BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The second day of the 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.