The Ultimate Mix of Nostalgia and Nitro

Twenty-six years ago, the first California Hot Rod Reunion took place. It’s doubtful those who planned the inaugural event had any idea what they’d created. It has tapped into the deep desire of hot-rodders in general and drag racers in particular to reconnect with the golden age of automotive performance.

To those who haven’t had the opportunity to participate in the Reunion, here’s a primer of what to expect and why you’d want to attend.

What is the Hot Rod Reunion?

The Hot Rod Reunion, produced by and benefitting the NHRA Motorsports Museum, is three full days of quarter-mile nitro nostalgia drag racing; a giant gathering of customs, hot rods, and muscle and vintage race cars; a huge automotive and vintage swap meet; and a quarter-mile of manufacturers and vendors offering everything from steering wheels to souvenirs. The Reunion is famous for providing the opportunity for fans to spend time with their heroes and legends of the sport. Additionally, some of the greats from hot rodding and drag racing history are honored. And if that wasn’t enough, the season’s Hot Rod Heritage Series Champions and the Reunion Race Winners are crowned.

Home of the Cacklefest®

The famed Cacklefest® will return to the 2015 Reunion format with thrilling push-starts on the return road and the crowd-pleasing sights and sounds of nitro-burning engines thundering in the night. For hundreds of fans, the Cacklefest® alone is worth the price of admission. The sight and sound of dozens of fuel racers roaring in cadence is an experience you won’t soon forget. Like the first Reunion, the first Cacklefest® in 2002 was created by the museum and has grown to be a much-anticipated part of each Reunion today.

Racing classes include: Nostalgia Top Fuel, Nostalgia Funny Car, A/Fuel, Junior Fuel, 7.0 Pro, A/Gas, NE1, A/FX and Exhibition, as well as AA/Fuel Altereds and professional exhibition. Nitro junkies, you’ll witness more side-by-side fuel action at the CHRR than two Big Show races combined.

Grand Marshal and Honoree Reception

Plans for the 2017 Reunion also include the return of the Honoree Reception to the DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom in Bakersfield with Grand Marshal Rick Stewart and 2017 Reunion Honorees: Pete Eastwood, Bill Holland, Bob Lambeck, Bob Panella Sr. and Jimmy Scott, who will be recognized for their many achievements in the motorsports field. Also, as in the past, nitro cars will fire off in front of the hotel.

Hot Rods Welcome!

Park your pre-1972 hot rod in the famed Famoso Grove and/or a designated area close to the track action and spectator seating. The tree-lined Grove parking is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early. Parking is just $25 per car for the entire event in addition to your daily admission. Plenty of free parking is available outside the Grove also. Hot rod parking starts at 7 a.m. each day. Museum members park for free.

The lineup of participants is building each day and proving to be another great event.

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2017 Nostalgia Silent Auction Presented by Drag Racer Magazine

Benefitting the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum

The museum is seeking items for this year’s auction, including treasures such as vintage racing apparel, framed artwork, new and used speed equipment, trophies and other racing memorabilia. The auction will be held during the California Hot Rod Reunion, Oct. 20-21 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway. Items for silent bid will be displayed starting Friday, Oct. 20 in the auction tent located adjacent to the Famoso tower. Bidding will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Interested donors please contact Rose Dickinson, rdickinson@nhra.com, 909.622.2575; or Greg Sharp, gsharp@nhra.com, 909.622.2735. You can also drop items by the museum at any time during Wednesday-Sunday business hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you drop them off, please leave complete information about the item as well as donor contact information.

The value of your donated item may be tax deductible, please check with your tax associate or the IRS.

The museum is receiving many items now, in every price range. The auction items will be listed and updated as received on the Reunion website with recognition of donor.

Bidder procedures will be outlined. Cash or credit card will be accepted.

Thank you for your past, current and future support.

Nuts & Bolts Info

26^th annual California Hot Rod Reunion® presented by Automobile Club of Southern California  Oct. 20-22, 2017 Auto Club Famoso Raceway, McFarland, CA (just north of Bakersfield)

To participate in the Cacklefest®, as a racer, vendor or seller in the swap meet, please go online to Nhramuseum.org and click on the “Reunion” tab to download an application to enter.

Spectator tickets: Call 800.884.6472 or log on to Nhra.com/hotrodreunion Buy before Oct. 13 and save $10 off gate admission, that’s just $65 for three days. Auto Club Members save even more.

For more information, go online to Nhramuseum.org or call 909.622.2133. The three-day schedule of events can also be found at Nhramuseum.org.

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