The coolest cars in the Northeast will proudly be on display Sept. 12-14 during the NHRA Motorsports Museum New England Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance at New England Dragway.
Three days of classic cars, nostalgic quarter-mile drag racing and honoring the legends of drag racing will take place at the scenic facility outside of Boston.
The event comes to life Sept. 12 at 8 a.m., as hundreds of vintage show cars pour into the facility for the start of the show ‘n shine featuring a streaming parade of hot rods, classics and customs that will be on display during the course of the event. Gates will open at 8 a.m. of each day of the reunion.
The racing on the drag strip begins Friday starting at 9 a.m. with nostalgic nitro quarter-mile drag racing. Cars that raced during the early days of the NHRA and New England Dragway will again thrill those in attendance with passes down the track in a salute to days past. Time trials, qualifying and exhibition runs will be showcased during the day.
The first day of the reunion concludes in thrilling fashion at 5 p.m. with an ultrafast jet car racing at more than 200 mph. Flames, smoke and the sound of a screaming jet engine is the perfect way to end the day.
Saturday will be the day the legends take center stage at the event with a reception and autograph session at the track. Two autograph sessions will take place featuring the 2014 grand marshal Bob Frey. Also honored will be Gil Coraine, John Healey, Al Hanna, George Weiler and ‘Jungle Pam’ Hardy. The Hot Rod Reunion Reception takes place at noon and is a perfect way to hear from the honorees at the event.
Saturday’s finale’ features the world famous Cacklefest® parade on the dragstrip. News England Dragway will come alive with the sounds of dozens of nostalgic race cars from days gone by. The exhaust pipes on these machines glow red and the fans clamor to glimpse the sights and sounds of the dramatic day-ending event.
The exciting weekend concludes Sunday with eliminations to start following the pre-race ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. Also taking to the track will be an encore Cacklefest and another jet car exhibition.
NHRA Motorsports Museum New England Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance, is produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and benefits the facility located in Pomona, Calif. The Museum’s mission is to celebrate the impact of motorsports on American culture. The Museum collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets the vehicles, stories and artifacts that represent America’s affection for, and the influence of, automotive speed and style in all its forms.
• SCHEDULE: The event begins at 8 a.m. each day with racing beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12; Racing starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 13; And 9 a.m. on Sunday Sept. 14.
• TICKETS: Single day tickets are only $25, $75 at the gate for a three-day ticket, and children 15 and under are free accompanied by paid adult. Auto Club Members, “Show Your Card and Save on admission.
• ON THE WEB: For more information visit NHRA Motorsports Museum New England Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance, please visit www.nhramuseum.org.
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]