POMONA, Calif. — When participants and fans cruise into Bowling Green, Ky., for the June 18-20 Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, they’ll bring their hot rods, cool cars…and their wallets. It’s estimated the Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Refinishes, and now in its second year at Beech Bend Raceway Park, will generate more than $3.5 million to the Warren County area, which is more than 2.19 percent of the almost $161 million economic impact of tourism on Bowling Green for the year, according to the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“An estimated 31,000 people came to Beech Bend Raceway Park for last year’s NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion,” said Gary West, executive director of the visitors bureau. “These kinds of events obviously contribute significantly to the local economy.”
“Now, for the second consecutive year, every hotel in Bowling Green will be sold out due to the gathering of hot rodders, street rodders, custom car and muscle car fans,” said Sam Jackson, executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif., producers of the event. “The Reunion brings a lot of people to Bowling Green, and they’re here to have a good time, whether they’re showing their cars, racing them or just admiring the incredible effort that goes into preserving the roots of the sport.”
An analysis showed that participants spend about $588,000 on hotel rooms alone. “Add more than $3 million in admissions, meals, souvenirs, fuel and other local purchases and we estimate the direct impact on the local economy is more than $3.5 million,” said Jackson. “Bowling Green was wonderful to us last year and the perfect place for the Reunion, so we’re back for Father’s Day weekend this year. ”
Produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, will include Crane Cams nostalgic drag racing in such classes at Top Fuel, Supercharged Gassers, classic Funny Cars and Super Stocks, along with a giant street rod, customs, classics and muscle car SofffSeal “show n’ shine,” swap meet for classic car and racing parts, special stage show and a separate amusement park with rides and games for all ages adjacent to the park.
Patterned after the annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield, the event also includes the all-time favorite “Cacklefest” under the stars. The activity involves early-days-style front-engine dragsters being push-started, then all gathered together on the drag strip starting-line with engines running.
The Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Refinishes, will also cater to car clubs, with special contests and activities for clubs. Information-including a full activities schedule and entry forms-is available through the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. To receive updated information, prospective participants should send a post card or note to NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, P.O. Box 2345, Pomona, Calif. 91769. Or e-mail your name and address to [email protected] Proceeds of the Holley Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Refinishes, will benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. 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 is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., PST, with extended hours during NHRA national events. Current NHRA members are admitted free. Admission for non-members is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 60 and older, $3 for juniors six through 15, and free for children under the age of five. The Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit www.nhra.com/museum _______________________________________ Click here to view the rest of today’s headlines.
