Drag Racing Action Online

Images Dave Kommel

The seventh annual Nitro Revival once again, did not fail to thrill. In what was an action-packed month in the Southwest with Good Guys Hot Rod Reunion at Bakersfield, the NHRA Ford Nevada Nationals in Vegas, and SEMA, the Revival stood out in a sea of drag racing action.

The event, the creation of former NHRA Director Steve Gibbs and his daughter Cindy along with Ron Johnson and other former racers has become a must see and do for fans and racers who love the early days of drag racing that featured front motor dragster, early Funny Cars and gassers.

As in year’s past there was racing, a car show, Cackelfest, autograph session, and on Friday, a memorial ceremony to honor the folks who passed since the last Revival.

The 2024 edition was bittersweet with the announcement of the Irwindale facility closing for good at the end of the year and the loss of Steve Gibbs and his girlfriend Marge’s home in the California wildfires. But even with all the bad news, the show must go on

And the show did go on as a record amount fans and the cars showed up for the 2024 Revival.

Event coordinator Cindy Gibbs said, “We got the crowd we have hopped for after years of building the event. The overflow parking was full by nine in the morning. Usually, we don’t start putting cars there until the afternoon, there were so many spectators coming through the gates.”

“Blake Bowser and his Bakersfield crew came down and helped with parking and logistics. I had Mendy Fry working registration and Irwindale’s Tim Huddleston and his folks worked their butts off. We had a killer turnout. It was the best medicine for all we were going through.”

“We had at least 50 Cackle cars on the track and for the first time we had cars behind the Christmas tree as there was no room on the track. The hot rod hangout had close to 200 cars

“This was the feel good event of the year. You can call it a Cacklefest but to me it was a Love Fest going on as everyone was high on the event. Everybody smiling and thankful for being part of the show. When participants and sponsors are thanking you for such a great time, that means so much.”

Southern California photographer Pam Conrad said,” There was a lot of emotions flowing as this being the last NR at Irwindale Speedway… Was it NITRO tears flowing after the Stout Line of Fire, or a mix of Bittersweet emotions… I’d say, this was one of the best! The people, the cars…nothing like it! A huge shout out of thanks and appreciation to Steve and Cindy Gibbs along with all their support staff, job well done!”

Adding to the accolades was Hall of Fame’s Richard Shute who said, “While the news of Steve Gibbs’s tragedy was on everyone’s mind, the overall vibe was upbeat. What can you say about Cinders, damn, the strength she shows. She is her father’s daughter. She and her sisters Stephanie and Debbie were stoic in their composure and “get it done” attitude. Fantastic event!”

Dave Kommel, who has been photographing the event for years said, “This was a great event, well attended, and well populated with classic cackle cars and legendary drag racing personalities. Cindy Gibbs did a masterful job under difficult circumstances compounded by her father Steve (and his fiancé) losing their house to a wildfire 2 days before the event. Looking forward to Nitro Revival 8 wherever it lands next year”

On that subject, when asked what the future of the unique event looked like, Cindy said, “We have to get through Dad and Marge’s wedding but there will be a Revival in 2025. There’s talk about having it at the Bakersfield event but as of right now we are letting the dust settle and enjoy the afterglow of the event. Nitro Revival is not going away.”

Finally, Steve Gibbs said, ‘So much has happened…but we will get through it. The house…the car…the lifetime of things accumulated are gone, but we’re still here. We cannot begin to thank our family and friends enough for their amazing support and generosity. It has been an emotional roller coaster, but the Nitro Revival experience over the weekend was the best therapy possible. The love and support we felt was unreal. It will take months to express our gratitude to individual folks, but we will try over time.

Steve adds, “The coming days are going to be a challenge, but we are in good shape. We have all the resources needed to move forward. We certainly appreciate the donations we have received, and will use the funds to help recover, but please know that we are not in trouble financially. Others need help much worse.”

“Please show your love to my daughter Cindy and her volunteer team for making Nitro Revival such a huge success under the circumstances. She is a miracle.

“Marge and I have postponed our wedding for a couple of months, as there are simply too many other things to deal with. Life has been good to us and will continue to be…all with incredible love and support. Thank you!”

For more of Dave’s images from this historical event, go to: