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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- As a teen growing up in England, Tony Thacker dreamed of hot rods and drag racing, and one of his biggest heroes was Wally Parks. Some things never change: hot rods, drag racing and Wally Parks are still on his mind as the executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. Thacker, 56, a true hot rodder himself (he currently owns a Bonneville roadster that races on the Salt Flats, setting a D/BSTR record at 206.454 mph) is preparing for the 15th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, Oct. 6-8, Bakersfield, Calif. While he's attended the 3-day nostalgia-laden event several times, this will be his first for the Museum, which produces the event as a fundraiser. Here are some of his thoughts on the upcoming Reunion. 1. What is the "Living Museum" concept and how does it apply to the Hot Rod Reunion? Tony Thacker: Cars, especially race cars, are the vehicle (pun intended) for one of man's ultimate sensory experiences. It's all about the noise, the smell, the speed and, of course, the people. Consequently, our "Living Museum" concept means taking the cars out of the static museum environment, putting them in front of the people and firing them up. In some instances, they race them as well. 2. You've attended the Reunion many times. What are your personal thoughts about it? What makes the Reunion so special? What differentiates it from other races or car shows? Thacker: I loved drag racing when then engine was up front, the front wheels were off the ground and, the tires smoked the full quarter. To re-live that experience, to see cars that we only ever read about and to meet so many new and old heroes is a dream come true for all attendees, me especially. 3. How does the Reunion impact Bakersfield and nearby communities? Thacker: The Reunion brings in thousands of people from all over the world: Australia, Asia, Europe and Japan, as well as all over the U.S., and they pump millions of dollars into the local economy, buying rooms, gas, food and whatever else they need to have a good time. The impact is enormous. 4. In what ways does the Museum benefit from the Reunion? Thacker: All of the proceeds from both Reunions [the Museum also holds the annual Holley NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green] go directly to supporting the Museum and its "Living Museum" concept. We keep and display old race cars and we take them to events for people to enjoy. The money goes directly back to the hobby. 5. This is the 15th Reunion: it was supposed to be a one-time event. How do you keep it fresh? What's in the future for the Reunion? Any changes? Thacker: The Reunion is self-perpetuating. Every year we hear of more old race cars being found and restored, even recreated 13 and that's okay. This year is no exception. Also, this year, Race Director Steve Gibbs and Event Director Greg Sharp have added a "Chicago-style" Nostalgia Funny Car elimination to Sunday's schedule. Maybe as many as 16 vintage Funny Cars will go three rounds - now that will get people out of their seats. As for the future-future, lots of exciting things can happen. For example, 2007 is the 50th anniversary of the 392 Hemi and the 75th anniversary of the '32 Ford and the flathead V8 so there's potential for some great excitement. Stay tuned.
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