The opening day of the NHRA Motorsports Museum New England Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance is in the books and the finest show cars and racecars were proudly on display at New England Dragway and Motorsports Park.
 
The day started with racers and spectators alike pouring into the facility to start the event which takes place though the end of the weekend. Nostalgic quarter mile drag racing began in the morning and 10 different categories took to the track racing down the famed strip during the day.

 
The opening day of the NHRA Motorsports Museum New England Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance is in the books and the finest show cars and racecars were proudly on display at New England Dragway and Motorsports Park.
 
The day started with racers and spectators alike pouring into the facility to start the event which takes place though the end of the weekend. Nostalgic quarter mile drag racing began in the morning and 10 different categories took to the track racing down the famed strip during the day.
 
A wide variety of show cars were also on display at New England Dragway during the day. The owners proudly shined their cars to near show room finish and were eager to talk to those admiring the historic machines.
 
“The first day of the 2014 NHRA Motorsports Museum New England Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance was a resounding success,” said Larry Fisher, executive director of the NHRA Motorsports Museum. “Many of the legends we are honoring were here today and it was a great way for fans to meet them and relive the early days of the sport.”  
 
The event continues on Saturday with the legends of racing taking center stage with a reception and autograph sessions at the track. Two autograph sessions will take place featuring the 2014 grand marshal Bob Frey. Also honored will be Gil Coraine, John Healey, AL Hanna, George Weiler and ‘Jungle Pam’ Hardy. The first session takes place at 10 a.m. and the other at 2 p.m. The Hot Rod Reunion Reception takes place at Noon and is a perfect way to hear from the honorees at the event.
 
Saturday will also feature the world famous Cacklefest parade on the track and the facility will come alive with the sounds of dozens of nostalgic racecars from days gone by.

Friday's results after qualifying for the NHRA Motorsports Museum New England Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance at New England Dragway.  Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
 
Nostalgia Top Fuel -- 1. Tony Bartone, McKinney, 5.734, 236.05; 2. Jim Young, Sterling, 6.365, 191.29; 3. Jerry Kumre Jr, Sterling, 7.412, 134.90.
 
7.0 PRO -- 1. Rick Bernasconi, Fiat Topolino, 7.017; 2. Tim Steed, Sterling, 7.118; 3. Sammy Daghir, FED, 7.140; 4. Bob Schneider, Dragster, 7.930; 5. Tony Lombardi, FED, 6.981.
 
7.5 PRO -- 1. Jim Blake, Bantam, 7.687; 2. Jim Ditucci, Speedster, 7.745; 3. Herbert Roby Jr., Ford T, 7.874; 4. Cody Hesler, Slingshot, 7.969; 5. William Masiello, FED, 7.329.