Fueled by growing legions of fans and cars, the 2007 Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, is moving from Bowling Green, Ky. to a new, larger home in Columbus, Ohio. After a 4-year-run in Kentucky, the Reunion, June 15-17, 2007, moves from one historic drag racing track Beech Bend Park to another National Trail Raceway.
"We had a great, great run in Bowling Green but simply outgrew the facility at Beech Bend," said Tony Thacker, executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. "National Trail is a larger facility with easier access for fans and more room for cars, people and activities. The distinct elements and flavor of the event that made it so successful in Bowling Green remain the same. We've just moved it to make it even more enjoyable."
Thacker said National Trail Raceway, which opened in 1965, is rich in drag racing history and will be the perfect setting for popular Reunion events such as the Cacklefest and vintage drag racing. Thacker also pointed out that Ohio, and the states surrounding it are hotbeds of street rodding activities, which is another major part of the 3-day National Reunion. "The move gives us the space to hold more than 3,000 rods and customs," Thacker said, "which will really increase the fun for those in the Show 'n Shine. "Columbus offers us and the fans so much more, it is the best move for the Reunion overall."
Proceeds of the Holley Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, directly benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif. The museum houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., PST. Current NHRA members are admitted free.
Admission for non-members is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors 60 and older, $4 for juniors six through 15, and free for children under the age of five. Auto Club members receive discounts on admission and at the gift shop: show your card and save. The Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours.