Event Coverage California Hot Rod Reunion, Bakersfield 2008, photos

Here are a few pictures.
I have never been to a drag race before, honestly, I did not expect much, but I was blown away by the whole thing, way freaking cool. Here are a few pictures.
Big thanks to the Burbank Choppers for letting me stay, in their Hotel, with them, they are a class act.
BTW, here is the next day, Throttlers show in Burbank.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=300924

 

Nice pictures, thanks.

 

Awesome! Love the "birds eye view" of the black and white Duece.

 

First time to the drags? Well, I can only guess I'll see you there at the March Meet...once you have a taste for this, you're done for

Thank you for the photos...

 

man, those are some great shots. The "birds eye view" of the group is killer, should go on the HAMB calender

 

Very cool photographs, the Ivo shots are nice. Thanks for posting............

CRUISER

 

Totally hooked, March meet, hell yeah, I also got my first "Nitro" boost, man I almost hit the ground.

 

It's definately addicting! The smell,sound,burning eyes,nose,chest vibration when the fuelers take-off. And each time you leave.....you can't wait to go back!!!!!
Nice pic's Dreadman...

 

never been do a drag race? What the Hell? Just kidding ya man.
Very artisic pics, great job.
See ya at the March Meet!

 

Looks like a fun time.

 

killer pics. Man! I wish I went.

 

For a first timer, you got some beautiful photos. You really captured the beauty of the cars, and the flavor of the weekend. Very nice shots.

 

Well done, that Group shot from above looks straight off a Magazine cover from back when.

I'd spring for a HAMB calander if that shot ends up in it.

 

Some bad you-tube of the cackle fest.
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HA HA HA!!!! Dreadman....the ultimate HOBO....

 

Did any of you guys get a chance to see Sarah's car? She's SASS on the HAMB. Great car....

 

Cheers Bob Sass's car was my Favorite never seen car , very very cool .Hemi powered too .

 

killer pics thanks man

 

addictions a bitch, we'll see you at the 2009 March Meets thrid gradstand on the end third row from the top

 

Nice pics.

 

Great shots Chris ,you have a great eye for detail.

 

Great shots - thanks for posting them!!

I absolutely have to get out to that event some time...

Malcolm

 

Very nice pictures Dreadman.

What an amazing event! As a first time attendee I was blown away by The Hot Rod Reunion, the people who put it on, and the cars in attendance.

AMOCAT and friends both drove and flew to the HRR from Washington State and had an absolute blast! Many of us were in attendance to honor the late chassis builder and fuel car driver John Shoemaker, his wife Judie, and their son Jim. Simply wonderful people. Steve Glucoft of AMOCAT was John's partner in the car and a long time friend of the family.



Here's the memorial tree plaque that notes the tree planted for John in the grove.



And here are Judie and Jim Shoemaker, who I'm so happy to have been able to spend time with, along with their close friends.



Up north we tend to be quite practical, so we skip trying to find pretty girls at the events and just fly a crew of them in from both coasts. It's easier that way Corry and Kim, two girls you never need to use your best Samuel L. Jackson "bitch be cool" line on.



While folks admired the Speed Sport car, these two were looking a little harder than most.

Speaking of the Speed Sport car, the gentlemen representing it were just that, gentlemen. They were more-than-willing to speak with us and share details on the vehicle and did so for 10-15 minutes. Much appreciated.



In addition to all of the competition cars, there were a few neat customs at the event too. Just imagine this Zephyr with a coat of mirror-gloss black paint under street lights. Wow.

Rico Fodrey and Jake Decker and son were set up with Cole's trailer and a car for sale near the Zephyr and were humble, more-than-friendly, and fun to talk to. Nice guys. No Cole to be found, but I did see him at the Double Tree briefly the night before in passing and he was looking quite dapper.



As the sun set at the strip and cars started to line up for Cacklefest, John Shoemaker along with others were honored on the Podium.



After the honorees left the podium and headed to the VIP BBQ, it started getting cold, I started remembering that I forgot a long sleeved shirt, and I put on the liquid long johns. Shaking and drinking generally result in poor pictures, but here's one of the cars making the bend behind the starting line and heading down the strip to park. Seeing all of those monsters lit up on that track, probably near or over 100 of them, was unbelievable. Whatever is being charged for tickets to the HRR is well worth it, times two.

A special thank you to Judie Shoemaker for having us to the BBQ. The food and company, including Ed Iskenderian, who took buddy Josh to school were great!



And a very special thank you to Steve Glucoft of AMOCAT, his lovely wife Corry, and Josh Higgins for having me along. True friends.

Get to the Hot Rod Reunion next year, you won't be disappointed.

 

Here a few more.

 

Great pictures - thankyou!