Thank You, Auto Club of Southern California

Furious racing action, a Cacklefest with cars lining both sides of the strip from Christmas Tree to win lights, fabled drag racers and vehicles—if the California Hot Rod Reunion (CHRR) were simply a race, you’d get more than your money’s worth, but it’s much more than that. The CHRR is the perfect opportunity to interact with racers from the golden age of our sport and to get up close to a great many iconic race vehicles that have been lovingly restored or recreated. The California Hot Rod Reunion—what more could you possibly ask for?

Even with all of the CHRR activities, when push comes to shove the race is the heart of the event. Nostalgia F/C continues to be the focal point, with close to 40 Floppers vying for a spot in the ultra- competitive, 16-car field. Ryan Hodgson, son of Canadian race legend Ron Hodgson, dominated the event with their controversial ’69 Camaro F/C. Competitors had their nickers in a twist over the race winner’s body; it certainly pushes limits and many describe it as a Pro Mod on nitro.

Another racing family also scored big. Steven Densham, son of fabled big show champ Gary Densham, clinched the Heritage Series F/C title at the CHRR.

Top Fuel stalwart and winner of the inaugural CHRR race, Bill Dunlap defeated Denver Schutz for the CHRR win. Denver performed the unthinkable in the semis by “sinking the Bismarck,” aka Tony Bartone. Bartone steamrolled through yet another Heritage Series season for the title win.

The other CHRR champs included: A/Fuel Drew Austin, AA/Fuel Altered Jeremy Sullivan, Nostalgia Pro Mod Andrew Berry, Junior Fuel Scott Parks, 7.0 Pro Dewayne Sanders, AA/Supercharged Howard Anderson, A/Gas Brendan Frye and A/FX Steve Whitemore.

The NHRA Heritage Series wrapped up at the CHRR and the 2015 champs are: Nostalgia F/C Steven Densham, Nostalgia T/F defending series champ Tony Bartone, Junior Fuel Scott Parks (doubled up, also won the CHRR race), A/Fuel Kin Bates scored his seventh Heritage Series A/Fuel Championship (he’s dominated the field since the series started in 2008) and 7.0 Pro Michael Peck.

The 25th anniversary of the Reunion promises to be a real barnburner. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum crew has big plans in the works; so, start making preparations to attend.

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