The Southwest Voice

larger view larger view larger view

In honor of America’s finest, the 17th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion is offering free admission to active military personnel on Sun., Oct. 12. The 3-day Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, runs Oct. 10-12 at Bakersfield’s Auto Club Famoso Raceway.
    

“Honoring the military at the California Hot Rod Reunion is a small token of gratitude and recognizes the tremendous sacrifices armed forces personnel make for our country,” said Tony Thacker, executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, which produces the Reunion.

Military Appreciation Day will feature plenty of Reunion action, including the finals of Nostalgia Funny Car and Top Fuel Eliminator drag races, hundreds of street rods, customs, and muscle cars, as well as the Reunion Swap Meet, Manufacturers Midway, and the Dynamic Legends site for fans to meet some legendary racing celebrities.

All active military personnel must present their military I.D. to gate personnel. Family members, friends, etc., are subject to normal admission charges.

In addition, the Fueled by the Fallen Marines Memorial Race Car Team, a mobile monument honoring and paying tribute to Marines who died serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, will be on display at the Reunion. The mobile memorial is made up of three classic Chevy Nova drag race cars.  One of the Novas features the names of fallen Marines.   
The 17th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, Oct. 10-12 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., is a 3-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm.  It’s also the season finale of the inaugural NHRA’s Hot Rod Heritage nostalgia drag racing series.

Those purchasing their credentials at least three weeks before the event receive significant added value including a “goodie” bag, Reunion program, commemorative dash plaque and a colorful and collectible plastic souvenir credential.  Three-day credentials ($55 each) are available by calling 800/884-NHRA (6472) or by completing a form found in the Reunion section of the Museum’s Website (http://museum.nhra.com).&nb... Auto Club members receive a $5 discount off Adult credential prices.

Daily general admission tickets/pit passes will be available at Auto Club Famoso Raceway gate, (www.famosoraceway.com). Cost per person: Friday, $20; Saturday, $20; Sunday, $15.  Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Auto Club discount is also available at the gate: $2 off Friday and Saturday and, $1 off Sunday.

 Proceeds of the California Hot Rod Reunion benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.