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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- There's an all-new surface at historic Auto Club Famoso Raceway, but racers, hot-rodders and their fans will feel right at home Oct. 6-8 for the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. "We've completed 3,000 feet of concrete wall," said Blake Bowser, vice president of operations and an owner-operator of the track. "We repaved the entire track twice after torrential rains during April. We did it early in May, but we didn't like the results, so we tore it up and did it again in late May. We've had several races since then, and the racers really like what we've done." But that's not all. Bowser said that vendors in the Midway will find pavement instead of dirt, and the complete return road has been paved. "We want to express our thanks to the Auto Club for their sponsorship," said Bowser. "We've put half a million dollars into the track with their help. We had plans before, but the Auto Club sponsorship has helped those plans go forward." The rich history of the track was assured last fall when, on the untimely passing of operator Jack Williams, the track operation was willed to Bowser and his father John. The Bowsers worked with Williams for many years to promote the fabled track and are pledged to continue for many more. "Auto Club Famoso Raceway has deep historical significance as one of the earliest tracks to host major events," said Greg Sharp, curator of the non- profit Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, which produces and benefits from the Reunion. "The Famoso site itself is so steeped in drag racing history and legend that it is almost a tangible presence during any visit," said Vic Cooke of nitrogeezers.com. Initially formed as the Bakersfield Coupe and Roadster Club, the organizers of racing at Famoso changed their name to The Smokers in 1948, putting their primary focus on drag racing. Their first event was held in March, 1951, setting the stage for the well known March Meet that moved to Famoso in 1955 and continues every spring. The home of the 15th Annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, has grown over the ensuing years without ever losing its place as a field of dreams for drag racers. The Smokers began building up Famoso quietly until 1958 when, skeptical of the reported times and speeds set in the east by Don Garlits, they invited "Big Daddy" to compete with them. In March, 1959, he did just that. The result was the first U.S. Fuel and Gas Championships, often called the "Woodstock of drag racing." Although Garlits lost in the first round, and Art Chrisman became Top Eliminator, Garlits went on to become the most celebrated drag racer in history and #1 on the NHRA's Top 50 list. Garlits' presence spread the fame of Famoso far and wide. In 1992, the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, thought at the time to be a single event, brought together older cars, drivers and fans to celebrate an earlier era. "When we were looking for a place for our Reunion, there was no question that we would come home to Bakersfield," said Steve Gibbs, Parks Museum board member and then Museum director. "The event has grown over the years and trees have been planted in what's now Famoso Grove to honor the memory of drag racers of the past." The Grove provides a setting for the street rod display that's an integral part of the annual Reunion, the major autumn event at the track. In 1994, the March Meet at Famoso was resurrected as a race for nostalgic front-engined cars, with entries limited to pre-1972-style racers. "In the world of front motor dragsters only one other event rivals the March Meet," said Jim Davis of wediditforlove.com, "and that event is The California Hot Rod Reunion." Meanwhile, the track's local events continued unabated, with a full schedule helping to fulfill its original mission of keeping the kids from illegal street racing. Although California 99 has long since been supplanted by Interstate 5, it continues to provide great access to the track and the city of Bakersfield. Recent upgrades to the media/officials tower are hidden from public view, but welcome nonetheless. In 2004, the track debuted new and taller safety walls which have now been extended. The 15th annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, Oct. 6-8 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., is a 3-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm. Produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum located in Pomona, Calif., the Reunion is part of the museum's "living history" philosophy, which works to bring to life the sights, sounds and people who made history in the early days of drag racing, land speed racing and the golden age of American car culture. Since its inception in 1992, the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion has offered hot rodders and racers the opportunity to reunite with old friends and reminisce about "the good old days." The Reunion includes competition on the racetrack, a car show, a chance for fans to meet the legends and stars of the sport and the highly popular "Cacklefest," which involves historic front- engine dragsters being push-started, then all gathered together on the drag strip with engines running or 'cackling." Tickets for the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, are available by calling 800/884- 6472. A full-event credential is $55 for adults and kids under 16 get in free with a paid adult. Credentials include a "goody bag" that features the highly collectible Reunion Annual and a dash plaque. AAA members receive a $5 discount on a full-event credential or $2 off on Saturday or Sunday daily tickets when they show their membership card. Daily ticket prices are: Friday, $15; Saturday, $20; and Sunday, $20. Camping passes are available with credential purchase at $50 and swap meet spaces are just $40 for a 20' x 20' space. Daily tickets may be purchased at the gate of Auto Club Famoso Raceway, north of Bakersfield on Highway 99. For additional Reunion information, call 909/622-8562 or visit http://www.museum.nhra.com. For 12th consecutive year, the Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, is the presenting sponsor of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion. The Automobile Club of Southern California has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's web site at http://www.aaa-calif.com. Proceeds of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, will benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. Named for the founder of the National Hot Rod Association, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds. One of the best entertainment values in Southern California, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time, with extended hours during NHRA national events. Current NHRA members are admitted free. Admission for non-members is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors 60 and older, $4 for juniors six through 15, and free for children under the age of five. The Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit http://www.museum.nhra.com.
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