24th California Hot Rod Reunion
Bakersfield, CAFriday, October 23, 2015
24rd California Hot Rod Reunion
Auto Club Famoso Raceway
Bakersfield, CA.
Oct 23-25, ‘15
Story and Photographs by Roger Rohrdanz
This was the 24th 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 250 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, silent auction, lots of good food, and lots of cool street rods in the “Famoso Grove”. There is so much going on, you can’t see it all in only 3 days!
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 Director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.
This Reunion brought out some big names in the sport to come play including Jim Dunn, Dave McClelland, Cruz Pedregon, Greg Sharp, Steve Gibbs, Bob Frey, Gary Densham, Mike English, Tom Prock. 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, Larry Sutton, Roland Leong, Tommy Ivo, and Ed McCulloch.
This year’s Grand Marshal was Jim Dunn. Honorees included Paul Althouse, Cub Barnett, Don Gaide-Don Radican, John Jodauga, Doug Kruse.
If you missed it this year, don’t miss the 25th.
Thanks for the Show!!