NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The California Hot Rod Reunion, a nostalgia-laced drag racing tradition since 1992 is back! The event returns to its original name and will get a fresh burst of energy and excitement Oct. 25-27, 2024, as the event will be organized and produced by the experienced and talented staff at the fabled Famoso Dragstrip.

Created more than 30 years ago, the Reunion will now be in the capable hands of Blake Bowser’s team but will still benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. The Museum staff will instead be able to fully focus on the Reunion’s sister event, the Wally Parks NHRA Nostalgia Nationals in Bowling Green, Ky., and on other museum-centric initiatives.

“I want to personally thank the Museum staff and its Board of Directors for their trust in me and my staff,” said Blake Bowser, vice president of operations at Famoso Dragstrip. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to produce the California Hot Rod Reunion. We can’t wait to put our fingerprints on this great event, and we want drag racing fans around the world to stay tuned as we announce many exciting changes to the event in the coming weeks. This year’s California Hot Rod Reunion needs to be placed on everyone’s must-attend list.”  

“We are excited that the Famoso Dragstrip team will be stepping up to take the lead in producing the California Hot Rod Reunion,” said Dale Coleman, chairman of the board of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. “Their understanding of the local market and longstanding involvement with the Reunion should prove to be a winning combination as we look towards the future of this great and much-loved event.”

Famoso Dragstrip’s place in NHRA Drag Racing lore was cemented decades ago with the staging of the U.S. Fuel and Gas Championships, also known as the Smoker’s event, named for the local car club, and an event that later became known as the storied Good Vibrations March Meet, which is still held annually at the track as the kickoff of the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series season. The track also hosts a popular Division 7 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event as well as the traditional Heritage Series finale Hot Rod Reunion. Tickets go on sale June 1. For more information, go to FamosoDragstrip.com