designed, built, and drove the cars that set and broke
many records. Joaquin's true passion was trying to make his
amazing creations go faster and faster. Contrary to many who
recognized the Bandits as the Mexican club. The Bean Bandits
membership was racially diverse consisting of also Anglo's,
African American's, Filipino, Japanese, and Lebanese. When they
started there were only 3 drag strips in California. The Bandits
traveled frequently and raced many well financed teams.
Bandits. Designed, built, and drove the cars that set and broke
many records. Joaquin's true passion was trying to make his
amazing creations go faster and faster. Contrary to many who
recognized the Bandits as the Mexican club. The Bean Bandits
membership was racially diverse consisting of also Anglo's,
African American's, Filipino, Japanese, and Lebanese. When they
started there were only 3 drag strips in California. The Bandits
traveled frequently and raced many well financed teams.
History proves the Bandits were very successful. In the period
between 1951 to 1954 the Bandits won between 350 to 400
trophies. Unfortunately many of them had to be sold back to drag
strip operators to get gas and food money for the trip home. The
Bean Bandits made a name for themselves at Pomona, Santa
Ana, Colton, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Long Beach, Northern
California, Indiana, Kansas, and Arizona. Joaquin won the 1st
NHRA National meet held in Pomona, California in 1953. Joaquin
was the Top Eliminator defeating over 300 cars. Ed Iskenderian
said that in the old days the Bean Bandits made him mad. Isky
was using all new parts and the Bean Bandits would show up
and beat them with their used junk yard stuff.
between 1951 to 1954 the Bandits won between 350 to 400
trophies. Unfortunately many of them had to be sold back to drag
strip operators to get gas and food money for the trip home. The
Bean Bandits made a name for themselves at Pomona, Santa
Ana, Colton, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Long Beach, Northern
California, Indiana, Kansas, and Arizona. Joaquin won the 1st
NHRA National meet held in Pomona, California in 1953. Joaquin
was the Top Eliminator defeating over 300 cars. Ed Iskenderian
said that in the old days the Bean Bandits made him mad. Isky
was using all new parts and the Bean Bandits would show up
and beat them with their used junk yard stuff.
In 1960 drag racing became too expensive and it was time for the
Bandits to settle down and raise their families. The club stopped
and didn't race for 28 years. In 1988 Joaquin and his sons,
Sonny and Jeff built a streamliner. The club had a reunion and
decided to resurrect it. The club still had the famed wedge
roadster and built several replicas of the Bean Bandits dragster,
one of which is on display in the Don Garlit's Drag Racing
Museum in Florida. With the Bean Bandit display the club raced
the dragster and roadster at the Antique Drags held at Carlsbad,
Los Angeles Raceway, and Sacramento. The streamliner was run
at El Mirage and Bonneville. Several new records were set by
Sonny Arnett for unblown streamliners running a variety of
engines. A 1951 Mercury engine with Ardun heads at over 202
mph, a small Chrysler and 333 Hemi at 227 mph. And an average
speed of 231 mph at Bonneville. During this time Joaquin built 2
more streamliners.
Bandits to settle down and raise their families. The club stopped
and didn't race for 28 years. In 1988 Joaquin and his sons,
Sonny and Jeff built a streamliner. The club had a reunion and
decided to resurrect it. The club still had the famed wedge
roadster and built several replicas of the Bean Bandits dragster,
one of which is on display in the Don Garlit's Drag Racing
Museum in Florida. With the Bean Bandit display the club raced
the dragster and roadster at the Antique Drags held at Carlsbad,
Los Angeles Raceway, and Sacramento. The streamliner was run
at El Mirage and Bonneville. Several new records were set by
Sonny Arnett for unblown streamliners running a variety of
engines. A 1951 Mercury engine with Ardun heads at over 202
mph, a small Chrysler and 333 Hemi at 227 mph. And an average
speed of 231 mph at Bonneville. During this time Joaquin built 2
more streamliners.
In March of 1992 the Bean Bandits were honored by the National
Hot Rod Association at the Pomona Drag Strip. It had been 40
years since Joaquin had won the 1st NHRA Top Eliminator
trophy. In November of 1994 Joaquin was honored with a
National Hot Rod Association Life Time Achievement Award for
his immense contribution to the sport of drag racing held at the
Bakersfield NHRA Hot Rod Reunion where a plaque is on
display in commemoration of Joaquin's achievements.
Hot Rod Association at the Pomona Drag Strip. It had been 40
years since Joaquin had won the 1st NHRA Top Eliminator
trophy. In November of 1994 Joaquin was honored with a
National Hot Rod Association Life Time Achievement Award for
his immense contribution to the sport of drag racing held at the
Bakersfield NHRA Hot Rod Reunion where a plaque is on
display in commemoration of Joaquin's achievements.
Unfortunately the many years of achievements could not have
expected to be hit by tragedy in May of 1995. Sonny Arnett lost
his life driving the Bean Bandit Mark III streamliner at the dry
lakes of El Mirage. Traveling at about 260 mph it was thought
that the car ran over piece of metal debris on the course causing
a tire to blow out. As a TV crew was at the event doing a feature
on the club camera men caught the horrific event. It was to be
seen on national television leaving an indelible impression on
the race world.
expected to be hit by tragedy in May of 1995. Sonny Arnett lost
his life driving the Bean Bandit Mark III streamliner at the dry
lakes of El Mirage. Traveling at about 260 mph it was thought
that the car ran over piece of metal debris on the course causing
a tire to blow out. As a TV crew was at the event doing a feature
on the club camera men caught the horrific event. It was to be
seen on national television leaving an indelible impression on
the race world.
The club spent the next few years low key displaying the cars
and fund raising at annual reunions. Then in 1997 Joaquin built
a new streamliner with built in safety features to avoid rolling.
Jeff Arnett did the driving and turned good times at over 240
mph at Bonneville. In September of the same year Joaquin was
inducted into the Dry Lakes Racing Hall of Fame in Buellton,
California at Jack Mendenhall's Gas Up Museum. Honored with
other greats Stu Hilborn, Bill Summers, Dean Moon, Don Blair,
and others.
and fund raising at annual reunions. Then in 1997 Joaquin built
a new streamliner with built in safety features to avoid rolling.
Jeff Arnett did the driving and turned good times at over 240
mph at Bonneville. In September of the same year Joaquin was
inducted into the Dry Lakes Racing Hall of Fame in Buellton,
California at Jack Mendenhall's Gas Up Museum. Honored with
other greats Stu Hilborn, Bill Summers, Dean Moon, Don Blair,
and others.
After a close call with a fuel fire at Bonneville, lack of people to
help run the cars, health issues, and the aging of members.
Joaquin decided to put racing on hold. But before doing so
Joaquin had added to the club to young members, Julio
Hernandez and Fabian Valdez. Both well respected hot rod
builders and fabricators. During this short hiatus, both
developed a passion for racing and began their separate
journeys.
help run the cars, health issues, and the aging of members.
Joaquin decided to put racing on hold. But before doing so
Joaquin had added to the club to young members, Julio
Hernandez and Fabian Valdez. Both well respected hot rod
builders and fabricators. During this short hiatus, both
developed a passion for racing and began their separate
journeys.
Julio spent a few years learning the skill of building motors from
Bean Bandit member Wayne Finely. During this time Julio had
become acquainted with Nolan White and the White Family. Well
known for their contributions in land speed and drag racing.
Don's Speed Shop where Wayne and Julio worked would close
and Julio would go to work at Autopower. A roll cage and safety
equipment company owned and operated by the White Family.
Julio spent sleepless nights working with Nolan learning
everything he possibly could. Inspired by Nolan, Julio decided to
take the plunge and build a race car from what was originally his
street roadster. Julio looked to one of his other mentors Joaquin
and decided to build a modified roadster that was patterned after
the famed Bean Bandit Wedge. While creating his car Julio
assisted and pitted for Nolan's son Rick with his antique
dragster along with Rick's son Brad. And when not with Rick,
Julio assisted and pitted for Nolan who was a record holding
land speed racer who's goal was to achieve and go over 400
mph in a streamliner. Nolan's passion excited Julio and he
became driven to emulate his mentor.
Bean Bandit member Wayne Finely. During this time Julio had
become acquainted with Nolan White and the White Family. Well
known for their contributions in land speed and drag racing.
Don's Speed Shop where Wayne and Julio worked would close
and Julio would go to work at Autopower. A roll cage and safety
equipment company owned and operated by the White Family.
Julio spent sleepless nights working with Nolan learning
everything he possibly could. Inspired by Nolan, Julio decided to
take the plunge and build a race car from what was originally his
street roadster. Julio looked to one of his other mentors Joaquin
and decided to build a modified roadster that was patterned after
the famed Bean Bandit Wedge. While creating his car Julio
assisted and pitted for Nolan's son Rick with his antique
dragster along with Rick's son Brad. And when not with Rick,
Julio assisted and pitted for Nolan who was a record holding
land speed racer who's goal was to achieve and go over 400
mph in a streamliner. Nolan's passion excited Julio and he
became driven to emulate his mentor.
At the same time, Fabian after a trip to Muroc was hooked. He had
a friend, Norm Benham son of Ron Benham who was a long time
lakes racer and builder. Fabian went to support Norm who was
racing a belly tank. Fabian helped where he could and regardless
of limitations as to what he could do he was invited to come
back. Fabian returned to help a friend, Karnig Karadizian who
had no crew race a high speed Camaro. This was a great
opportunity for Fabian to learn and a year later he was given the
chance to drive. Fabian's driving talents were soon recognized
by Karnig and Fabian became the full time driver of the car. That
same year Fabian qualified for a record at 175 mph but was
denied because of some technicality?
a friend, Norm Benham son of Ron Benham who was a long time
lakes racer and builder. Fabian went to support Norm who was
racing a belly tank. Fabian helped where he could and regardless
of limitations as to what he could do he was invited to come
back. Fabian returned to help a friend, Karnig Karadizian who
had no crew race a high speed Camaro. This was a great
opportunity for Fabian to learn and a year later he was given the
chance to drive. Fabian's driving talents were soon recognized
by Karnig and Fabian became the full time driver of the car. That
same year Fabian qualified for a record at 175 mph but was
denied because of some technicality?
Within the last few years with respect to Joaquin and his wish to
continue the club and for it to grow to the potential and greatness
that it once had been. Julio and Fabian joined together to usher in
a new young Bean Bandits Racing Team. The team is assembled
with very talented builders, drivers, tuners, and pit crews whose
main objective is to live up to and continue the traditions built by
Joaquin. The history of this influential club with continue as long
as there is a place for us to race our cars.
continue the club and for it to grow to the potential and greatness
that it once had been. Julio and Fabian joined together to usher in
a new young Bean Bandits Racing Team. The team is assembled
with very talented builders, drivers, tuners, and pit crews whose
main objective is to live up to and continue the traditions built by
Joaquin. The history of this influential club with continue as long
as there is a place for us to race our cars.
After 1 more year of driving the Camaro, Fabian realized he
wanted to run something different and closer to his heart. In a
conversation at El Mirage with "Kiwi" Steve Davies Fabian
learned of an old roadster that was for sale. Though interested in
building his own car Fabian saw this as another opportunity for
more experience. Fabian teamed up with fellow Bean Bandit
Adam Rogers to purchase the roadster. The car had not been
raced in 10 years and needed a lot of modifications to run under
SCTA standards. By August of that year The guys took the
roadster to Bonneville Speed Week. Unfortunately they were only
able to make 2 passes the whole week suffering various
difficulties. They continued to race the "D" street roadster for 4
years with the fastest speed of 176 mph at Bonneville, 12 miles
off the existing record at that time. With the lack of horsepower
required to make the roadster perform to its potential. Fabian
realized his chances would be greater building something that
was more slippery than to afford a high dollar motor.
wanted to run something different and closer to his heart. In a
conversation at El Mirage with "Kiwi" Steve Davies Fabian
learned of an old roadster that was for sale. Though interested in
building his own car Fabian saw this as another opportunity for
more experience. Fabian teamed up with fellow Bean Bandit
Adam Rogers to purchase the roadster. The car had not been
raced in 10 years and needed a lot of modifications to run under
SCTA standards. By August of that year The guys took the
roadster to Bonneville Speed Week. Unfortunately they were only
able to make 2 passes the whole week suffering various
difficulties. They continued to race the "D" street roadster for 4
years with the fastest speed of 176 mph at Bonneville, 12 miles
off the existing record at that time. With the lack of horsepower
required to make the roadster perform to its potential. Fabian
realized his chances would be greater building something that
was more slippery than to afford a high dollar motor.
In 2005 a rear engine roadster class was opened. Fabian started
to figure out how to build a new car to compete in this class. And
in 5 weeks Fabian made it to Bonneville with his new rear engine
modified roadster. Unfortunately do to weather conditions
Fabian and crew were unable to make a pass. Fabian spent the
rest of the race season working the bugs out at El Mirage coming
within 6 mph of the record. By the end of the 2 day meet and last
meet of the season Fabian earned a record run at 184 mph. The
following year at Bonneville Fabian would set the record with an
average speed of 202.964 mph. With unforeseen circumstances
happening Fabian was forced to sell his record holding roadster.
to figure out how to build a new car to compete in this class. And
in 5 weeks Fabian made it to Bonneville with his new rear engine
modified roadster. Unfortunately do to weather conditions
Fabian and crew were unable to make a pass. Fabian spent the
rest of the race season working the bugs out at El Mirage coming
within 6 mph of the record. By the end of the 2 day meet and last
meet of the season Fabian earned a record run at 184 mph. The
following year at Bonneville Fabian would set the record with an
average speed of 202.964 mph. With unforeseen circumstances
happening Fabian was forced to sell his record holding roadster.
With the completion of his modified roadster. Julio with the
assistance of Brad White and friend Dan Waldrop. The modified
roadster running a Finely built motor embarked on its mission to
break records. And in a short time Julio and crew would obtain
both records at El Mirage and Bonneville. Julio's modified
roadster would hold these records for a few years and as Julio
enlisted a new and larger crew he found his passion in building
cars and making them go fast much like Joaquin.
assistance of Brad White and friend Dan Waldrop. The modified
roadster running a Finely built motor embarked on its mission to
break records. And in a short time Julio and crew would obtain
both records at El Mirage and Bonneville. Julio's modified
roadster would hold these records for a few years and as Julio
enlisted a new and larger crew he found his passion in building
cars and making them go fast much like Joaquin.
Confidently leaving the running of his modified roadster in the
hands of Dan and fellow club members. Julio embarked on two
other projects building a modified street roadster for fellow San
Diego Roadster Club member Chuck Edwall. And starting his
long time desire to build a belly tank. Julio's belly tank made its
debut run at Bonneville's Speed Week 2008 to do a shake down
run and to then be run at El Mirage. Julio in his usual "B-Boy"
battle like way has goals and records he wants to break for the
seasons to come.
hands of Dan and fellow club members. Julio embarked on two
other projects building a modified street roadster for fellow San
Diego Roadster Club member Chuck Edwall. And starting his
long time desire to build a belly tank. Julio's belly tank made its
debut run at Bonneville's Speed Week 2008 to do a shake down
run and to then be run at El Mirage. Julio in his usual "B-Boy"
battle like way has goals and records he wants to break for the
seasons to come.
Fabian made a decision after his very successful 2007 season to
pay homage to Joaquin and the club he created. Fabians goal was
to race one of Joaquin's famed streamliners to celebrate the
accomplishment of the club and the 60th anniversary of
Bonneville Speed Week. Fabian reconstructed and updated the
liner to SCTA rule book standards. The liner started the season at
El Mirage making a series of runs to shakedown and work out all
the kings. Fabian and crew would find success at Bonneville
breaking a record at an average speed of over 138 mph. In true
Bandit spirit to bump the record higher another pass was made at
over 140 mph. Unfortunately the motor had issues and a 2nd run
could not be made. The Bandits, Dan Waldrop and Derby
Pattengill got records racing a sponsored vehicle. Julio's 131
modified roadster would achieve it's fastest speed. And Julio
would make a shakedown run with his long awaited belly tank.
pay homage to Joaquin and the club he created. Fabians goal was
to race one of Joaquin's famed streamliners to celebrate the
accomplishment of the club and the 60th anniversary of
Bonneville Speed Week. Fabian reconstructed and updated the
liner to SCTA rule book standards. The liner started the season at
El Mirage making a series of runs to shakedown and work out all
the kings. Fabian and crew would find success at Bonneville
breaking a record at an average speed of over 138 mph. In true
Bandit spirit to bump the record higher another pass was made at
over 140 mph. Unfortunately the motor had issues and a 2nd run
could not be made. The Bandits, Dan Waldrop and Derby
Pattengill got records racing a sponsored vehicle. Julio's 131
modified roadster would achieve it's fastest speed. And Julio
would make a shakedown run with his long awaited belly tank.
