Fri, 20 Dec 2002, 10:19 AM NHRA Signs Long-term Lease with Legendary Famoso Raceway

GLENDORA, Calif. -- NHRA has announced the recent official signing of a 20-year lease agreement with Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif., that will keep the venue the home of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The 12th annual event is set for Oct. 3-5, 2003, and is produced by the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif.

"The rich drag racing history associated with Famoso Raceway is the reason the site was originally chosen 12 years ago for the Reunion," said Museum Executive Director Sam Jackson. "Along with everyone at the Museum, I greatly appreciate the significance of this new long-term deal. Best of all, I'm sure all the Reunion's fans and participants are thrilled as well."

Since its origin in 1992, the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, 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, a barbeque and the highly popular "Cacklefest," where early-days-style front-engine dragsters are push-started, then gathered together on the drag strip starting line with engines running.

"The Reunion wouldn't be the same without historic Famoso Raceway," said Greg Sharp, NHRA Motorsports Museum curator, who also serves as director of the Hot Rod Reunion. "It's a special place for drag racers and I'm glad we're staying...for a long time."

"I'm very happy to continue the relationship with the NHRA, the Museum and the California Hot Rod Reunion," said Jack Williams, operator of Famoso Raceway, which is located about 20 miles north of Bakersfield. "The Reunion is a one-of-a-kind event that has found a home here. We're glad to be a part of it."

Proceeds from the Reunion benefit the NHRA Motorsports Museum, which 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.