It was a Sterling Silver Event

WHEN THE ORGANIZERS OF THE FIRST CALIFORNIA HOT ROD REUNION (CHRR) WERE KICKING AROUND THE IDEA FOR THIS SHINDIG, DO YOU THINK THEY HAD A FARTHING OF A NOTION WHAT THEY WOULD ULTIMATELY CREATE?

The silver anniversary of this momentous event was all those involved, organizers and participant alike, had hoped for. A few feathers were ruffled at first, but the issues were quickly addressed and all in attendance were treated to a boffo show. Lest we forget, at the heart of all the CHRR hoopla is a kick-ass drag race.

The main storyline running up to the CHRR was Tony Bartone’s attempt to capture his third consecutive Heritage Series N/TF title. With Adam Sorokin and Jim Murphy still very much in the hunt, there were no guarantees. Sunday elims fell into place like a Hollywood script. In the semis, Sorokin and Bartone faced off, Adam launched first, but his feisty little Chevy experienced issues and Bartone advanced to the finals to meet—wait for it—Jim Murphy. Sadly, Jim went into tire shake, handing the race and Heritage Series T/F crown to Bartone.

Though Kris Krabill had secured the Heritage Series N/FC prior to the CHRR, his competitors showed him little respect. The 33 teams in attendance thrilled the fans, with five floppers running under 5.70. Jason Rupert was particularly disrespectful. He took the pole (5.60), ran a 5.57 for Low ET and thumped Krabill in the final with a 5.59.

No team has had a lock on the Heritage Series like Kin Bates and Gene Adams, winning eight of the past nine A/Fuel championships (including 2016). This event saw big numbers posted, Bates crushed the A/F record with a 6.07. Bates met his fiercest opponent, Drew Austin (2016 A/F RU), in the final; Austin prevailed.

CHRR event winners were crowned in other categories: Jr. Fuel, Alan Hull; 7.0 Pro, Allen Taylor; NE1, Hans Jakob; A/Gas, Keith Morovich; Nostalgia Pro Mod, Bret Williamson; AA/Supercharged, Mike Molea; A/FX, Bob Moreland and Geezer Gasser, Greg Porter.

The NHRA Heritage Series concluded its season at the CHRR and the 2016 champs, in addition to Bartone, Krabill and Bates are: Jr. Fuel, Brad Woodard; 7.0 Pro, Michael Peck; NE1, Dale Taros and A/Gas, Frank Merenda.

We can only hope the next quarter century of Reunions will be as exciting as the first, and thanks to Auto Club of Southern California for your support.

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