Text and Photos by Mashie Mihalko

Chamber of Commerce weather greeted the show car participants and spectators for the 27th USA-1 Nostalgia Drag Fest. This annual event is held at Bruce Larson’s Stoney Creek Barn located in Dauphin, PA. Parking space was at a premium for the record number of show cars and spectators. The special guest this year was Mr. 4 Speed, Herb McCandless. who drove his pristine 1961 Chrysler from Burlington, NC. Herb is well known for his 1970 Pro Stock win at the US Nationals. He is also remembered for driving a variety of Sox and Martin race cars.

            The attendees gathered in the Barn at 1 pm for the award presentation ceremony and charity auction. Bruce’s Barn houses racing memorabilia from his many years of drag racing competition and is a must see for nostalgia enthusiasts. McCandless was the recipient of the Nostalgia Dragfest Recognition Award. This honor is presented to individuals preserving the Heritage of Drag Racing. 

            Mike Dunn, a former Funny Car, Top Fuel Driver, and ESPN Announcer was the celebrity auctioneer to benefit the St. Jude Childrens Hospital. A variety of racing memorabilia was available for bidding  by the attendees. Thousands of dollars once again was raised for the Memphis, TN medical facility. 

            Among the notable race cars on display were: Rocky Pirrone’s “Boss Hydro” 1933 Willys, Jim Kramer’s ’65 Dodge Coronet “Honker“ driven by Bud Faubel, and E. J. Kowalski’s 200 mph record holder land speed vehicle. Everyone is looking forward to Oct. 2026 when they will have the opportunity again to bench race and renew acquaintances with fellow nostalgia drag racing enthusiasts.