23rd CALIFORNIA HOT ROD REUNION

Roger Rohrdanz October 16, 2022 All Feature Vehicles

Racing History…

The annual California Hot Rod Reunion took place at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway near Bakersfield, California for the 23rd time. Thousands of spectators filled the stands to take in some incredible race action. With the wonderful weather, attendees were able to enjoy myriad cool cars on display, as well as amazing nostalgia drag racing. There were more than 250 racers, including 14-plus Top Fuel Dragsters and more than 25 Top Fuel Funny Cars.

There was a lot to do at the event aside from spectating, with plenty of vendors and a big swap meet. Activities included a silent auction, plus lots of good food, complemented by a variety of fine street rods in the Famoso Grove. With so much going on, you can’t see it all in only three days!

The Cacklefest was spectacular. More than 80 classic Top Fuel Dragsters produced sights and sounds like nothing else. This living museum was an explosion of hot rods, nostalgia cars, racing, friends and drag racing legends. As Larry Fisher, the director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, said, “Every dollar spent at this event will go to the museum.”

Unbeaten all year! “T-bone” Tony Bartone took the Top Fuel season and this event. Dan Horan took the Funny Car season championship and this event. Funny Car runner-up was John Hale, from Addison, TX, in his ’69 Camaro.

Bobby Cottrell (near lane) defeated Eily Stafford in the 7.0 Pro Final.

This Reunion brought out some big names in the sport to come play including Del Worsham, Ed Iskendarian, Ed Pink, Greg Sharp, Steve Gibbs, Bob Frey, Jack Beckman, Mike English, Tom Prock, the Arias family Nick Jr. and Nick III. It was a special treat for fans, but for the NHRA pros, the Reunion was their time to enjoy nostalgia drag racing and meet some of their own heroes like Tom McEwen, Don Prudhomme, Roland Leong, Tommy Ivo and Ed McCulloch.

This year’s grand marshal was Mike Dunn. Honorees included Bob Brooks, Cortopassi Bros. and Butler, Hugh Tucker, Dennis Varni and Sid Waterman. The California Hot Rod Reunion has it all; it’s an exciting weekend of racing that embodies the history of the sport.