NHRA has announced that three affiliated events will be added to an already impressive 2008 Hot Rod Heritage Series schedule, increasing the schedule from seven to 10 events.

The events to be added include the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion, June 13-15 at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky.; the ACDelco NostalgiaFest presented by RM Distributing, June 20-21 at Cordova Dragway Park, Cordova, Ill.; and Geezer’s at the Grove, Sept. 5-6 at Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, Pa.

Though the events will be affiliated with the series they will not count as points-earning events toward the 2008 championships.

NHRA has announced that three affiliated events will be added to an already impressive 2008 Hot Rod Heritage Series schedule, increasing the schedule from seven to 10 events.

The events to be added include the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion, June 13-15 at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky.; the ACDelco NostalgiaFest presented by RM Distributing, June 20-21 at Cordova Dragway Park, Cordova, Ill.; and Geezer’s at the Grove, Sept. 5-6 at Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, Pa.

Though the events will be affiliated with the series they will not count as points-earning events toward the 2008 championships.

“We’re extremely pleased to expand the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series brand to include these popular nostalgia events,” said Peter Clifford, executive vice president and general manager, NHRA. “Nostalgia racing is growing in popularity and NHRA is excited to be part of these events in Kentucky, Illinois and Pennsylvania.”

The ACDelco NostalgiaFest presented by RM Distributing at Cordova Dragway Park will feature “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, as he will bring multiple “Swamp Rat” dragsters to participate in a Cacklefest. Garlits, who earned 35 NHRA Top Fuel victories – including a record eight wins at the prestigious U.S. Nationals -- during his legendary career, also will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Also in attendance will be NHRA legend and three-time Top Fuel world champion Shirley Muldowney, serving as Grand Marshal of the event, along with famed Pro Stock driver Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick.

“We’re really excited to have this event and to be involved with the NHRA through this series,” said Scott Gardner, owner and operator of Cordova Dragway Park. “The Hot Rod Heritage series is a great series to be a part of and we feel that it, along with the ACDelco NostalgiaFest presented by RM Distributing, are going to continue to grow year after year. We’re very happy for this opportunity.”

Geezer’s at the Grove, an event that began at Maple Grove Raceway in 2002, will feature two ET brackets, both for pre-1982 entries. Division 1 nostalgia circuits also will be a part of the program scheduled for early September.

“We’re just so happy to be a part of the new series,” said Lex Dudas, vice president and general manager for Maple Grove Raceway. “We go a long way back with the NHRA and to have the Hot Rod Heritage Series here is just a big step up for us and for our Geezer’s at the Grove event. It’s a good move for us and I think the Hot Rod Heritage combined with our Geezer’s at the Grove event will be a great attraction for drag racing fans.”

Returning to Beech Bend Raceway Park after a brief hiatus, the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion will descend on the rolling hills of Bowling Green, Ky. Located on 368 acres covered with beech trees, for which the track is named, Beech Bend Raceway Park has been providing family entertainment for years.

“We’re extremely happy and excited to be involved with NHRA and the Hot Rod Heritage Series,” said Dallas Jones, owner and president of Beech Bend Raceway Park. “Not only is the track excited to have this event but the community is excited as well. To have not only the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion here but also the Hot Rod Heritage Series is just great and we’re happy to be a part of it.”

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 24 national events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal Drags presented by AAA. NHRA also offers the O’Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.

 

 

NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series

2008 Schedule

March 7-9
Bakersfield March Meet
Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif.                                  
www.famosoraceway.com

April 18-20

Nostalgia Sportsman Shootout
Auto Club California Dragway, Fontana, Calif.                         
www.californiaspeedway.com

May 2-4

Las Vegas Speed Spectacular
The Strip at LVMS, Las Vegas                                                
www.lvms.com

May 30-June 1

Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Championship
Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif.                                  
www.famosoraceway.com

Aug. 8-10

Pepsi Nightfire Nationals
Firebird Raceway, Boise, Idaho                                                           
www.firebirdonline.com

Sept. 12-14

Southern California Shootout
Auto Club California Dragway, Fontana, Calif.                         
www.californiaspeedway.com

Oct. 10-12

California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California
Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif.                                  
www.museum.nhra.com

 
2008 Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series Affiliated Events

June 13-15

Holley National Hot Rod Reunion
Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Ky.                                         
www.museum.nhra.com

June 20-21

ACDelco NostalgiaFest presented by RM Distributing
Cordova Dragway Park, Cordova, Ill.                                     
www.cordovadrag.com

Sept. 5-6

Geezer’s at the Grove
Maple Grove Raceway, Reading, Pa.                                                   
www.maplegroveraceway.com