WCHRA at Bakersfield

Words by Paul Schmitz and Tim Rigby
Photos by Paul Schmitz / Reflections Of

Ron Burbage was the number 4 qualifier in Pro Street.

The West Coast Hot Rod Association SummerNationals presented by Bakersfield Glass and Window included the finish of the SpringNationals, which had to be called due to high winds. This was the third race of this year to be held at Auto Club Famoso Raceway.

Although rain on Friday shortened the evening session, the Famoso crew kept on top of starting line and track conditions, making sure that the lanes stayed even. Friday proved to be a tuners night with just a few of the big horsepower cars finding the right tune-up, but come Saturday, the conditions had improved and the racers had their chances to prove themselves.

When it was all done, there were five West Coast Hot Rod Association records reset and some of the closest side by side racing the WCHRA has ever had.

PRO STREET
With the help of Pro Mod legend Charles Carpenter, Randy Walker, in his 1974 “Stealth Fighter” El Camino took the #1 qualifier spot away from Art Hodges with a 6.44 at 218.49,followed by Hodges off-the-trailer 6.467, Tim Henry, Rod Burbage, Allan Bessant, Jay Diedrich, John Mihovetz, Bret Williamson, Kelly Bluebaugh and Mike Maggio.