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Story/Images - Michael"Mashie"Mihalko |
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June 19-20, 2009 |
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Story/Images - Michael"Mashie"Mihalko |
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June 19-20, 2009 |
Hot Rod Reunion Sizzles
The slow economy and temperatures in the mid 90’s didn’t deter the loyal fans of nostalgia drag racing from making the trek to Bowling Green, Kentucky. They gathered once again at the 8th annual Holley National Hot Rod Reunion.
The pits at Beech Bend Raceway Park were filled with nearly four hundred vintage race cars. The fields surrounding the historic drag strip were packed with over fifteen hundred pre 1972 show vehicles . Vendors filled the perimeter of the oval track with a variety of automotive items and memorabilia. Oldies music filled the air as fans and drivers renewed acquaintances at this “happening”.
The reception Friday evening at the Holiday Inn saw the parking lot jammed with street machines and hot rods. Under the hotel canopy were three nitro fueled front engine dragsters, which “cackled” after the conclusion of the Hall of Fane ceremony. This year’s inductees included Jerry Baltes, Amy Faulk, Chuck Nelson, Bob Creitz, and Vance Hunt. The Grand Marshal for this prestigious event was Darrell Gwynn .
Throughout the weekend there was competition among ten eliminators and exhibition cars to thrill the spectators. They filled the covered grandstands and lined the fences on both sides of the track. The climax of Saturday’s racing was the popular “cacklefest”. Forty vehicles of various configurations filled the KY nighttime sky with header flames and hot rod “ music”.
Sunday’s eliminations concluded the three day event with wheels up action and hard passes down the “asphalt aisle”. Everyone is looking forward to Father’s Day weekend 2010 for another memorable reunion and cooler temperatures.
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