| "It's my wife's birthday today (Oct. 2), and I'm just happy she let me come down here today to win that trophy," Thompson said. Thompson, twice track champion at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, put his experience to good use. He drove easily to the win as his opponent left the starting line too early, causing a red-light foul. It was the first win in the class for Thompson, after Denver Schutz left the line early. "I spotted the red light out of the corner of my eye and swatted the throttle," said Thompson. "I knew we didn't have to drive it hard."
The Reunion is produced by and benefits the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, which keeps the roots of American motor sports alive. Thompson's most likely challenger and National Hot Rod Reunion Champion Sean Bellemeur, went out in the second round of eliminations, leaving just 0.009 seconds too early according to the timing computer.
"I've got the Auto Club flag painted on the side," Thompson said. "And this is the first anniversary of my licensing pass right here. [Parks Museum Board Member] Steve Gibbs gave me a chance to get my license last year." Thompson won track championships twice at Auto Club Famoso Raceway's weekly drag racing series, but drives a doorslammer in that series.
"It's amazing to do it at my home track," Thompson continued. He thanked his crew include Henry Cherist and Steve Feria for their help, as well as sponsor LG Bless Concrete.
In other action, Bobby Shahan crashed his '68 Dodge Dart against the wall, but he was not injured. The car, called the "Drag-on Lady," was damaged but can be repaired. Shahan's mother, Shirley, was honored at the Reunion for her place as the first female to win an NHRA elimination race.
Sean Renteria was the AA/Gas winner.
Mike Austin won in A Fuel. Austin red-lighted, but got the victory when his opponent, Kin Bates, drifted across the center-line.
Other winners included Bud Hammer in Junior Fuel B, John Haire in Junior Fuel, and Rich Raymond in Nostalgia Eliminator.
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