Sun, 15 Jun 2014, 11:53 AM Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance Closes for 2014

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The final day of the 2014 Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance took place at Beech Bend Raceway Park on Saturday and once again dazzled all of those in attendance during the three days.

The culmination of this festive of the car culture featured nostalgia quarter mile drag racing, the awarding of the Axalta Coatings and Show 'N Shine car show winners as well as the Cacklefest featuring dozens of nitro-fueled vintage dragsters.

In the Nostalgia Top Fuel finals, it was Tony Bartone adding another chapter to his impressive resume when he defeated Jim Young. Bartone made a pass of 5.77 seconds at 254.91 mph to the trailing run of 6.046 at 229.20.

In the other categories raced during the weekend, Ken Hawkins won in Jr. Fuel, Michael Sexton won 7.0 Pro, Ross Laird took home the top spot in 7.5 Pro. In Competition Eliminator Don Nave was the winner, Buddy Wray took the title in Gas Eliminator and Kerry Williams was the Modified Eliminator champion. Nostalgia Super Stock was secured by Mike Moss, Chad Mahlosky won top Stock Eliminator with Terry Lindsey winning the Hot Rod Eliminator category. John Gray took home the title in the Geezer Gasser category.

The deserving winners of the car show were presented their awards following the conclusion on racing on Saturday.

The winners were:
Memory Lane - Bill Klein and Bob Bilbow in the 1960 Lynwood Welding Special dragster
Timeless Tradition - Tom & Zoe May for their 1932 Coupe
Killer Kustom - Billy Voe & Susan Porter for a 1950 Mercury
Dynamat Pick - Larry Hill in a 1957 Ford Custom 300
Best Shine & Detail - Bill & Susan Townsend 1963 Chevy II Nova Sport Coupe
Grand Marshall - James and LeAnn Robinson 1953 Victress (Bonneville Runner)
Honorees Pick - Dave Verschave for his 1955 Chevrolet
Best Paint Award - Dan Duff and his 1956 Chevrolet
Most Uninsurable - Bill Henry in a 1941 Willy
Early Iron - Ben & Regina Smith in a 1931 Model A Hot Rod
Thrilling 30's - Dave Pennington 1933 Ford Tudor
Fabulous 40's - Dave & Pat Stadnicki in a 1940 Black Standard
Finest 50's - Jim Jackson for the 1957 Chevy 2-Door Hardtop Belair
Sensational 60's - Chris Tetzlafy for a 1963 Chevy Impala
Super 70's - Roger Price for his 1970 Chevy Chevelle
Director's Award - Scott McCallum in a 1932 2-Door Sedan Chevrolet
Period Correct - Tim Shahan for a 1967 Shelby
One of a Kind - Tom Manner in a 1933 Dodge Pickup
Dazzling Deuce - Bob Bore in a 1932 Ford Pickup
Mighty Muscle - Mick Price in a 1969 Yenko Camaro

The night concluded with the sounds of American muscle cars and the smell of nitro with the Cacklefest taking place on the drag strip in front of the rabid fans. The sounds of the motors echoed strong under the covered grandstands as all the cars came to life to give this event the proper close it fittingly deserved.

"The Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance in Bowling Green was once again a tremendous success for that that were involved," said Steve Gibbs, event director. "Here in Bowling Green, and at each of the Hot Rod Reunions, along with the NHRA Motorsports Museum we are fortunate to experience the stories of our colorful past. The telling and retelling of these stories is a tribute to the faith, courage and ingenuity of the pioneers who, at the wheels of their hot rods, spread the gospel of speed across America."

Drag News: 10 Most Recent Entries [ top ]

Jul 19- Harkiewicz Leads List of Winners at Lancaster National Dragway
Jul 19- Houmard and Blodgett win Super Street, Bradshaw and Boner take Pro Gas titles at Fontana
Jul 19- Taylor doubles in Stock/Super Stock, James Warden defeats wife Lori in Super Comp final at Fontana
Jul 19- Summit Racing Equipment Extend Their Support with ANDRA's Jr Dragsters
Jul 12- A Successful Opening of the Summit Racing Queensland Championship
Jul 12- Bobby Cottrell Takes UNFC Seattle Invitational
Jul 12- Hamstra Takes Upset Over Haney at Gateway
Jul 12- MagnaFuel Top Sportsman, Top Dragster Shootouts Added to World Series of Pro Mod
Jul 11- BTE World Footbrake Challenge- Final Day Results
Jul 11- BTE World Footbrake Challenge- Saturday Results