Drag Racing Action Online

Images Dave Kommel and Phil Hutchison

With the event of the 2025 Drag Racing season less than a month away, racers continue to enter the Reunion and Revival setting up a weekend for the ages. The event, held at Famoso Dragstrip north of Bakersfield CA. has held some of the most iconic races in the history of drag racing and 2025 looks to be no different.

In 2024, the NHRA and the NHRA Motorsport Museum agreed to let Famoso Dragstrip and President Blake Bowser take control of California Hot Rod Reunion. The first thing Bowser and his crew did was to return the event back to its original name.

At the time Bowser said, “I think that was the challenge that was faced before with NHRA and the museum: transitioning it from a gathering into a drag race.”

During the 2024 event, Bowser was hands on throughout the weekend showing his seriousness.

“Now we’re trying to figure out how we can have a drag race yet take some time to slow down a little bit and celebrate our legends.” 

For 2025 Bowser and his team will get their wishes. After Irwindale Raceway, home of the Nitro Revival closed their doors after the 2024 season, the Revival team worked with Bowser and Famoso track operator Tim Huddleston to get the Revival to be a major part of the CHRR, now known as The California Hot Rod Reunion featuring Nitro Revival and presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports.

In a win/win situation, fans and racers alike will have a weekend that no one will forget. As of this writing 68 Cackle Cars have signed up for the event with more to come.

Event Manager Cindy Gibbs and daughter of CHRR creator Steve Gibbs said, “When we got word that Irwindale was closing, we were heartbroken…and we obviously had to start thinking about what we could do in the future. Tim Huddleston let us know at that time that he was taking over as operator of Famoso, which led to the conversation of taking Nitro Revival to Bakersfield.”

“Track manager Blake Bowser was a big help to us at the last NR event, and he let us know at that time that he really wanted to build back the CHRR to the event that it once was. Having my dad Steve back involved would be monumental in making that happen.”

“My dad’s history with the creation of the CHRR is well known…he’s just the guy that makes this “feel good” again. Blake is doing everything he can on his end to attract the fans and we are bringing the legends of the sport and Cackle Car community back to Famoso…the fans are in for a treat!! CACKLEFEST will rock the Patch once again!”

Steve, Marge, and Cindy Gibbs share a special moment at the 2024 Nitro Revival 

All this history and 17 classes contested over the weekend. From Nitro burning Top Fuel Dragster and Funny cars to all the Heritage Series groups plus A/FX and AA/Fuel Altered.

Making exhibition passes all weekend will be the Outlaw Gassers Association along with the California Independent Funny Car Association

Cindy Gibbs adds, “We want to thank everyone who has supported Nitro Revival over the years…we can’t wait to see everyone.”

Get your tickets today for the 2025 California Hot Rod Reunion featuring Nitro Revival and presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports!

October 24th-26th at the legendary Famoso Dragstrip in Bakersfield!

Don’t miss a single day of action!! 
Remember full event ticket holders receive an awesome goody bag, while supplies last!

Tickets are available through the FOAT!

Tickets & Info:
Visit: https://nhramuseum.org/chrr/
Call: (800) 759-8679
Email: CHRR@famosodragstrip.com