Thu, 5 Oct 2006, 11:41 AM California Hot Rod Reunion Honoree Still Races and Loves It

Courtesy of Bill Groak

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- As the 2006 California Hot Rod Reunion draws near (Oct. 6-8, Bakersfield), Don Enriquez is still thinking his runner-up finish at the 2005 Reunion. He thinks he should have won! That's because Enriquez is a true racer&although he didn't start out racing the usual way. In 1967, Enriquez, an employee at Stu Hilborn's Fuel Injection Engineering, approached Gene Adams about driving his Jr. Fuel dragster. Enriquez had never driven a dragster before and told Adams if it didn't work out, he would just walk away. He listened to Adams' coaching and on his first full pass he ran 7.70 @ 188 mph. Fast forward 39 years later and Enriquez is still driving dragsters and still a fuel-injection expert at Hilborn's where he's been employed for 46 years! Adams and Enriquez were a partnership for nearly 20 years. They dominated the original Jr. Fuel class with Adams' DeSoto. In July '68, Don drove the first unblown car over 200 mph and in '71 was the first in the 6s. He's driven twin-injected Chryslers in Top Fuel, scored victories in Pro Comp in rear-engine dragsters and in the last decade been a major force in the nostalgia Junior Fuel ranks.

1. How does it feel to be named an Honoree at the 15th annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion? What does the Reunion mean to you?

Don Enriquez: This is by far the best thing of my whole career. It means so much to my family of drag racers, Gene, Doris, Steve, Dean Adams, Bob McKray, Mike and Carol Algire, the Mallicoat Brothers, the real John Rassmussen, Roger O'Dell and Joe Squires - people who helped me throughout my racing career.

2. Are you surprised that people remember your racing exploits?

Enriquez: Yes. In my line of work I talk to a lot of racers every day. When they realize who I am they start to talk about the old days when it was Adams and Enriquez, and how they remember watching us at Lyons Drag strip and reading Drag News.

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?

Enriquez: I started racing in June of 1968 and I'm still involved in drag racing. I drive a Jr. Fuel Dragster for Bob McKray so I still see Gene Adams who I still race against at the GoodGuys events. Our car has won nine out of 10 times against Gene and Rasmussen. My fondest memories are being at the races with people like John Milligan, Steve Carbone, Tom McEwen and Don Prudohmme. I feel very fortunate being involved with these people. Also, the fact that my father was with me all through my career until his passing in June of 2004 is very special to me.

4. Are you surprised at the popularity of vintage drag racing? Why do you think people enjoy it so much?

Enriquez: Most of the people remember how fun it was in the good old days, when racing was not so expensive.

5. Do you still follow drag racing? What do you think of today's driver's?

Enriquez: I watch NHRA Today and all the racing shows every week. I enjoy today's drag racing. I think today's drivers are awesome.

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