21st Annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion Oct. 19-21, 2012

21st California Hot Rod Reunion
Auto Club Famoso Raceway
Bakersfield, CA.
Oct 19-21, ‘12
Story and Photographs by Roger Rohrdanz

This was the 21st Annual California Hot Rod Reunion at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway near Bakersfield, CA..  Thousands of spectators filled Auto Club Famoso Raceway to enjoy wonderful weather, racing royalty, cool cars, and amazing nostalgia drag racing.  Over 300 racers including 14+ Top Fuel Dragsters, and over 30 Top Fuel Funny Cars participated.  There was a lot to do aside from racing, with vendors, a big swap meet, lots of good food, and 100’s of cool street rods in the “Famoso Grove”.

The “Cacklefest” was spectacular. Over 80 classic Top Fuel dragsters produced a sight and sound like no other.  This “Living Museum” was an explosion of hot rods, nostalgia cars, racing, friends, and drag racing legends.  "Every dollar spent at this event will go to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum” said Larry Fisher, the new Director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. 

This Reunion brought out some big names in the sport to come play including Del Worsham, Ron Capps, Jeff Arend, Cruz Pedregon, Densham, Head, Dave McClelland, Ed Iskendarian, Ed Pink, Greg Sharp, Steve Gibbs.  It was a special treat for fans but for the NHRA pros, the Reunion was their time to enjoy some nostalgia drag racing and meet some of their heroes like Tom McEwen, Don Prudhomme, Roland Leong, and Art Chrisman.

This year’s Grand Marshal was “TV” Tommy Ivo. Honorees included Bob & Jim Brissette, Gary & Jerry Mallicoat, Jim Nicoll, Marv Ripes, and Ed Sigmon.

If you missed it this year, don’t miss the 22nd.

Thanks for the Show!!