21st Annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion Saturday Oct. 20, 2012
Presented by Automobile Club of Southern California
Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, CASaturday, October 20, 2012
Saturday morning things were happening early at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway, as the crowds were lined up to get in at 7:00 a.m. I was able to park in the Grove again, with my pal Lance ‘Sparrow’ Sanford pulling in right next to me.
I started the day in the Grove, snapping the first of more than 1,000 images at 8:10 a.m. I grabbed a few shots on the way to the starting line, as the action was already underway, we’re in for a full day of racing.
I was able to view many of the various classes running, stayed on the line for a couple of hours, then headed back through the Grove, heading for the funny car and top fuel pits, which were warming up for the second, and final round of qualifying. Ran into several of the longtime racers milling around the pits, Roland Leong, Don Prudhomme, Donnie Couch, Chuck & Del Worsham, Gary & Steve Densham, Jeff Arend, Jim & Chad Head and of course, longtime Famoso racer Ron Capps, several of which were competing in the CHRR event.
While in the Smokey’s Darkside pit I was able to grab lunch, and visit with my son, Mike, while they warmed the car. 11:30, and the call to lanes for final qualifying went out for T/F, followed by F/C, which ended the round with a 16 car field, all in the fives.
The afternoon was filled out with exhibition and pro-mod cars, before turning to the first round of eliminations for T/F and F/C, and a display of wild fuel altered, before bringing out Grand Marshal TV Tommy Ivo and the honorees for the event and firing up the many cacklefest cars on hand…finished up at 8:00 p.m….a long day, but fun!
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