BOWLING GREEN, KY - Those attending the 10th Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA this June will be treated to a wheel-standing trip down memory lane with famous showman Bob Riggle and his spectacular Hurst “Hemi Under Glass,” one of drag racing history’s most entertaining drag racing exhibition cars.
For the first time in the history of the National Hot Rod Reunion, the first production 1966 Hurst Hemi Under Glass race car – celebrating nearly 47 years - will run at Beech Bend Raceway with guaranteed thrills and trademark wheelies.
“The Hemi Under Glass was one of my favorite’s to watch in drag racing scene,” said Gibbs. “Reunion fans are going to get blown back on their heels when Riggle powers his Hemi Under Glass down the track. It’ll be another fun attraction at the event bringing back memories for folks!”
The Hemi Under Glass cars started off as a promotional project for the automotive company, Hurst Shifters’. The signature black and gold Hemi-powered wheel-standers wowed the crowds with their captivating runs. These wild machines became a popular attraction at drag racing events through the mid-sixties and into the seventies. Wheel-stander entertainers such as Riggle and “Wild” Bill Shrewsberry delighted standing-room-only crowds with their spectacular wheel-standing screams down the quarter mile
Riggle hung up his racing helmet in 1975 yet remained active in the Hot Rod Reunion scene. When asked to run one more time for the Reunion, Riggle enthusiastically agreed and is eager to bring Reunion fans to their feet when doing his favorite job in the world.
“I had a wonderful career with Hurst and had a blast performing for crowds,” said Riggle. “I must say I have one of the best jobs in the world and fans are the one’s who make it fun. There’s nothing like seeing the fans on their feet. I’m really looking forward to wowing the crowds in Bowling Green.”
With the driver’s finesse behind the wheel and quick Hemi engines, these cars are a sight to see and Reunion fans are going to go wild! Don’t miss this opportunity to see the Hemi Under Glass run for Reunion fans only Father’s Day weekend.
The 10th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA takes place Thursday through Saturday, June 14-16, 2012 at Beech Bend Park, 798 Beech Bend Rd., Bowling Green, Ky. Tickets available online (www.nhratix.com ) or by calling 1-800-884-6472. Purchase three-day credential prior to June 1, 2012 and receive a goody bag and $10 discount. Single day tickets are just $25 per day at the gates.
Proceeds of the Holley Hot Rod Reunion will benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. For more information, visit http://museum.nhra.com.
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, long a dream of NHRA founder Wally Parks, opened to the public April 4, 1998, after years of planning and months of hard work cataloging and arranging the exhibit. Housed in a 28,500-square-foot building on the edge of the historic Los Angeles County Fairplex, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum's mission is to celebrate the impact of motorsports on our culture. We collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the vehicles, stories, and artifacts that represent our affection for, and the influence of, automotive speed and style in all its forms. We are the place to view and learn about hot rods, customs, racecars and speed records, and the West Coast's role as the historic center for their past and present development.
The Museum features an impressive array of vintage and historical racing vehicles –- nearly 50 at the Grand Opening -- along with photographs, trophies, helmets and driving uniforms, artifacts, paintings, and other memorabilia chronicling more than 50 years of American motorsports. A gift shop offers a wide variety of souvenir items. The Museum is open during the annual Los Angeles County Fair. Please check the Fairplex website for hours of operation and admission prices (www.fairplex.com). Museum admission is just $1 with regular paid Fair admission ticket.
HOURS: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Extended hours during the NHRA Winternationals and NHRA Finals. Also, hours change during the annual Los Angeles County Fair.
HOLIDAYS WE ARE CLOSED: Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
ADMISSION PRICES: Current NHRA members are admitted free. Admission for non-members is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 60 and older, $6 for juniors 6 through 15, and free for children under the age of 5. AAA discount available.
HOW TO GET HERE: From the 10 fwy east, exit White Avenue, proceed North, turn left on McKinley Avenue, enter Fairplex Gate 1. From the 210 fwy, exit Fruit Avenue, proceed South, turn right on McKinley Avenue. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue in Pomona. Call us at (909) 622-2133.
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Building 3A
Pomona CA, 91768
Museum Main Number: 909-622-2133
Museum Fax Number: 909-622-1206
Reunion Hotline: 909-622-8562
[email protected]