Bowling Green, KY - June 13 - 15, 2008: Brad Thompson and Larry Bless believed so strongly they could win the 2008 NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion they made to long and expensive trip to Beech Bend Park Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It paid off as after qualifying #1 with a track record 5.745 at 253.71, Thompson was in the Winners Circle Sunday afternoon.

Starting on Tuesday trailers started to fill the ample and scenic pit area. By Friday, between the race cars and over 275 street rod/show cars, there was little or no room left - a good thing for the NHRA Wally Parks Motorsports Museum and the Beech Bend Park owners. Other than a real mixed bag of weather - from blazing sunshine to thunder storms - everyone had a great time and eliminations went off without a hitch.

Nostalgia drag racing is one of the fastest growing sports around and the record racing field at the 6th Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion (NHRR) proved it. According to Steve Gibbs, former NHRA VP and current board member of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum (producers of the Reunion), some 460 nostalgia race cars made their way to Beech Bend Raceway and were greeted by a national event quality drag strip within one of the nicest facilities in the country.

“Despite the slowness in the economy, a full complement of guys (and gals) to Bowling Green to race,” said Gibbs. “This event means a lot to young and old racers alike. They wanted to compete at Beech Bend. It’s a special place and special event.”

 

 

Full story and photos below... two pages worth.

 

3:12 p.m. After clean up from an earlier thunder storm, with skies darkening again, the Top Fuel cars had a window of opportunity to beat mother nature and get the first session in.

 

In spite of the threatening weather, this was one of the largest Friday crowds ever at the NHRR.

 

First in line, Brad Thompson and Adam Sorokin wasted no time getting out to test the track which, in spite of heavy rain, looked excellent.

Crew chief, Steve Faria makes final adjustments to the engine before Thompson moves in to stage.

Both cars left hard - Thompson was first to the 60' clocks.

 

Out of the box Thompson set the stage for what promised to be a performance riddled weekend with a 5.807 at 247.93. Sorokin was right there with a 5.993 at 5.907 at 254.76. These two would hook up again in the final on Sunday.

Saturday morning found the crew prepping the car for the the second qualifying session.

From noon on, the stands and fence areas filled at a steady pace. This was the kind of events car sponsors love.

Saturday - Qualifying Session Two

2:22 p.m - hot and humid - amid the threat of more thunder showers the Top Fuel cars came out for their second shot at what was proving to be an excellent Beech Bend track.

 

Thompson suits up.

For the second session Thompson was paired with defending event champion, Troy Green.

Thompson started eating a piston or three on the top end and clicked it a bit early to a 5.892 at just 222.55. Green went to #2 with a 5.836 at 248.93.

 

As they do after every run, the crew did complete maintenance to the engine and clutch.

Saturday - Qualifying Session Three

8:07 p.m. The cars were in line for the final qualifying session waiting for the sun to set as it was directly in the driver's eyes.

 

Thomson ripped off a stout 5.745 at 253.71 to stay #1 and reset his own track record. Murry was on a decent pass but shut off early with no apparent damage to the engine.