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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Roland Leong, Grand Marshal of the California Hot Rod Reunion (Oct. 6-8, Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield), is surprised people remember him, but really, with his incredible career, how could anyone ever forget him? It all began in 1962 when Leong, his mother Teddy and a life-long friend Danny Ongais made the trip to the Winternationals and the mainland with the Dragmaster Hawaii. Roland started as a driver and quickly discovered it wasn't as easy as it looked. In 1965, at just 21 years old, he built his first Fuel Dragster appropriately named "The Hawaiian." With a young Don "The Snake" Prudhomme at the wheel they won the NHRA Winternationals and then followed up with a win at the U.S. Nationals, becoming the first to win both NHRA major events the same year. When Prudhomme left in 1966, Roland hired Mike Snively and repeated the amazing feat with a different driver. In 1969, Roland switched from dragsters to Funny Cars and his long list of drivers is legendary, including Mike Sorokin, Larry Reyes, Bobby Rowe, Pat Foster, Butch Maas, Larry Arnold, Norm Wilcox, Ron Colson, Mike Dunn, Gordie Bonin, Rick Johnson, Leroy Chadderton, Jim White and Johnny West. From that time to this, he's been involved in drag racing. We asked Leong to answer five questions for fans. 1. How does it feel to be named Grand Marshal to the 15th annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion? What does the Reunion mean to you? Roland Leong: It's awesome. It ranks right up there to being inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. I've probably been to about 6 reunions, including last year. I think it's just great that someone is doing something to preserve the past and recognize the people that helped get drag racing where it is today. 2. Are you surprised that people remember your racing exploits? Leong: Yes I am surprised. I talk to people and they know things about me and what I did at different tracks that I myself have forgotten. Some know more about my career than I do. 3. What are some of your fondest (and funniest) memories about drag racing in 1950s? What do you miss most? Do you still see any of your old drag racing friends? Leong: Hey, I ain't that old! I raced my mom's Oldsmobile in 1959 in Hawaii. I miss the people and the competition the most. Yes, I still go to a couple of races a year and see a lot of the people and am in touch with a lot of them by email or phone. 4. Are you surprised at the popularity of vintage drag racing? Why do you think people enjoy it so much? Leong: I am amazed at how many people are rebuilding and restoring race cars from the '50s and '60s. I can see the older guys liking it but they are a lot of younger guys that seem to be really in to it also. Don't really know why they like it but it seems like they do and I think it's great. 5. Do you still follow drag racing? What do you think of today's drivers? Leong: I watch all the races and I still have friends out there doing it so I'm in touch with them all the time. I'm still really interested in the new technology and running of the engines. Most of today's drivers are all pretty good but then again they would have to be to stay around for any length of time. In addition to being great drivers, most of them are great speakers and really represent their sponsors and the sport in a very professional way,
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