The 57th March Meet was a huge 4-day event at the Auto Club Raceway at Famoso, in Bakersfield, CA filled with nitro-burning funny cars, dragsters and hot rods of all types. But there is more to the March Meet than drag racing. From parties to clothing, automotive treasures to manufacturers midway, there is something for everyone at the March Meet.

The Original Roadhouse Grill on Rosedale Hwy hosted the “March Meet Kick Off Party”.  Festivities started at 6 p.m. and went till whenever. Fans were able to mingle with the racers and see hot rods all while enjoying food and drinks.

Once at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway you won’t have to wander outside the gates to have a euphoric experience. Past parties thrown in the pits and in the campgrounds have been of epic proportions. Fire up a fuel car at 2 a.m.? Sure, no noise ordinance or curfew here. The rock bands performing on a temporary stage complete with giant amps and light show? That too. You never know what is going to be happening during the evening. Definitely something you want to put on your itinerary if you’re looking for the whole March Meet experience.

Vendors from far and wide made the journey to the event.  Hundreds of vendors lined vendor row offering products ranging from crate motors, t-shirts, rims, tools, chassis as well as a wide range of products geared towards female shoppers. No matter how many times you walk up and down vendor row, you’re sure to discover something new.

In the “Grove”, behind the grandstands, the beautiful Show & Shine cars stretched the length of the track. The “Rat/Vintage Rodders” occupied their usual spot at the end of the grandstands. The weather was perfect for the Hot Rod Heritage Series season opener, where 400+ racers, competed in 15 classes. The show also included two awesome jet cars!

Drag racing celebrities on-hand included Ron Capps, Tom “Mongoose” McEwen, Tommy Ivo, Isky, Bob Muravez, Del & Dad Worsham, Robert Hight, Cruz Pedregon, Gary Densham, Steve & Gloria Gibbs, Dave Wallace Jr., and many others.

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