The week of the largest nostalgia drag race is finally upon us as some of NHRA’s best nitro drivers, past and present, are set to compete in this year’s California Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Oct. 18-20. It is a chance for race fans of all ages to see how the world of drag racing has evolved over time.
This is the chance of a lifetime for anyone who competes in this grand event. For Australian native Steve Easton, it’s a dream come true. Easton will be making his Nostalgia Nitro Funny Car debut at this race, running a 1970 nitro-burning Hemi Cuda for Bob Godfrey Racing. This also marks the first time he will be competing in a funny car race in the United States.
“I saw my name on the entry list a few days ago and still can’t believe I am going to be competing in a nostalgia funny car,” Easton said.
“With over 30 entries and only two qualifying runs, it’s going to be hard work. Bob Godfrey has a great car and an awesome crew, so the pressure will all be on me to perform. I can’t wait to see how I hold up against the best.”
Easton, who was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, has competed in three different countries racing both blown alcohol funny cars and dragsters. In 2008, Easton had the privilege of racing a front end dragster at this historic track.
“I was lucky to get a chance to drive a blown alcohol front engine dragster at the California Hot Rod Reunion in 2008 when a friend bought a car to race, but didn’t fit,” said Easton.
“The first time I pulled out of the staging lanes and onto the track, it felt like I was rolling onto hallowed ground. Getting to race on one of the most famous race tracks in the world was truly a great experience.”
Round one of Funny Car racing action is set to begin at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, with round two of qualifying taking place Saturday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m. Round one of eliminations will be also be Saturday at 4:30 p.m., while the final three rounds of eliminations will take place Sunday at 11 a.m.
Race fans who are unable to attend the event can follow all the racing action at www.bangshift.com throughout the weekend. Fans can also follow Bob Godfrey Racing on Facebook to stay up to date on Steve Easton and the entire team. https://www.facebook.com/bobgodfrey.racing
photo credits: Pam Conrad and Bob Snyder
