NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The 2019 California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California completed competition at Auto Club Famoso Raceway on Sunday crowning not only event winners but also champions in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series.

For the second consecutive year, Mendy Fry raced her High Speed Motorsports dragster to victory with a run of 5.526-seconds at 264.91 mph in the Nostalgia Top Fuel final against Pete Wittenberg who red lit at the starting line. The 2019 NHRA Heritage Series World Champion was also the low qualifier of the event.

“This was just the most emotional roller coaster I think I’ve been on,” said Fry. “Because I thought I lost on a holeshot. He (Wittenberg) beat me to the stripe, and I should have known to look up (to see if the win light was on). So I thought I lost on a holeshot and then I found out that I won! I cannot say enough about this team for giving me a car that is the car to beat every time. It’s just incredible.”

In Nostalgia Funny Car, Bobby Cottrell landed in the winner’s circle when he ran a 5.675 at 249.90 in his 1969 Camaro bettering Tony Jurado‘s pass of 5.859 at 233.80. Cottrell also clinched the NHRA Heritage Series World Championship in the category for the second year in a row.

“This day’s been very hectic. We hurt a lot of parts. Anybody that hung around our pits between rounds knows we didn’t back into this. We worked our you-know-what’s off. I can’t thank this crew enough. To win (the championship) back-to-back is just a dream come true. I didn’t even think we’d have half the success we have had in the past few years but I’m very thankful to Bucky (Austin, owner / crew chief) and the whole Austin / O’Brien team. I’m really, really happy. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

Other winners included Jason Richey in Fuel Altered, Shayne Stewart in A / Fuel, Brad Woodard in Junior Fuel, Brad Denney in 7.0 Pro, Dan Schrokosch in Nostalgia Eliminator 1, Eddie Lucas in Nostalgia Eliminator 2, Darren Hopkins in Nostalgia Eliminator 3, Brian Rogers in A / Gas, Brent Handley in B / Gas, Mike Rabener in C / Gas, Don Fournier in D / Gas, Howard Anderson in AA / Gas, Mike Maggio in Pro Mod, Bob Patten in A / FX, and A.J. Thomas in Hot Rod. 

The 2019 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series champions are Mendy Fry in Top Fuel, Bobby Cottrell in Funny Car, Drew Austin in A / Fuel, Brad Woodard in Jr. Fuel, Steve Faller in 7.0 Pro, Dave Lawson in Nostalgia Eliminator 1, Eddie Lucas in Nostalgia Eliminator 2, Don Morris in Nostalgia Eliminator 3, Casey Treuer in A / Gas, Neal Westbrook in B / Gas, Mike Rabener in C / Gas, Bill Norton in D / Gas, and Henry Roberson in Hot Rod.

***

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Sunday's final results from the 28th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California at Automobile Club Famoso Raceway. 
NOSTALGIA FUNNY CAR
Bobby Cottrell, Camaro, 5.675, 249.90 def. Tony Jurado, Camaro, 5.859, 233.80. 

NOSTALGIA TOP FUEL
Mendy Fry, Hadman, 5.526, 264.91 def. Pete Wittenberg, Stirling, Foul - Red Light. 

JUNIOR FUEL
Brad Woodard, Dragster, 7.522, 190.40 def. Matt Baldonado, Farr, 8.934, 178.90. 

A FUEL
Shayne Stewart, Tuttle, 12.867, 76.98 def. Wayne Ramay, N + P, Foul - Red Light. 

AA/FUEL ALTERED
Jason Richey, Fiat, 6.019, 231.28 def. Kyle Hough, Ford, 6.243, 205.94. 

AA/FUEL ALTERED
Rodney Flournoy, Ford, 6.520, 212.79 def. Jeff Bennett, Bantam, 8.770, 110.91. 

7.0 PRO
Brad Denney, Bantam, 7.053, 175.62 def. Richard Phillips, Bantam, Foul - Red Light. 

A/FX
Rob Patten, Roadrunner, 10.563, 115.05 def. Paull Searle, Sport Fury, Foul - Red Light. 

AA GAS
Howard Anderson, Chevrolet, 6.454, 209.72 def. Mike Molea, Willys, 10.648, 78.51. 

PRO MOD
Mike Maggio, Camaro, 12.748, 59.91 def. Ed Thornton, Camaro, Foul - Red Light. 

HOT ROD ELIMINATOR
AJ Thomas, El Camino, 11.989, 96.23 def. Jerry Cooksey, Nova, Foul - Red Light. 

NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR III
Darren Hopkins, Camaro, 9.657, 137.95 def. Mike Gillespie, Roadster, 9.695, 127.39. 

NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR II
Eddie Lucas, Austin Bantam, 10.256, 102.03 def. Troy Moyle, Ford T, Foul - Red Light. 

NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR I
Dan Schrokosch, Tuttle, 7.618, 170.45 def. Lloyd Harder, FED, 7.718, 160.94. 

D GAS ELIMINATOR
Don Fournier, Anglia, 10.577, 126.87 def. Daniel Brown, Vega, 10.573, 127.65. 

C GAS ELIMINATOR
Mike Rabener, Camaro, 9.602, 139.08 def. Meghan Anita Gorman, Camaro, 9.630, 142.36. 

B GAS ELIMINATOR
Brent Handley, Nova, 8.678, 150.03 def. Jim Black, Nova, 8.702, 153.33. 

A GAS ELIMINATOR
Brian Rogers, Nova, 7.619, 179.59 def. Al White, GTO, 7.581, 180.96. 

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Final round-by-round results from the 28th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California at Automobile Club Famoso Raceway.

NOSTALGIA FUNNY CAR: 

ROUND ONE -- Tony Jurado, Camaro, 5.730, 245.23 def. Matt Bynum, Camaro, 5.940, 205.44; Ryan Hodgson, Camaro, 5.635, 249.90 def. Kris Krabill, Camaro, 5.895, 196.79; Justin Taylor, Mustang, 5.869, 232.19 def. Billy Morris, Camaro, 6.648, 150.68; Bobby Cottrell, Camaro, 5.722, 247.47 def. Matt Melendez, Challenger, 5.880, 209.46; Dan Horan, Camaro, 5.802, 254.47 def. Danny Gerber, Trans AM, 8.107, 96.14; Jeff Arend, Firebird, 5.721, 249.30 def. Jerry Espeseth, Camaro, 5.780, 252.66; Brad Thompson, Camaro, 5.677, 244.78 def. James Day, Omni, 7.056, 184.85; Steven Densham, Camaro, 5.807, 242.19 def. Rian Konno, Mustang, 5.779, 250.04; 
QUARTERFINALS -- Horan, 5.771, 257.83 def. Thompson, 16.569, 63.15; Densham, 7.589, 152.80 def. Hodgson, 6.706, 162.06; Cottrell, 5.738, 241.71 def. Arend, 5.753, 255.15; Jurado, 5.812, 254.33 def. Taylor, 5.859, 238.17; 
SEMIFINALS -- Cottrell, 5.695, 239.70 def. Densham, 5.790, 246.30; Jurado, 5.746, 257.53 def. Horan, 5.731, 259.11; 
FINAL -- Cottrell, 5.675, 249.90 def. Jurado, 5.859, 233.80. 

NOSTALGIA TOP FUEL: 

ROUND ONE -- Pete Wittenberg, Stirling, 5.714, 246.71 def. Frank McBee Jr., Horton FED, 7.316, 131.01; Mendy Fry, Hadman, 5.522, 256.60 def. Dan Horan Jr., Bowen, Foul - Red Light; Rick McGee, Donovan, 6.148, 188.52 def. Jim Murphy, Neil & Parks, 11.491, 78.19; Bret Williamson, Uyehara, 5.892, 229.20 def. Rick White, Hansen, 6.521, 200.62; 
SEMIFINALS -- Fry, 5.699, 209.10 def. Williamson, 5.848, 200.35; Wittenberg, 5.780, 217.60 def. McGee, Foul - Red Light; 
FINAL -- Fry, 5.526, 264.91 def. Wittenberg, Foul - Red Light. 

A FUEL: 

ROUND ONE -- Drew Austin, Parker, 5.882, 225.60 was unopposed; Kin Bates, Tuttle, 5.973, 232.23 def. Dennis Allen, Allen, 6.365, 219.79; Wayne Ramay, N + P, 6.066, 220.37 def. Rick Ewens, Sarmento, 6.150, 219.12; Shayne Stewart, Tuttle, 6.168, 220.87 def. Garry Wheeler, Yancer, 11.030, 82.63; 
SEMIFINALS -- Stewart, 6.088, 223.99 def. Austin, 6.718, 185.87; Ramay, 6.037, 220.55 def. Bates, 12.343, 65.59; 
FINAL -- Stewart, 12.867, 76.98 def. Ramay, Foul - Red Light. 

JUNIOR FUEL: 

ROUND ONE -- Matt Baldonado, Farr, 7.222, 184.72 def. Dan Fenton, Neil Parks, 7.223, 178.35; Brad Woodard, Dragster, 7.007, 185.13 def. Michael Lardy, Bolton, 7.877, 171.62; Alan Hull, Farr, 7.134, 182.90 def. Don Enriquez, Farr, Foul - Red Light; Tim Beeman, Uyehara, 7.150, 184.60 def. Wayne Willemsen, Worm, 8.007, 166.91; 
SEMIFINALS -- Baldonado, 8.799, 148.07 def. Hull, Broke; Woodard, 6.894, 191.78 def. Beeman, 7.091, 186.67; 
FINAL -- Woodard, 7.522, 190.40 def. Baldonado, 8.934, 178.90. 

7.0 PRO: 

ROUND ONE -- Richard High, Dragster, 7.000, 194.63 def. Eily Stafford-day, Hansen, 6.899, 186.67; Brad Denney, Bantam, 7.110, 172.41 def. Jeff McKinney, Dragster, 7.465, 178.02; Tony Trimp, HWB, 7.121, 188.52 def. Kevin Rapozo, Spitzer, Foul - Red Light; Lawton Ferreira II, Fiat, 7.064, 176.35 def. Mark Madsen, Tuttle, 7.092, 179.21; Errol Sharron, 68, 7.378, 149.53 def. Terri L Brewster, FED, 7.398, 190.24; Derrick Moreira, Bantam, 7.042, 193.27 def. Blake Reynolds, Fiat, 7.156, 194.86; George Vanderpool, Uyehara, 7.134, 173.38 def. Chris Bates, Ford, 7.197, 190.30; Jim Seivers, 23T, 7.089, 192.19 def. Dwight Garland, FED, 7.134, 186.90; Steve Faller, Bantam, 7.034, 194.77 def. Aaron Wardell, 23T, Broke; Dewayne Sanders, Tuttle, 7.041, 193.85 def. Tommy Schiffilea, Corvette, Broke; Richard Phillips, Bantam, 7.112, 191.05 def. Vince Generalao Jr., Bantam, Broke; Dave Rosenberg, DRE, 7.043, 194.16 def. Mark Venance, Ford, Broke; 
ROUND TWO -- Vanderpool, 6.988, 193.24 def. High, 6.966, 194.63; Phillips, 6.963, 191.65 def. Sanders, 6.946, 181.96; Denney, 7.037, 191.08 def. Seivers, Foul - Red Light; Trimp, 7.083, 169.49 def. Rosenberg, 7.221, 185.26; Ferreira II, 6.984, 194.10 def. Sharron, 6.928, 179.33; Faller, 6.998, 195.17 def. Moreira, Broke; 
QUARTERFINALS -- Phillips, 6.952, 190.38 def. Ferreira II, 6.940, 193.43; Denney, 6.989, 192.69 def. Vanderpool, 6.964, 183.19; Faller, 6.973, 196.39 def. Trimp, Foul - Red Light; 
SEMIFINALS -- Phillips, 7.830, 109.44 was unopposed; Denney, 7.009, 186.15 def. Faller, 6.968, 192.60; 
FINAL -- Denney, 7.053, 175.62 def. Phillips, Foul - Red Light. 

PRO MOD: 

ROUND ONE -- Kristopher Dollinger, Firebird, 5.839, 256.94 def. Rich Fiechter, GTO, 51.441, no speed; Bret Williamseon, Corvette, 6.270, 250.97 def. Karl Wilson, Corvette, 8.061, 143.76; Jeremy Hanger, Corvette, 5.742, 250.23 def. Troy Ferry, Challenger, Broke; Justin Wake, Corvette, 5.837, 247.52 def. Rob Moore, Impala, 14.132, 64.32; Ed Thornton, Camaro, 6.405, 253.61 def. Sean Renteria, Valiant, 12.810, 71.05; Mike Maggio, Camaro, 5.758, 252.57 def. Wade Sjostrom, Bel AIR, 7.038, 180.65; John Durden, Corvette, 5.953, 198.17 def. Dan Myers, Chev, Broke; 
QUARTERFINALS -- Thornton, 5.769, 263.20 def. Dollinger, 5.769, 261.32; Hanger, 11.143, 79.83 was unopposed; Durden, 5.717, 254.76 def. Williamseon, 5.854, 253.18; Maggio, 5.760, 250.74 def. Wake, 7.166, 132.48; 
SEMIFINALS -- Maggio, 5.750, 259.01 def. Durden, 5.765, 252.85; Thornton, 5.830, 264.44 def. Hanger, 5.805, 260.26; 
FINAL -- Maggio, 12.748, 59.91 def. Thornton, Foul - Red Light. 

AA/FUEL ALTERED: 

CHAMPION FINAL ROUND -- Jason Richey, Fiat, 6.019, 231.28 def. Kyle Hough, Ford, 6.243, 205.94. 

CONSOLATION FINAL ROUND -- Rodney Flournoy, Ford, 6.520, 212.79 def. Jeff Bennett, Bantam, 8.770, 110.91. 

SATURDAY

The second day of the 2019 California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California did not disappoint as fans came from far and wide to enjoy the high-speed competition and entertainment at Auto Club Famoso Raceway on Saturday. 

California Hot Rod Reunion honorees were on hand to sign autographs and interact with fans throughout the day. Many NHRA Mello Yello Series drivers came out as well to enjoy the sights and sounds of this one-of-a-kind event. 

In Nostalgia Top Fuel, Mendy Fry kept her No. 1 spot with her Friday pass of 5.595-seconds at 237.42 mph. Fry, the 2019 NHRA Heritage Series Top Fuel World Champion, will face Dan Horan Jr. in the first round of eliminations on Sunday morning. 

In Nostalgia Funny Car, the third and final qualifying pass set the 16-car field in the early afternoon before running the first round of eliminations on Saturday evening. Ryan Hodgson started eliminations at the top of the ladder thanks to his run of 5.622 at 250.41 made in the final qualifying session. Hodgson defeated Kris Krabill in the first round of eliminations. 

Several NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series championships were secured throughout the day including Henry Roberson in Hot Rod, Bill Norton in D Gas and Steve Faller in 7.0 Pro. 

The day concluded with the ever-popular Cacklefest featuring restored or recreated nitro-burning machines firing up with the help of a push start, reminiscent of the early days of drag racing.

Eliminations at the California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California continue Sunday at 8:00 a.m. 

***
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- First-round pairings for eliminations for the 28th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California at Automobile Club Famoso Raceway, the of two events in the NHRA Motorsports Museum. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Nostalgia Funny Car -- 1. Ryan Hodgson, Camaro, 5.622, 250.41 vs. 16. Kris Krabill, Camaro, 5.910, 243.99; 2. Billy Morris, Camaro, 5.631, 255.29 vs. 15. Justin Taylor, Mustang, 5.809, 245.67; 3. Dan Horan, Camaro, 5.634, 262.44 vs. 14. Danny Gerber, Trans AM, 5.800, 240.38; 4. Bobby Cottrell, Camaro, 5.635, 259.61 vs. 13. Matt Melendez, Challenger, 5.795, 235.89; 5. Jeff Arend, Firebird, 5.662, 255.92 vs. 12. Jerry Espeseth, Camaro, 5.791, 249.39; 6. James Day, Omni, 5.690, 254.66 vs. 11. Brad Thompson, Camaro, 5.783, 228.23; 7. Matt Bynum, Camaro, 5.695, 260.76 vs. 10. Tony Jurado, Camaro, 5.780, 250.00; 8. Steven Densham, Camaro, 5.739, 250.09 vs. 9. Rian Konno, Mustang, 5.766, 248.98. 
 
Nostalgia Top Fuel -- 1. Mendy Fry, Hadman, 5.595, 237.42 vs. 8. Dan Horan Jr., Bowen, 5.942, 248.48; 2. Pete Wittenberg, Stirling, 5.691, 252.57 vs. 7. Frank McBee Jr., Horton FED, 5.901, 249.90; 3. Jim Murphy, Neil & Parks, 5.730, 247.07 vs. 6. Rick McGee, Donovan, 5.899, 223.99; 4. Rick White, Hansen, 5.793, 230.72 vs. 5. Bret Williamson, Uyehara, 5.889, 226.51. 

A FUEL -- 1. Drew Austin, Parker, 5.941, 230.76 vs. Bye; 2. Kin Bates, Tuttle, 5.947, 234.98 vs. 7. Dennis Allen, Allen, 6.334, 220.44; 3. Wayne Ramay, N + P, 6.024, 220.12 vs. 6. Rick Ewens, Sarmento, 6.230, 218.65; 4. Shayne Stewart, Tuttle, 6.033, 223.47 vs. 5. Garry Wheeler, Yancer, 6.078, 227.19. 

Pro Mod -- 1. Jeremy Hanger, Corvette, 5.775, 258.96 vs. 8. Karl Wilson, Corvette, 5.871, 248.89; 2. John Durden, Corvette, 5.791, 252.00 vs. 9. Wade Sjostrom, Bel AIR, 6.161, 234.98; 3. Justin Wake, Corvette, 5.796, 247.66 vs. 10. Sean Renteria, Valiant, 6.616, 163.29; 4. Kristopher Dollinger, Firebird, 5.807, 259.96 vs. 11. Rich Fiechter, GTO, 6.733, 201.52; 5. Ed Thornton, Camaro, 5.809, 262.85 vs. 12. Rob Moore, Impala, 10.741, 81.54; 6. Mike Maggio, Camaro, 5.855, 248.11 vs. 13. Dan Myers, Chev, 11.341, 69.73; 7. Bret Williamseon, Corvette, 5.865, 253.47 vs. 14. Troy Ferry, Challenger, 12.586, 65.24. 

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Motorsports Museum 28th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California:

NOSTALGIA TOP FUEL
1) Mendy Fry, Los Angeles, Calif., '16 Hadman, 5.595 seconds, 237.42 mph
2) Pete Wittenberg, Anaheim, Calif., '01 Stirling, 5.691, 252.57
3) Jim Murphy, Santa Rosa, Calif., '13 Neil & Parks, 5.730, 247.07
4) Rick White, San Diego, Calif., '06 Hansen, 5.793, 230.72
5) Bret Williamson, Gilroy, Calif., '12 Uyehara, 5.889, 226.51
6) Rick McGee, Exeter, Calif., dragster, 5.899, 223.99
7) Frank McBee Jr., Madera, Calif., '05 Horton FED, 5.901, 249.90
8) Dan Horan Jr., Sylmar, Calif., '19 Bowen, 5.942, 248.48
9) Tyler Hilton, Cincinnati, Ohio, '19 Horton, 5.982, 235.19
10) Adam Sorokin, LaCrescenta, Calif., '04 Sterling, 6.069, 211.89

NOSTALGIA FUNNY CAR
1) Ryan Hodgson, Edmonton, Alb., '69 Camaro, 5.622 seconds, 250.41 mph
2) Billy Morris, La Quinta, Calif., '69 Camaro, 5.631, 255.29
3) Dan Horan, Sylman, Calif., '69 Camaro, 5.634, 262.44
4) Bobby Cottrell, Whittier, Calif., '69 Camaro, 5.635, 259.61
5) Jeff Arend, La Verne, Calif., '78 Firebird, 5.662, 255.92
6) James Day, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., '78 Omni, 5.690, 254.66
7) Matt Bynum, Ypsianti, Mich., '70 Camaro, 5.695, 260.76
8) Steven Densham, Oceanside, Calif., '69 Camaro, 5.739, 251.72
9) Rian Konno, Rosemead, Calif., '73 Mustang, 5.766, 248.98
10) Tony Jurado, Pleasanton, Calif., '69 Camaro, 5.780, 250.00

JUNIOR FUEL
1) Don Enriquez, Misson Viejo, Calif., '15 Farr, JF/C, 7.157 seconds, 0.017 (under index)
2) Brad Woodard, Oceanside, Calif., '98 Dragster, JF/A, 6.955, 0.065
3) Tim Beeman, Chico, Calif., '04 Uyehara, JF/A, 6.994, 0.104
4) Matt Baldonado, Camarillo, Calif., '98 Farr, JF/B, 7.231, 0.221
5) Dan Fenton, Valley Springs, Calif., '12 Neil Parks, JF/B, 7.431, 0.421
6) Wayne Willemsen, Walnut Creek, Calif., '15 Worm, JF/C, 7.927, 0.787
7) Michael Lardy, Torrance, Calif., '04 Bolton, JF/C, 8.419, 1.279
8) Alan Hull, Arcania, Calif., '15 Farr, JF/B, 11.729, 4.719

A FUEL
1) Drew Austin, Tacoma, Wash., '13 Parker, 5.941 seconds, 230.76 mph
2) Kin Bates, Anderson, Calif., '06 Tuttle, 5.947, 234.98
3) Wayne Ramay, Simi Valley, Calif., '17 N + P, 6.024, 221.16
4) Shayne Stewart, Melbourne Australia, , '99 Tuttle, 6.033, 223.47
5) Garry Wheeler, Tulsa, Okla., '17 Yancer, 6.078, 227.19
6) Rick Ewens, Prescott Valley, Ariz., '16 Sarmento, 6.230, 218.65
7) Dennis Allen, North Highlands, Calif., '15 Allen, 6.334, 220.44

AA/FUEL ALTERED
1) Jason Richey, Livermore, Calif., '38 Fiat, AA/FA, 6.171 seconds, 0.171 (over index)
2) Kyle Hough, Las Vegas, Nev., '23 Ford, AA/FA, 6.443, 0.443
3) James Day, Aliso Viejo, Calif., dragster, AA/FA, 6.529, 0.529
4) Jeff Bennett, Henderson, Nev., '32 Bantam, AA/FA, 6.606, 0.606
5) Ron Hope, Franklin, Tenn., '32 Bantam, AA/FA, 6.733, 0.733
6) Shane Harker, Wenatchee, Wash., dragster, AA/FA, 6.789, 0.789
7) Rodney Flournoy, Carson, Calif., '23t Ford, AA/FA, 6.789, 0.789

7.0 PRO
1) Lawton Ferreira II, Spring Valley, Calif., '48 Fiat, 7PRO, 7.006 seconds, 0.006 (over index)
2) Brad Denney, Visalia, Calif., '32 Bantam, 7PRO, 7.006, 0.006
3) Derrick Moreira, Keaau, Hawaii, '32 Bantam, 7PRO, 7.011, 0.011
4) Dave Rosenberg, Long Beach, Calif., '94 DRE, 7PRO, 7.013, 0.013
5) Richard High, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., '00 Dragster, 7PRO, 7.014, 0.014
6) Richard Phillips, Visalia, Calif., '32 Bantam, 7PRO, 7.022, 0.022
7) Dewayne Sanders, Albany, Ore., '98 Tuttle, 7PRO, 7.035, 0.035
8) George Vanderpool, Redding, Calif., '08 Uyehara, 7PRO, 7.042, 0.042
9) Tony Trimp, Wilton, Calif., '65 HWB, 7PRO, 7.056, 0.056
10) Steve Faller, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., '32 Bantam, 7PRO, 7.060, 0.060

A GAS ELIMINATOR
1) Tom Fowler, Paso Robles, Calif., '70 Camaro, AG, 7.601 seconds, 0.001 (over index)
2) Rich Harrison, Lakewood, Calif., '69 Chev, AG, 7.604, 0.004
3) Casey Treuer, Santa Maria, Calif., '33 Willys, AG, 7.605, 0.005
4) Ray Padgett, Santa Paula, Calif., '63 Corvette, AG, 7.609, 0.009
5) Roy Castagnetto, Concord, Calif., '67 Nova, AG, 7.613, 0.013
6) Brian Smith, Ojai, Calif., '67 Camaro, AG, 7.613, 0.013
7) Mike Mossi, Napa, Calif., '69 Camaro, AG, 7.613, 0.013
8) Richard Wilson, Azusa, Calif., '35 Airflow, AG, 7.616, 0.016
9) Rafael Quiroga, Santa Ynez, Calif., '57 Bel AIR, AG, 7.617, 0.017
10) Frank Merenda, Paso Robles, Calif., '59 Rambler, AG, 7.623, 0.023

B GAS ELIMINATOR
1) Jim Black, Paso Robles, Calif., '66 Nova, BG, 8.602 seconds, 0.002 (over index)
2) Val Miller, Bakersfield, Calif., '71 Barracuda, BG, 8.609, 0.009
3) Chris Kurtis, Bakersfield, Calif., '65 Olds 442, BG, 8.610, 0.010
4) David Mallory, Bakersfield, Calif., '69 Camaro, BG, 8.615, 0.015
5) Nathan Hop, Visalia, Calif., '69 Mustang, BG, 8.619, 0.019
6) Ken Spears, Las Vegas, Nev., '54 Chevy 3100, BG, 8.623, 0.023
7) Steve Pullin, Tacoma, Wash., '69 Camaro, BG, 8.629, 0.029
8) Bryan Franks, Elk Grove, Calif., '68 Camaro, BG, 8.637, 0.037
9) Brent Handley, Visalia, Calif., '72 Nova, BG, 8.651, 0.051
10) Timothy Gorman, Bakersfield, Calif., '55 Belair, BG, 8.686, 0.086

C GAS ELIMINATOR
1) Billy Teague, Reedley, Calif., '67 Nova, CG, 9.603 seconds, 0.003 (over index)
2) Chris Rea, Sacramento, Calif., '64 Nova, CG, 9.603, 0.003
3) Rj Simrock, Santee, Calif., '67 Mustang, CG, 9.604, 0.004
4) Meghan Anita Gorman, Bakersfield, Calif., '67 Camaro, CG, 9.608, 0.008
5) Mark Capps, Madera, Calif., '67 Mustnag, CG, 9.609, 0.009
6) Mike Rabener, Paso Robles, Calif., '67 Camaro, CG, 9.612, 0.012
7) Roland Coomes II, Elverta, Calif., '67 Corvette, CG, 9.615, 0.015
8) Fred Shoemaker Sr., Carson City, Nev., '76 Corvette, CG, 9.617, 0.017
9) Bill Becker, Paso Robles, Calif., '33 Willys, CG, 9.624, 0.024
10) Tyler Frye, Chino Hills, Calif., '73 Vega, CG, 9.624, 0.024

D GAS ELIMINATOR
1) Tom Christian, Reno, Nev., '67 Nova, DG, 10.604 seconds, 0.004 (over index)
2) Dave Meigide, Running Springs, Calif., '71 Camaro, DG, 10.613, 0.013
3) Dan Ficher, Redwood City, Calif., '64 Fairlane, DG, 10.617, 0.017
4) Bill Norton, Delhi, Calif., '63 Nova, DG, 10.620, 0.020
5) Bill Rogers, Bakersfield, Calif., '68 Camaro, DG, 10.620, 0.020
6) Bruce Boardman, Laverne, Calif., '55 Chevrolet, DG, 10.622, 0.022
7) James Burt, Kingsburg, Calif., '55 Bel AIR, DG, 10.625, 0.025
8) Brian Allen, Valley Springs, Calif., '69 Skylark, DG, 10.629, 0.029
9) Beau Dyson, Bakersfield, Calif., '67 Chevelle, DG, 10.644, 0.044
10) Steve Barta, Bakersfield, Calif., '62 Nova, DG, 10.654, 0.054

NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR I
1) Cory Bogne, Chatsworth, Calif., '95 Hollander, NE1, 7.601 seconds, 0.001 (over index)
2) Stan Heiber, Saskatoon, Sask., '3t Altered, NE1, 7.601, 0.001
3) Dave Lawson, Mariposa, Calif., '09 Tuttle, NE1, 7.606, 0.006
4) Dustin Lee, Palmdale, Calif., '06 N + P, NE1, 7.612, 0.012
5) Lloyd Harder, Saskatoon, Sask., '00 FED, NE1, 7.614, 0.014
6) Ed Silbermann, Lake Isabella, Calif., '13 Sarmento, NE1, 7.615, 0.015
7) Ron Kolb, Fullerton, Calif., '09 Tuttle, NE1, 7.622, 0.022
8) Sabrina Pecora-collier, Sonoma, Calif., '37 Topolino, NE1, 7.641, 0.041
9) Hans Jakob, Ontario, Calif., '02 Hansen, NE1, 7.659, 0.059
10) Dan Schrokosch, San Marcos, Calif., '89 Tuttle, NE1, 7.684, 0.084

A/FX
1) Ernie Algorri, Arcadia, Calif., '67 Fairlane, 9.062 seconds, 148.99 mph
2) Dave Budgett, Anaheim, Calif., '70 Mustang, 9.205, 145.28
3) Rich Wood, El Cajon, Calif., '62 Nova, 9.435, 140.42
4) Cliff Lozis, Fullerton, Calif., '69 Mustang, 9.603, 138.80
5) Ron Kissner, Whitewater, Colo., '68 PLY, 9.738, 139.82
6) Paull Searle, Norwalk, Calif., '64 Sport Fury, 10.014, 132.22
7) Dav Davis, Sioux Falls, Idaho, '64 Savoy, 10.060, 130.00
8) Marv Reiser, Escondido, Calif., dragster, 10.115, 134.71
9) Doug Hampton, Salinas, Calif., '66 Fairlane, 10.138, 132.99
10) Cleyton Loonsfoot, Riverside, Calif., '62 Belvedere, 10.290, 130.32

NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR II
1) Larry Battenberg, Cool, Calif., '37 Fiat, NE2, 8.600 seconds, 0.000 (over index)
2) Terry Linblad, Chico, Calif., '66 Williams, NE2, 8.607, 0.007
3) Robert O'Donnell, Graham, Wash., '62 Dragmaster, NE2, 8.609, 0.009
4) Carlie Jo Wendland, Porterville, Calif., '67 Gilmore, NE2, 8.615, 0.015
5) Craig Wallace, Rough and Ready, Calif., dragster, NE2, 8.615, 0.015
6) Bill Workman, Long Beach, Calif., '32 Vicky, NE2, 8.617, 0.017
7) Troy Moyle, Carson City, Nev., '23 Ford T, NE2, 8.617, 0.017
8) Doc Beebe, Porterville, Calif., '14 Dragster, NE2, 8.621, 0.021
9) Jason Trubey, Bakersfield, Calif., '70 Fiat ALT, NE2, 8.627, 0.027
10) Robert Johnson, Visalia, Calif., '09 S & W, NE2, 8.627, 0.027

NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR III
1) Lindsey Lister, San Pedro, Calif., '72 Shoemaker, NE3, 9.609 seconds, 0.009 (over index)
2) Mark Fenton, Helendale, Calif., '27 Roadster, NE3, 9.615, 0.015
3) Mike Gillespie, Concord, Calif., '27 Roadster, NE3, 9.619, 0.019
4) Don Morris, Roseville, Calif., '23 Ford, NE3, 9.634, 0.034
5) Darren Hopkins, Bakersfield, Calif., '67 Camaro, NE3, 9.636, 0.036
6) Ed Destaute, Rosemeade, Calif., '62 Corvette, NE3, 9.665, 0.065
7) Kenny Brush, Fresno, Calif., '98 Dreadknott, NE3, 9.693, 0.093
8) Gabe Brown, Reno, Nev., '34 Coupe, NE3, 9.701, 0.101
9) Trevor Larkin, Saugus, Calif., '42 Tolopino, NE3, 9.709, 0.109
10) Carl Carlson, Discovery Bay, Calif., '27 Ford, NE3, 9.859, 0.259

AA GAS
1) Scott White, Seaside, Ore., '41 Willys, 6.319 seconds, 217.84 mph
2) Chuck Moore, Castro Valley, Calif., '63 Corvette, 6.538, 212.06
3) Mike Oconnor, Bend, Ore., '57 Chevrolet, 6.624, 197.71
4) Mike Molea, Grants Pass, Ore., '33 Willys, 6.727, 206.61
5) Gary Reinero, Merced, Calif., '48 Austin, 6.768, 210.50
6) Mark Gordon, Mendocino, Calif., '67 Mustang, 6.820, 205.94
7) Howard Anderson, Applegate, Calif., '38 Chevrolet, 6.831, 203.19
8) Lance Godec, Grants Pass, Ore., '63 Corvette, 7.460, 183.89
9) Greg McCollum, Gearhart, Ore., '69 Chevelle, 7.691, 182.55

PRO MOD
1) Jeremy Hanger, Yorba Linda, Calif., '59 Corvette, 5.775 seconds, 258.96 mph
2) John Durden, San Juan Bautista, Calif., '59 Corvette, 5.791, 252.00
3) Justin Wake, Clovis, Calif., '53 Corvette, 5.796, 247.66
4) Kristopher Dollinger, Exeter, Calif., '68 Firebird, 5.807, 259.96
5) Ed Thornton, Chino, Calif., '70 Camaro, 5.809, 262.85
6) Mike Maggio, San Dimas, Calif., '68 Camaro, 5.855, 248.11
7) Bret Williamseon, Gilroy, Calif., '63 Corvette, 5.865, 253.71
8) Karl Wilson, Anaheim, Calif., '93 Corvette, 5.871, 248.89
9) Wade Sjostrom, Edmonton, Alb., '57 Bel AIR, 6.161, 234.98
10) Sean Renteria, hollister, Calif., '65 Valiant, 6.616, 163.29

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- First round results from the 28th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California at Automobile Club Famoso Raceway.

NOSTALGIA FUNNY CAR: 

ROUND ONE -- Tony Jurado, Camaro, 5.730, 245.23 def. Matt Bynum, Camaro, 5.940, 205.44; Ryan Hodgson, Camaro, 5.635, 249.90 def. Kris Krabill, Camaro, 5.895, 196.79; Justin Taylor, Mustang, 5.869, 232.19 def. Billy Morris, Camaro, 6.648, 150.68; Bobby Cottrell, Camaro, 5.722, 247.47 def. Matt Melendez, Challenger, 5.880, 209.46; Dan Horan, Camaro, 5.802, 254.47 def. Danny Gerber, Trans AM, 8.107, 96.14; Jeff Arend, Firebird, 5.721, 249.30 def. Jerry Espeseth, Camaro, 5.780, 252.66; Brad Thompson, Camaro, 5.677, 244.78 def. James Day, Omni, 7.056, 184.85; Steven Densham, Camaro, 5.807, 242.19 def. Rian Konno, Mustang, 5.779, 250.04; 

FRIDAY

The 2019 California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California roared to life on Friday with an exciting day packed with nostalgic side-by-side racing action and classic cars at Auto Club Famoso Raceway. The three-day event is a favorite among racing fans and car enthusiasts alike, emphasizing the spirit of classic American car culture.

“The California Hot Rod Reunion got off to a great start today,” said Greg Sharp, curator of the NHRA Motorsports Museum. “We welcomed throngs of enthusiastic fans as classic hot rods took to the track and filled the pits. We look forward to two more exciting days of nonstop entertainment and killer eye-candy.”

Spectators flooded the gates upon opening, eager to see the first pairs of classic Hot Rod Heritage cars fire their engines on the starting line. The annual swap meet also drew quite a crowd with one-of-a-kind objects quick to catch the eye of savvy collectors and restorers.

Nostalgia Top Fuel standout Mendy Fry, who secured the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series 2019 championship in her category earlier this year, rocketed to the provisional top qualifier position on Friday evening with her run of 5.995-seconds at 237.42 mph in her High Speed Motorsports dragster. Bobby Cottrell currently leads the Nostalgia Funny Car category with his impressive pass of 5.635 at 259.61.

Low qualifiers in all other categories include: John Durden in Nostalgia Pro Mod, Tom Fowler in A Gas, Scott White in AA Gas, Jim Black in B Gas, Billy Teague in C Gas, Dave Meigide in D Gas, Cory Bogne in Nostalgia Eliminator 1, Larry Battenberg in Nostalgia Eliminator 2, Lindsey Lister in Nostalgia Eliminator 3, Lawton Ferreira II in 7.0 Pro, Drew Austin in A-Fuel, Brad Woodard in Jr. Fuel, and Ernie Algorri in A/FX.

The California Hot Rod Reunion will continue Saturday at 8 a.m. Saturday evening will also feature the famous Cacklefest with crowd-pleasing push starts and displays of dozens of nitro-burning machines.

***
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Friday's results after qualifying for the 28th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California at Automobile Club Famoso Raceway. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Nostalgia Top Fuel -- 1. Mendy Fry, Hadman, 5.595, 237.42; 2. Jim Murphy, Neil & Parks, 5.730, 247.07; 3. Rick White, Hansen, 5.793, 230.72; 4. Pete Wittenberg, Stirling, 5.923, 244.07; 5. Dan Horan Jr., Bowen, 5.980, 234.17; 6. Rick McGee, Donovan, 6.108, 194.91; 7. Tyler Hilton, Horton, 6.282, 186.15; 8. Adam Sorokin, Sterling, 6.314, 165.23. Not Qualified: 9. Bryan Hall, 6.412, 201.52; 10. Brendan Murry, 6.623, 147.21; 11. Dusty Green, 6.738, 147.57; 12. Phil Ruskowski, 6.883, 185.56; 13. Frank McBee Jr., 6.987, 129.27; 14. Bret Williamson, 10.766, 77.67. 

Nostalgia Funny Car -- 1. Bobby Cottrell, Camaro, 5.635, 259.61; 2. James Day, Omni, 5.690, 254.66; 3. Matt Bynum, Camaro, 5.695, 260.76; 4. Dan Horan, Camaro, 5.738, 257.92; 5. Steven Densham, Camaro, 5.739, 250.09; 6. Rian Konno, Mustang, 5.766, 248.98; 7. Billy Morris, Camaro, 5.775, 238.72; 8. Jeff Arend, Firebird, 5.776, 252.05; 9. Tony Jurado, Camaro, 5.780, 250.00; 10. Jerry Espeseth, Camaro, 5.791, 249.39; 11. Matt Melendez, Challenger, 5.795, 235.89; 12. Justin Taylor, Mustang, 5.810, 227.54; 13. Ryan Hodgson, Camaro, 5.816, 248.84; 14. Kris Krabill, Camaro, 5.910, 243.99; 15. Cory Lee, Challenger, 6.012, 244.12; 16. Jeff Gregory, Camaro, 6.053, 227.11. Not Qualified: 17. Brad Thompson, 6.079, 210.54; 18. Mike Halstead, 6.182, 236.01; 19. Bill Windham, 6.218, 231.28; 20. Danny Gerber, 20.133, 60.51. 
 
A FUEL -- 1. Drew Austin, Parker, 5.941, 230.76; 2. Kin Bates, Tuttle, 5.982, 233.44; 3. Wayne Ramay, N + P, 6.058, 206.39; 4. Garry Wheeler, Yancer, 6.078, 227.19; 5. Rick Ewens, Sarmento, 6.230, 218.65; 6. Dennis Allen, Allen, 6.334, 220.44; 7. Shayne Stewart, Tuttle, 6.411, 216.65. 

Junior Fuel -- 1. Don Enriquez, Farr, 7.157, no speed; 2. Brad Woodard, Dragster, 6.955, no speed; 3. Tim Beeman, Uyehara, 6.994, no speed; 4. Matt Baldonado, Farr, 7.231, no speed; 5. Wayne Willemsen, Worm, 7.927, no speed; 6. Michael Lardy, Bolton, 8.439, no speed; 7. Dan Fenton, Neil Parks, 12.951, no speed. 

7.0 PRO -- 1. Lawton Ferreira II, Fiat, 7.006, no speed; 2. Richard High, Dragster, 7.014, no speed; 3. George Vanderpool, Uyehara, 7.042, no speed; 4. Steve Faller, Bantam, 7.060, no speed; 5. Derrick Moreira, Bantam, 7.080, no speed; 6. Dave Rosenberg, DRE, 7.101, no speed; 7. Tony Trimp, HWB, 7.108, no speed; 8. Dwight Garland, FED, 7.132, no speed; 9. Aaron Wardell, 23T, 7.136, no speed; 10. Brad Denney, Bantam, 7.147, no speed; 11. Dewayne Sanders, Tuttle, 7.165, no speed; 12. Richard Phillips, Bantam, 7.240, no speed; 13. Tommy Schiffilea, Corvette, 7.245, no speed; 14. Chris Bates, Ford, 7.282, no speed; 15. Vince Generalao Jr., Bantam, 7.356, no speed; 16. Eily Stafford-day, Hansen, 7.405, no speed; 17. Mark Venance, Ford, 7.484, no speed; 18. Kevin Rapozo, Spitzer, 7.490, no speed; 19. Errol Sharron, 68, 7.519, no speed; 20. Terri L Brewster, FED, 7.578, no speed; 21. Jeff McKinney, Dragster, 7.821, no speed; 22. Jim Seivers, 23T, 7.980, no speed; 23. Blake Reynolds, 90, 8.214, no speed; 24. Mark Madsen, Tuttle, 11.939, no speed. 

PREVIEW

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum's 28th annual California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California returns to Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. Oct. 25-27. This three-day three festival of speed celebrating the American hot rod has become a destination for car culture lovers worldwide.

The family-friendly event features quarter-mile nostalgia drag racing; a huge vendor area with the latest in speed parts and specialty equipment; a swap meet with acres of vintage parts and memorabilia; hot rods, customs & muscle cars of all descriptions on display, and the famous Cacklefest that takes place Saturday night. Altogether, the event makes for a memorable weekend showcasing the full display of the California hot rod culture. 

The California Hot Rod Reunion is the national championship event for the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series, a year-long series of nostalgia racing events that starts with the famed March Meet and concludes with the Champions being decided at this event. On the track, Nostalgia Top Fuelers, Funny Cars, and wild AA Fuel Altereds will fill the air with nitro-fueled excitement. The biggest names in nostalgia racing will compete at the event, including current points leader and 2018 Champion Mendy Fry in Top Fuel. In Funny Car, points leader Dan Horan will defend his lead against the likes of Jeff Arend, Bobby Cottrell, and Kris Krabill. Other Heritage Series classes include A/Fuel, where Kin Bates will attempt to hold off Drew Austin’s bid for championship success while in Junior Fuel only one point separates the leader Don Enriquez from Brad Woodward.  In all, 17 categories will be competing for coveted Hot Rod Reunion trophies and, for the Heritage Series, Championship ‘Wally’ trophies during the weekend.

The weekend also celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to the sport of hot rodding, as they will be honored throughout the event. The 2019 California Hot Rod Reunion® presented by Automobile Club of Southern California Grand Marshal will be the vaunted "King of the Northwest," Top Fuel great Jerry Ruth. The other 2019 honorees include Harry Burkholder, Mike Cook, Bill Dunlap, Phil Mandella, and Gary Southern. The Honoree Reception will take place at the DoubleTree Hotel at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25. Admission is free.

A fan favorite of the event is the popular exhibition push starts of classic dragsters throughout Friday and Saturday followed by the famous Cacklefest on Saturday night when dozens of race cars take to the track in a mass ignition of flame-spewing, nitro-burning dragsters. See these classic ‘diggers’ as they’re push-started and pass in review in front of the grandstands before taking their place on the track in a memorable display of dozens of historic nitro-burning machines. Join the drivers and crews and see the cars up close on the track at the conclusion of the Cacklefest® for one of the biggest highlights of the Reunion. 

The Hot Rod Reunions are produced by the NHRA Motorsports Museum and benefit the facility located in Pomona, Calif. The 28th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion is proudly sponsored by Automobile Club of Southern California; Good Vibrations Motorsports; Racepak Data Systems; and Dynamat, who support the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum’s ongoing programs and events. The NHRA Motorsports Museum is a 501c (3) non-profit institution. The Museum’s mission is to celebrate the impact of motorsports on American culture. 

The 28th annual California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California opens at 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, with Nostalgia Funny Car and Top Fuel dragster qualifying sessions taking place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The third and final qualifying session takes place at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, with the first round of eliminations slated for 3 p.m. The static and push start Cacklefest parade and presentation follows at 6 p.m. Eliminations conclude on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Tickets for the 28th annual California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California are on sale now to the general public. Tickets purchased before Oct. 14 are $65 for a three-day pass or $25 for a single day. After Oct. 14th, tickets are $75 for a three-day pass. Children 15 and under are free with a paid adult. AAA members can save even more on this event by entering their first three digits of their membership card at checkout. Tickets can be purchased at www.NHRAMuseum.org.