NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Thrilling racing action headlined the final day of the NHRA Holley Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance at Beech Bend Raceway with eliminations taking place in all the categories. In the signature event, the Nostalgia Top Fuel pitted west coast racers Adam Sorokin and Jim Murphy.

Murphy, the 2013 Nostalgia Top Fuel champion and tuned by legendary tuner Roland Leong  put himself in an early disadvantage with a .126 second reaction time to a .062 of Sorokin. Murphy moved out of the groove at the top end and allowed Sorokin in his bright red Champion Speed Shop dragster to speed past for the win.

Sorokin posted a time of 5.762 seconds at 237.38 mph to the losing run of 6.376 at 158.87. With the win, Sorokin took over the points lead in Nostalgia Top Fuel category and won at an event the California based team had circled on their calendar.

“It was worth the drive, worth the sweat, worth the heat, and this has been a race that has been kinda a thorn in our side ,” said Sorokin following the win. “We have been to the final three times but could just never pull the trigger on a win. This race to us is like Churchill Downs, rolling fields, hay and stuff, just a beautiful thing.”

All the categories crowned champions during the day and in Classic AA/GS it was Alan Borowski of West Seneca, N.Y taking the win; the victor in 7.0 Pro was Robbie Freels of Island, Ky.; Steve Matthews of Marietta, Okla. Won in 7.5 Pro; Competition Eliminator was won by Russell Snyder of Cordova, Tenn.; Bob Mitchell from Cincinnati, Ohio won Gas Eliminator; Gosnell, Ark., native Scott Tiffany won in Modified Eliminator; Geezer Gasser champion was Don Moyer of Mason, Ohio; Nostalgia Super Stock winner was Tommy Sedlock of Benton, Ky.; Top Stock Eliminator was won by Donnie Beeler of Elizabethtown, Ky.; Trevor Messamore from Hanson, Ky. sped to the Hot Rod Elimination I victory; Hot Rod Elimination II champion was Lyles, Tenn. native Johnny Matthews; Allen George from Coplay, Pa. took home the win in 409 Eliminator I; and Lonnie Hall from Dayton, Ohio was the 409 Eliminator II victor.

The Axalta Show ‘N Shine winners were also honored during the course of a busy day. Winners were:
Grand Marshall Award: Kenny & Mary Lee Doss, Greenville, Ky.

Directors Choice: Marty Bachand, Monroe, Ill., ’34 Ford Coupe

Timeless Tradition: Shaun Blanford, Louisville, Ky., ’34 Ford Coupe Highboy

Killer Kustom: Hollis booker, Memphis, Ind., ’54 Orange Merc

Thrilling ’30’s: Robert & Chrissy Graton, Homosassa, Fla., Model A Coupe with Blown Buick

Fabulous 40’s: Laura Donat, Ripley, W.V., ’41 Willy with 409 engine

Finest 50’s: Dan Duffy, Marietta Ga., ’55 Chevrolet 5 window pickup

Sensational 60’s: Steve Sarfain, White Pine, Tenn., ’69 Dodge Charger RT

Super 70’s: Timmy Keown, Morgantown, Ky., ’71 Chevy Cheyenne pick up with Corvette motor

Axalta Best Shine & Detail: Dan Duffy, Marietta, Ga., ’55 Chevrolet 5 window pickup

One of a kind: Ron Smith, Clarnton, Mo., ’37 GMC crew cab custom dually

Period Correct: Joe Wall, Goodlettsville, Tenn., ’49 Rod Woodie Wagon

Most Uninsurable Car: Scott Robets, McDonald, Tenn., front motor VW turbo with suicide doors

Early Iron: Matt Robinson, Galletin, Tenn., ’23 Ford T-Bucket Roadster

Axalta Best Paint: Gerald Feigl, Lexington, Ill., CFX Basecoat Candy Apple Red

Dynamat’s Less Noise: Tad & Jeff Johnson, Wingate, N.C., ’32 Ford 3 Window Coupe

Memory Lane: M. Keen, Dublin, Ga., Ramp truck with Bo-Laws Camaro

Pro Stock Honoree’s pick: Dane Lewis, Elizabeth, Pa., ’32 Ford 5 window coupe

Dazzlin’ Deuce: Jeff Rodda, Chelsea, Ala., ’32 Ford Highboy Roadster

Mighty Muscle: Bill & Barbara Rose, Cross Plains, Tenn., ’64 Dodge white with blown Hemi

The weekend closed with the famous Cacklefest featuring over 40 nostalgic cars at full throttle under a picture perfect sky.

The following are Saturday's final results from the NHRA Motorsports Museum 14th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance:

NOSTALGIA TOP FUEL
Adam Sorokin, Glendale, Calif., '04 Sterling, 5.762, 237.38  def.
Jim Murphy, Santa Rosa, Calif., '13 Neil & Parks, 6.376, 158.87.

CLASSIC AA/GS
Alan Borowski, W. Seneca Falls, N.Y., '48 Anglia, 5.859, 104.78  def.
Brian Spotts, Polk, Ohio, '48 Anglia, broke.

7.0 PRO
Robbie Freels, Island, Ky., dragster, 7.022, 187.91  def.
Steve Faller, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., '32 Bantam, foul.

7.50 PRO
Steve Matthews, Marietta, Okla., dragster, 7.490, 168.75  def.
Bo Boles, Slaughters, Ky., '23 Ford T, 7.489, 178.95.

GAS ELIMINATOR
Bob Mitchell, Cincinnati, Ohio, '69 Dart, 9.994, 135.14  def.
Phil Stamps, Tipton, Ind., '70 Camaro, foul.

MODIFIED ELIMINATOR
Scott Tiffany, Gosnell, Ark., '65 Chevy P/U, 11.145, 115.19  def.
Ryan Hanlon, St Louis, Mo., '67 Nova WGN, 11.565, 116.72.

GEEZER GASSERS
Don Moyer, Mentor, Ohio, '40 Willys, 10.979, 118.40  def.
Frankie Allen, Covington, La., '33 Willys, foul.

NOSTALGIA SUPER STOCK
Tommy Sedlock, Benton, Ky., '64 Fury, 9.771, 137.98  def.
Mick Alles, New Albany, Ind., '64 Belvedere, 10.951, 117.60.

TOP STOCK ELIMINATOR
Donnie Beeler, Elizabethtown, Ky., '67 Camaro, 10.947, 120.50  def.
Chris Cowles, Bowling Green, Ky., '70 Nova, foul.

HOT ROD ELIMINATOR I
Trevor Messamore, Owensboro, Ky., '85 Chevy S10, 10.348, 127.86  def.
Adam Cline, Franklin, Ky., '78 Malibu WGN, 10.636, 118.70.

HOT ROD ELIMINATOR II
Johnny Mathews, Lyles, Tenn., '65 Comet, 11.991, 101.33  def.
Johnny Britt, Bowling Green, Ky., '69 Camaro, 11.914, 112.90.

348/409 ELIMINATOR I
Allen George Jr., Coplay, Pa., '62 Impala, 10.892, 122.50  def.
Rob Walden, Doraville, Ga., '62 Bel AIR, 8.836, 152.09.

348/409 ELIMINATOR II
Lonnie Hall, Dayton, Ohio, '62 Impala SS, 11.842, 106.76  def.
Thomas Truppo, Conneaut, Ohio, '66 GMC, 16.018, 83.74.

Saturday

Legends honored on Friday at the Holley Hot Rod Reunion

The legends of racing were honored for their contributions to many facets of motorsports during the second day of the NHRA Holley Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance at Beech Bend Raceway.  Also taking place during the day was the continuation of racing as well as the massive car show taking place at the multipurpose facility.

During the course of a busy day the influential members of the motorsports community had the opportunity to meet with the fans, sign autographs and be interviewed on the public address system for those in the stands to hear.

The evening concluded with Bill Bader Sr., the grand marshal of the event, and all the honorees including Ron and Steve Boggs, Austin Myers, Ed Rachanski, Roy Tuller, and Chip Woodall were celebrated for their contributions to the sport. New for this season, the honoree reception took place at Beech Bend Raceway to let those at the track take part in the event.

The racing action intensified as qualifying concluded in each of the categories and some entered into eliminations.  In the Nostalgia Top Fuel category, last year’s series champion Tony Bartone rocketed to the top position during the final qualifying session of the day. His pass of 5.607 seconds at 237.71 mph blistered the quarter mile and he will face Tim Cullinan when eliminations begin.

The event concludes on Saturday with spectator gates opening at 8 a.m. Racing will continue at 9:30 a.m. and pre-race ceremonies begin at 12:45 p.m. The event will conclude with the famous Cacklefest taking place at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per day and can be purchased at the track.

***
The following are Friday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Motorsports Museum 14th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance:

NOSTALGIA TOP FUEL
1) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., '16 Mckinney, 5.607 seconds, 237.71 mph
2) Adam Sorokin, Glendale, Calif., '04 Sterling, 5.641, 246.44
3) Jim Young, Salem, Wis., '07 FED, 5.665, 253.56
4) Jim Murphy, Santa Rosa, Calif., '13 Neil & Parks, 5.700, 249.63
5) Rick Williamson, Stockton, Calif., '12 Davidson, 5.747, 247.20
6) Rick White, San Diego, Calif., '06 Hansen, 5.815, 237.84
7) Brendan Murry, San Jose, Calif., '10 Rooman, 6.101, 195.70
8) Tim Cullinan, Des Plaines, Ill., dragster, 6.253, 229.94 Not Qualified:
9) David Miller, Cedar Hill, Mo., dragster, 6.311, 205.16
10) Tyler Hilton, Cincinnati, Ohio, '12 Horton, 6.485, 211.43

CLASSIC AA/GS
1) Alan Borowski, W. Seneca Falls, N.Y., '48 Anglia, AA/GS, 5.609 seconds, 0.009 (over index)
2) Brian Spotts, Polk, Ohio, '48 Anglia, AA/GS, 5.617, 0.017
3) Mike Kalinowski, Orchard Park, N.Y., '48 Austin, AA/GS, 5.658, 0.058
4) Bob Cook, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, '57 Corvette, AA/GS, 5.685, 0.085
5) Ed Kasicki, Aurora, Ohio, '33 Willys, AA/GS, 5.690, 0.090
6) Martin E Stead Jr, Medina, Ohio, '41 Willys, AA/GS, 5.758, 0.158
7) Mark Benjamin, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, '33 Willys, AA/GS, 5.773, 0.173
8) Jeff Cryan, Cheektowaga, N.Y., '33 Willys P/U, AA/GS, 5.917, 0.317 Not Qualified:
9) Ted Turley Jr., Middleburg Hts, Ohio, '33 Willys, AA/GS, 5.948, 0.348

7.0 PRO
1) Sue Christophersen, Clarkston, Mich., '57 Chevy, 7.0, 7.001 seconds, 0.001 (over index)
2) Cory Millet, Piqua, Ohio, '32 Bantam, 7.0, 7.002, 0.002
3) Pat Freels, Island, Ky., '66 GTO, 7.0, 7.010, 0.010
4) Robbie Freels, Island, Ky., dragster, 7.0, 7.019, 0.019
5) Chris O'Reilly, Genoa City, Wis., dragster, 7.0, 7.032, 0.032
6) Gordon Horn, Rockport, Ind., '63 Corvette, 7.0, 7.033, 0.033
7) Steve Faller, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., '32 Bantam, 7.0, 7.038, 0.038
8) John Slagle, Bethel Park, Pa., dragster, 7.0, 7.039, 0.039
9) Larry Harlen, Rockport, Ind., '48 Anglia, 7.0, 7.040, 0.040
10) Preston Davis, Bartlett, Tenn., dragster, 7.0, 7.048, 0.048

7.50 PRO
1) Bob Buckley, Monee, Ill., dragster, 7.5, 7.505 seconds, 0.005 (over index)
2) Wayne Sears, Middletown, Ohio, dragster, 7.5, 7.508, 0.008
3) Jeffrey Ferguson, Byhalia, Miss., dragster, 7.5, 7.514, 0.014
4) Don Moore, Hamilton, Ohio, dragster, 7.5, 7.516, 0.016
5) Kerry Millet, Piqua, Ohio, '41 Willys, 7.5, 7.518, 0.018
6) Todd Campbell, Hamilton, Ohio, dragster, 7.5, 7.531, 0.031
7) Bo Boles, Slaughters, Ky., '23 Ford T, 7.5, 7.541, 0.041
8) Darrell Wathen, Utica, Ky., '41 Willys, 7.5, 7.570, 0.070
9) Justin Shaffer, Lincoln, Ill., '32 Bantam Altd, 7.5, 7.585, 0.085
10) Mike Buchanan, Goddard, Kan., dragster, 7.5, 7.596, 0.096

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Patrick Lamont, Lake Villa, Ill., '23 Chevy Alterd, A/C, 8.003 seconds, 0.003 (over index)
2) Dan Dishon, Logansport, Ind., '27 Ford Roadster, C/C, 9.008, 0.008
3) Dale Fidler, Aurora, Ill., '32 Bantam, D/C, 9.512, 0.012
4) Glenn Lever, Rochester, N.Y., dragster, A/C, 8.019, 0.019
5) Tim Reis, Cleves, Ohio, dragster, C/C, 9.019, 0.019
6) Gary Ryan, S. San Francisco, Calif., '33 Bantam, B/C, 8.529, 0.029
7) Nick Melone, Chicago, Ill., '23 T Altered, C/C, 9.034, 0.034
8) Joe Moore, Covington, La., '23 T Altered, C/C, 9.039, 0.039
9) Troy Wilson, Bloomington, Ind., '37 Fiat, C/C, 9.042, 0.042
10) Skeeter Wayne, Robards, Ky., '34 Chevy Roadstr, D/C, 9.543, 0.043

GAS ELIMINATOR
1) Mel Grace, Potosi, Mo., '71 Pinto, E/G, 10.002 seconds, 0.002 (over index)
2) Kerry Williams, Gosnell, Ark., '69 Camaro, B/G, 8.502, 0.002
3) Dave Mullin, Lemont, Ill., '37 Chevy, B/G, 8.503, 0.003
4) Charlie Butler, Batavia, Ohio, '69 Camaro, E/G, 10.005, 0.005
5) Dan Mullin, Reddick, Ill., '69 Camaro, C/G, 9.006, 0.006
6) John Bokon, Belleville, Mich., '65 GTO, C/G, 9.008, 0.008
7) Steve Cagle, Huntsville, Ala., '70 GS, E/G, 10.010, 0.010
8) Roger McConnell, Mooresville, N.C., '48 Anglia, B/G, 8.515, 0.015
9) Gary Wildy, Batavia, Ill., '66 Nova SS, D/G, 9.516, 0.016
10) Amber Phillips, Owensboro, Ky., '67 Camaro, D/G, 9.517, 0.017

MODIFIED ELIMINATOR
1) Ken Morris, Camden, Ohio, '41 Chevy, F/M, 12.503 seconds, 0.003 (over index)
2) Dennis Breeden, Plainville, Ind., '68 GTX, A/M, 10.004, 0.004
3) Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., '66 Chevy II, A/M, 10.008, 0.008
4) Kevin Thompson, Glasgow, Ky., '70 F-85, C/M, 11.014, 0.014
5) Bill Kueber, Mt. Vernon, Ind., '61 Tempest, D/M, 11.516, 0.016
6) Artie Schneider, St Charles, Mo., '71 Camaro, B/M, 10.516, 0.016
7) Dale Meers, Buffalo, Ky., '72 Dart, D/M, 11.518, 0.018
8) Mike VanHoose, Ashland, Ky., '68 Chevelle, B/M, 10.525, 0.025
9) Jody Blalock Sr., Commerce, Ga., '49 Hudson, C/M, 11.032, 0.032
10) Robert Walker, Chattanooga, Tenn., '68 Kellison, B/M, 10.541, 0.041

GEEZER GASSERS
1) Jerry North, Scottsburg, Ind., '41 Willys, C/GG, 10.001 seconds, 0.001 (over index)
2) Shane Bowman, Albany, Ind., '37 Chevy, C/GG, 10.006, 0.006
3) Wayne Stine, Vermontville, Mich., '40 Willys P/U, D/GG, 10.570, 0.070
4) Bill Ziel, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., '41 Willys, C/GG, 10.076, 0.076
5) Don Moyer, Mentor, Ohio, '40 Willys, E/GG, 11.086, 0.086
6) Greg Porter, Greenville, S.C., '55 Chevy, A/GG, 9.119, 0.119
7) John Swiek, Dayton, Ind., '37 Chevy, D/GG, 10.649, 0.149
8) Frankie Allen, Covington, La., '33 Willys, A/GG, 9.174, 0.174
9) Greg Burge, Petal, Miss., '38 Chevy, D/GG, 10.684, 0.184
10) Erwin Aderhold, Woodstock, Ga., '51 Henry J, C/GG, 10.228, 0.228

NOSTALGIA SUPER STOCK
1) Mick Alles, New Albany, Ind., '64 Belvedere, C/NSS, 11.038 seconds, 0.038 (over index)
2) Butch Cassady, Park City, Ky., '69 Dart, G/NSS, 13.045, 0.045
3) Neal Broyles, Beech Bluff, Tenn., '69 Dart, D/NSS, 11.552, 0.052
4) Barry Camp, Monroe, Ga., '66 Biscayne, AA/FX, 9.053, 0.053
5) Jimmy Gower, Leitchfield, Ky., '65 Skylark, F/NSS, 12.555, 0.055
6) Doug Duell, Newburgh, Ind., '64 Fury, B/FX, 9.556, 0.056
7) Ken Helton, St Peters, Mo., '64 Polara, C/NSS, 11.066, 0.066
8) Tommy Sedlock, Benton, Ky., '64 Fury, C/FX, 9.816, 0.066
9) Larry Despain, Louisville, Ky., '64 Fury, A/NSS, 10.067, 0.067
10) Diana Bookout, Decatur, Ala., '65 Chevelle, A/NSS, 10.071, 0.071

TOP STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Larry Fleming, Franklin, Ky., '70 Duster, G/S, 13.032 seconds, 0.032 (over index)
2) Don Fotti, Winnipeg Manitoba, , '68 Mustang, D/S, 11.544, 0.044
3) Brandon Smith, Bowling Green, Ky., '70 Challenger, E/S, 12.047, 0.047
4) Scott Taylor, Batavia, Ohio, '66 Belvedere, F/S, 12.583, 0.083
5) Donnie Beeler, Elizabethtown, Ky., '67 Camaro, C/S, 11.099, 0.099
6) Chris Cowles, Bowling Green, Ky., '70 Nova, F/S, 12.636, 0.136
7) Mike Gore, Goodlettsville, Tenn., '67 Barracuda, C/S, 11.154, 0.154
8) Mike Clifford, Daytona Beach, Fla., '66 Barracuda, C/S, 11.180, 0.180
9) Donnie Vaught, Milton, Tenn., '67 Camaro, C/S, 11.258, 0.258
10) Darrell Nettles, Lewisburg, W.V., '66 Satellite, E/S, 12.263, 0.263

SPORTSMAN 1
1) Rob Walden, Doraville, Ga., '62 Bel AIR, 8.862 seconds, 150.77 mph
2) Caroline Galvin, Danbury, Conn., dragster, 9.014, 152.88
3) Brian Labombard, Rochester, N.Y., '61 Biscayne, 9.408, 145.11
4) Dick MacKenzie, Bear, Del., '62 Chevy, 10.008, 133.32
5) Roger Robinson, Garland, Texas, '62 Nova, 10.047, 131.09
6) David Mills, Osseo, Mich., '65 Chevy II, 10.626, 95.58
7) Randy Kirker, Sanborn, N.Y., '31 Ford Coupe, 10.699, 120.07
8) Barry Taylor, Garland, Texas, '62 Chevy, 10.938, 121.08
9) Valerie McCombs, Wampum, Pa., '62 Impala SS, 10.956, 119.72
10) Steve Morgan, Mount Vernon, Ind., '62 Impala, 10.972, 119.18

HOT ROD ELIMINATOR 1
1) Harry Stirnemann, St Louis, Mo., '37 Chevy, 9.156 seconds, 150.85 mph
2) Terry Lindsey, Bowling Green, Ky., '67 Camaro, 9.319, 133.80
3) Kenny Pease, Dyersburg, Tenn., '62 Nova, 9.332, 138.40
4) Rick Seeba, West Alton, Mo., '55 Chevy, 9.340, 141.64
5) Terry Tyler, Indianapolis, Ind., '85 Cutlass, 9.457, 143.02
6) Ted Wood, Mooreville, Miss., '68 Barracuda, 9.622, 136.07
7) Dean Kivisto, Windsor, Ont., '69 AMX, 9.727, 135.99
8) Chuck Garrett, Washington, Ind., '74 Vega, 9.817, 138.03
9) Brent Fey, Harned, Ky., '23 Altered, 10.000, 143.78
10) Craig Murray, Mississauga, Ont., '55 Chevy, 10.015, 132.88

Friday

Holley National Hot Rod Reunion thunders into Beech Bend Raceway Park

Picture perfect weather and a bustling Beech Bend Raceway Park set the stage for a successful start of the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance. Fans of classic cars that have been restored to immaculate conditions and thrilling nostalgic quarter-mile drag racing filled the grounds of the scenic facility in Bowling Green, Ky.

“The first day of the event is one that brings a high level of excitement to the historic facility,” said Steve Gibbs, event director. “Seeing all the cars lined up to get into the facility before the sun comes up is a great way to start the event.

Nostalgic quarter-mile drag racing took place during the course of the day with 12 different categories taking to the track. Nostalgia Top Fuel took center stage as the racers got their one qualifying session in during the day. Adam Sorkin is the current No. 1 qualifier with a pass of 5.823 seconds at 228.15 mph. Jim Young had the top speed of the day at 244.74 mph.

The second of the three day event starts Friday when spectator gates open at 8 a.m. Racing will continue at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 per day and can be purchased at the track.   

The following are Thursday's qualifying results from the NHRA Motorsports Museum 14th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance:

NOSTALGIA TOP FUEL
1) Adam Sorokin, Glendale, Calif., dragster, 5.823 seconds, 228.15 mph
2) Rick White, San Diego, Calif., dragster, 6.093, 213.50
3) Jim Young, Salem, Wis., dragster, 6.135, 244.74
4) Jason Greenwood, Racine, Wis., dragster, 6.771, 160.63
5) Jim Murphy, Santa Rosa, Calif., dragster, 7.070, 129.82
6) David Miller, Cedar Hill, Mo., dragster, 8.522, 91.32
7) Paul Schultz, Tulsa, Okla., dragster, 8.815, 94.62
8) Tyler Hilton, Cincinnati, Ohio, dragster, 9.030, 88.84
9) Brendan Murry, San Jose, Calif., dragster, 9.584, 73.18
10) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., dragster, 12.182, 67.28

CLASSIC AA/GS
1) Alan Borowski, W. Seneca Falls, N.Y., '48 Anglia, 5.706 seconds, 5.60 mph
2) Mike Kalinowski, Orchard Park, N.Y., '48 Austin, 5.724, 5.60
3) Mark Benjamin, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, '33 Willys, 5.901, 5.60
4) Bob Cook, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, '57 Corvette, 5.921, 5.60
5) Ed Kasicki, Aurora, Ohio, '33 Willys, 5.933, 5.60

7.0 PRO
1) John Slagle, Bethel Park, Pa., dragster, 7.0, 7.039 seconds, 0.039 (over index)
2) Preston Davis, Bartlett, Tenn., dragster, 7.0, 7.048, 0.048
3) Jeff Sanborn, Shelbyville, Tenn., '38 Topolino, 7.0, 7.053, 0.053
4) Billy Smith, Pickerington, Ohio, dragster, 7.0, 7.133, 0.133
5) Donald Nave, South Whitley, Ind., dragster, 7.0, 7.135, 0.135
6) Robbie Freels, Island, Ky., dragster, 7.0, 7.183, 0.183
7) Chris O'Reilly, Genoa City, Wis., dragster, 7.0, 7.191, 0.191
8) Larry Harlen, Rockport, Ind., '48 Anglia, 7.0, 7.277, 0.277
9) Michael Sexton, Bloomington, Ind., dragster, 7.0, 7.299, 0.299
10) Steve Walczak, Rochester, N.Y., '32 Bantam, 7.0, 7.346, 0.346

7.50 PRO
1) Don Moore, Hamilton, Ohio, dragster, 7.5, 7.516 seconds, 0.016 (over index)
2) Jeffrey Ferguson, Byhalia, Miss., dragster, 7.5, 7.571, 0.071
3) Bo Boles, Slaughters, Ky., '23 roadster, 7.5, 7.613, 0.113
4) Bob Buckley, Monee, Ill., dragster, 7.5, 7.654, 0.154
5) Ric Burdine, Mooresville, Ind., '67 Mustang, 7.5, 7.658, 0.158
6) David Shaffer, Lincoln, Ill., '37 Topolino, 7.5, 7.660, 0.160
7) Darrell Wathen, Utica, Ky., '41 Willys, 7.5, 7.688, 0.188
8) Jarrod Bradshaw, Utica, Ky., dragster, 7.5, 7.695, 0.195
9) Rich Kent, Aurora, Ill., '72 Comet, 7.5, 7.737, 0.237
10) Mike Buchanan, Goddard, Kan., dragster, 7.5, 7.740, 0.240

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Patrick Lamont, Lake Villa, Ill., '23 Chevy, A/C, 8.003 seconds, 0.003 (over index)
2) Glenn Lever, Rochester, N.Y., dragster, A/C, 8.019, 0.019
3) Dan Dishon, Logansport, Ind., '27 roadster, C/C, 9.026, 0.026
4) Gary Ryan, So San Francisco, , '33 Bantam, B/C, 8.529, 0.029
5) Nick Melone, Chicago, Ill., '23 roadster, C/C, 9.034, 0.034
6) Troy Wilson, Bloomington, Ind., '37 Fiat, C/C, 9.042, 0.042
7) Skeeter Wayne, Robards, Ky., '34 Chevy, D/C, 9.543, 0.043
8) C. Shane Rasler, Wolcottville, Ind., dragster, B/C, 8.546, 0.046
9) Tommy Cook, Columbia, Ky., '34 Chevy, B/C, 8.590, 0.090
10) Dale Fidler, Aurora, Ill., '32 Bantam, D/C, 9.606, 0.106

GAS ELIMINATOR
1) Mel Grace, Potosi, Mo., '71 Pinto, E/G, 10.002 seconds, 0.002 (over index)
2) Kerry Williams, Gosnell, Ark., '69 Camaro, B/G, 8.502, 0.002
3) Dave Mullin, Lemont, Ill., '37 Chevy, B/G, 8.503, 0.003
4) Dan Mullin, Reddick, Ill., '69 Camaro, C/G, 9.006, 0.006
5) John Bokon, Belleville, Mich., '65 GTO, C/G, 9.008, 0.008
6) Steve Cagle, Huntsville, Ala., '70 GS, E/G, 10.010, 0.010
7) Roger McConnell, Mooresville, N.C., '48 Anglia, B/G, 8.515, 0.015
8) Gary Wildy, Batavia, Ill., '66 Nova, D/G, 9.516, 0.016
9) John Treesh, Cicero, Ind., '61 Corvette, C/G, 9.018, 0.018
10) Greg Hillyer, Plainfield, Ind., '68 Mustang, E/G, 10.023, 0.023

MODIFIED ELIMINATOR
1) Ken Morris, Camden, Ohio, '41 Chevy, F/M, 12.503 seconds, 0.003 (over index)
2) Kevin Thompson, Glasgow, Ky., '70 F-85, C/M, 11.014, 0.014
3) Bill Kueber, Mt. Vernon, Ind., '61 Tempest, D/M, 11.516, 0.016
4) Artie Schneider, St Charles, Mo., '71 Camaro, B/M, 10.516, 0.016
5) Donnie Fuller, Louisville, Ky., '72 Dart, D/M, 11.518, 0.018
6) Mike VanHoose, Ashland, Ky., '68 Chevelle, B/M, 10.525, 0.025
7) Jody Blalock Jr., Jefferson, Ga., '47 Hudson, A/M, 10.050, 0.050
8) Robert Walker, Chattanooga, Tenn., '68 Kellison J6, B/M, 10.559, 0.059
9) Dennis Breeden, Plainville, Ind., '68 GTX, A/M, 10.070, 0.070
10) Shay Smith, Louisville, Ky., '57 Chevy WGN, C/M, 11.095, 0.095

GEEZER GASSERS
1) Shane Bowman, Albany, Ind., '37 Chevy, C/GG, 10.006 seconds, 0.006 (over index)
2) Jerry North, Scottsburg, Ind., '41 Willys, C/GG, 10.053, 0.053
3) Wayne Stine, Vermontville, Mich., '40 Willys P/U, D/GG, 10.573, 0.073
4) Greg Porter, Greenville, S.C., '55 Chevy, A/GG, 9.119, 0.119
5) Don Moyer, Mentor, Ohio, '40 Willys, E/GG, 11.171, 0.171
6) Greg Burge, Petal, Miss., '38 Chevy, D/GG, 10.696, 0.196
7) Chuck Lipka, Eureka, Mo., '41 Willys, C/GG, 10.271, 0.271
8) Gary Raber, Royal Palm Beach, Fla., '40 Ford, E/GG, 11.310, 0.310
9) Frankie Allen, Covington, La., '33 Willys, A/GG, 9.430, 0.430
10) Randy Addington, Redkey, Ind., '37 Chevy, D/GG, 11.003, 0.503

NOSTALGIA SUPER STOCK
1) Butch Cassady, Park City, Ky., '69 Dart, G/NSS, 13.045 seconds, 0.045 (over index)
2) Neal Broyles, Beech Bluff, Tenn., '69 Dart, D/NSS, 11.552, 0.052
3) Barry Camp, Monroe, Ga., '66 Biscayne, AA/FX, 9.053, 0.053
4) Jimmy Gower, Leitchfield, Ky., '65 Skylark, F/NSS, 12.555, 0.055
5) Doug Duell, Newburgh, Ind., '64 Fury, B/FX, 9.556, 0.056
6) Bob Durling, Mooresville, Ind., '63 Fury, B/NSS, 10.578, 0.078
7) Jim Homier, Woodstock, Ga., '68 Barracuda, A/NSS, 10.087, 0.087
8) Rees Smith, Greenville, Ind., '64 Belvedere, C/NSS, 11.088, 0.088
9) Mike Hughes, Woodstock, Ga., '64 Savoy, A/NSS, 10.110, 0.110
10) Jt Fulkerson, Cox{s Creek, Ky., '66 Chevelle, D/NSS, 11.623, 0.123

TOP STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Larry Fleming, Franklin, Ky., '70 Duster, G/S, 13.032 seconds, 0.032 (over index)
2) Scott Taylor, Batavia, Ohio, '66 Belvedere II, F/S, 12.583, 0.083
3) Donnie Beeler, Elizabethtown, Ky., '67 Camaro, C/S, 11.099, 0.099
4) Chris Cowles, Bowling Green, Ky., '70 Nova, F/S, 12.636, 0.136
5) Brandon Smith, Bowling Green, Ky., '70 Challenger, E/S, 12.158, 0.158
6) Mike Gore, Goodlettsville, Tenn., '67 Barracuda, C/S, 11.166, 0.166
7) Mike Clifford, Daytona Beach, Fla., '66 Barracuda, C/S, 11.180, 0.180
8) Donnie Vaught, Milton, Tenn., '67 Camaro, C/S, 11.258, 0.258
9) Tim Weinzapfel, St Philips, Ind., '66 Bel Air Wgn, G/S, 13.325, 0.325
10) Les Thompson, Pinckney, Mich., '65 Belvedere, F/S, 12.855, 0.355

409 ELIMINATOR
1) Rob Walden, Doraville, Ga., '62 Belair, 9.076 seconds, 148.79 mph
2) Caroline Galvin, Danbury, Conn., dragster, 9.479, 145.48
3) Brian Labombard, Rochester, N.Y., '61 Biscayne, 9.629, 142.34
4) Roger Robinson, Garland, Texas, '62 Nova, 10.162, 130.07
5) Dick MacKenzie, Bear, Del., '62 Chevy, 10.176, 132.26
6) David Mills, Osseo, Mich., '65 Chevy II, 10.626, 95.58
7) Randy Kirker, Sanborn, N.Y., '31 Ford, 10.793, 118.73
8) Bo Martin, Washington, Pa., '63 Impala, 11.008, 121.80
9) Gene Fulton, Inman, S.C., '41 Willys, 11.092, 112.68
10) Barry Taylor, Garland, Texas, '62 Chevy, 11.323, 119.28

HOT ROD ELIMINATOR
1) Brent Fey, Harned, Ky., '23 T Ford, 9.035 seconds, 143.78 mph
2) Harry Stirnemann, St Louis, Mo., '37 Chevy, 9.156, 150.85
3) Rick Seeba, West Alton, Mo., '55 Chevy, 9.340, 141.64
4) Kenny Pease, Dyersburg, Tenn., '62 Nova, 9.393, 137.85
5) Terry Lindsey, Bowling Green, Ky., '67 Camaro, 9.410, 133.80
6) Terry Tyler, Indianapolis, Ind., '85 Cutlass, 9.474, 142.00
7) Ted Wood, Mooreville, Miss., '68 Barracuda, 9.622, 136.07
8) Tim Snipes, St Charles, Mo., '64 Falcon, 9.674, 110.72
9) Dean Kivisto, Windsor, Ont., '69 AMX, 9.833, 135.39
10) Chuck Garrett, Washington, Ind., '74 Vega, 9.876, 137.95

Event preview

The 14th annual Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance will once again roar into Beech Bend Raceway Park, June 16-18, for one of the best events in the Midwest.

Held annually across the sprawling Beech Bend facility, the event features thousands of vintage show cars, quarter-mile nostalgia nitro drag racing, and vendors all taking center stage during this multifaceted show.

The reunion week kicks off Wednesday night at the free Heacock Classic Car Insurance Fan Fest in historic Fountain Square Park from 5 to 8 p.m. Hot rods, race cars, music, and more will set the stage for the next three days at Beech Bend.

The Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance begins Thursday, June 16. Gates open at 8 a.m. each day, so don’t miss a minute of the excitement! Find a spot to watch as hundreds of hot rods, classics, and customs pour into the facility to compete for awards in the Axalta Show 'n' Shine. Then head over to the grandstands when qualifying action begins on the dragstrip.

Both Thursday and Friday feature Hot Heads Eliminator quarter-mile nostalgia drag racing, including Top Fuel and Funny Car; one of the finest hot rod shows in the Midwest; a vintage speed parts swap meet; vendors; food; and autograph sessions at the Dynamat Legends tent.

New for 2016 is a grand marshal and honoree reception at Beech Bend Raceway Park Friday, June 17, at the conclusion of racing. Grand marshal Bill Bader Sr., along with honorees Ron and Steve Boggs, Austin Myers, Ed Rachanski, Roy "Goob" Tuller, and Chip Woodall will be feted during a ceremony inside a new pavilion on the oval track. This star-studded reception will allow the growing number of racers, hot rodders, and enthusiasts who continue to support the reunion to take part in all of the festivities without having to leave the track. 

Don’t miss Saturday’s final rounds of racing, followed by the presentation of the Axalta Show 'n' Shine winners, Parade of Champions, honoree presentation, and world-famous Hot Rod Reunion Cacklefest as Beech Bend is rocked by the fire and thunder of classic nitro-burning machines.

The Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance is produced by and benefits the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California in Pomona. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution and collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets the vehicles, stories, and artifacts that represent the influence of automotive speed and style in all its forms.

• SCHEDULE: The event begins at 8 a.m. each day, with racing beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 16; racing starts at 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 17, and 9 a.m. Saturday June 18

• TICKETS: Single-day tickets are only $25; a three-day ticket is $75 at the gate; children 15 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by paid adult

 • ON THE WEB: For more information about the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance, log on to www.nhramuseum.org

Influential members of the motorsports community will be honored during the 14th annual Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance at Beech Bend Raceway Park, June 16-18. The grand marshal for this year’s event is legendary promoter Bill Bader Sr., and event honorees include Ron and Steve Boggs, Austin Myers, Ed Rachanski, Roy "Goob" Tuller, and Chip Woodall.

In 1974, oval track promoter Bader, with no drag racing experience, bought Norwalk Dragway, located between Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio. After a rocky start, he turned the track into one of the sport’s finest facilities. Bader’s “satisfaction quotient” includes providing a super experience to all guests, including racers, fans, and sponsors. “The Baders have as much passion for the sport as I do,” said John Force, who match raced for years at the famous Night of Fire and honored Bader in 2005 with his portrait on the hood of his Funny Car.

In 1998, Bill Jr. took over and continued the operation as before. In 2007, the track was renamed Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park and became an NHRA track, site of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Although Bader no longer has a hand in day-to-day operations, he is quick to credit the hard work and support of family and friends as the ingredients that made it all work.

Honorees Ron and Steve Boggs were part of the elite group of racers from Ohio in the 1970s and 1980s that dominated blown alcohol racing. Known for fast and immaculate race cars, they even extended the wheelbase of one of their fuel altereds and converted it to compete against Top Alcohol Dragsters to the fans' delight. Ron was a fearless driver who retired in 1990 and passed away in 2010. Steve continued as a tuner for hire, winning championships in both Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars; he most recently tuned Tony Bartone to dominant championship seasons in Nostalgia Top Fuel.

Kentucky native Myers began his racing career in go-karts, moving up to drag race at all the area strips. In 1967, he acquired his first dragster in partnership with Billy Campbell and Walter Lavoie. In 1970 in Dallas, he won the BB/Dragster class with his own Bill Stebbins-built entry. His speed and e.t. would have qualified him in the top eight of the Top Gas field. Later that year, he won his class at the U.S. Nationals and the first National Dragster Invitational. In 1971, he began driving Butch Hummel’s twin-engine Top Gas car and won the Dragster Invitational for a second time. He also won that year’s World Finals in Amarillo, Texas, and set the Top Gas speed record of 209.58 mph and became NHRA’s last Top Gas world champion. In the early 1970s, he drove Jack Hart’s Top Fuel dragster and finished as runner-up to Don Garlits at the IHRA World Finals.

Driving his hopped-up ’40 Ford sedan, Rachanski began his drag racing career at Half Day, Illinois, in 1951. After years spent stock car racing and a tour in the Air Force, he returned to drag racing with the Sedlak Motors ’62 Plymouth Super Stock of his buddies, John Farkonas and Pat Minick of Chi-Town Hustler fame. In 1964, he joined Gary Dyer on the factory-backed Mercury Comet team and soon after received sponsorship for his own Marauder Comet. In 1965, he became president of the Midwest UDRA, supervising hundreds of races throughout the Midwest and becoming the first to feature Wednesday night eight-car Funny Car shows. Since the late 1960s, he has been involved in the antiwear lubricant industry and in the late 1990s owned an IndyCar team.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Tuller moved to California and worked briefly for Scotty Fenn of Chassis Research fame. In the early 1960s, he went to work at Engle Cams and drove several dragsters, including the beautiful Scrima-‘Liner and the Surfers Top Fueler. In 1965, he began driving the legendary Freight Train Top Gas dragster of fellow Engle employee John Peters. Together in 1967, they ran the first seven-second clocking on gas and won the Bakersfield March Meet.

Beginning his drag racing career in gas dragsters before turning to Jr. Fuel, Woodall is one of those Texas drivers who raced hard, played hard, and drove lots of different race cars. Most famous for his time in Gene Snow’s Top Fueler in which he won the 1972 NHRA Springnationals, he spent much of his career in Jackie Peebles and Dickie Williams' gold-plated fuel dragster, in which he was runner-up to Garlits at the 1969 AHRA World Championships. After driving for Snow and setting 21 track records at the 27 tracks he visited, he returned to Peebles and Williams and closed his career driving both Top Fuelers and Funny Cars into the late 1970s.

The late Morris Smith, former Beech Bend track manager and NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA member, will be honored with the prestigious NHRA Motorsports Museum Board of Directors Award.