Bruce Larson with his painting.

As well as the awards, tribute was paid to club organizer Peter Bartlett and Top Fuel Bike legend Brian Johnson and his wife, Ann, all of whom sadly passed away during the last year.

Finally surprise presentations of crystal trophies were made by Beech Underwriting Agencies Managing Director Geoff Stilwell to BDRHoF Chairman Stu Bradbury, General Secretary and Treasurer Bev Bradbury and Commerce and Marketing head Brian Taylor. The evening was completed with the American visitors holding a Grand Autograph Session.

The Gala day also included face-to-face interviews with UK pioneers that were filmed for inclusion in a TV series covering the history of American drag racing and the performance parts industry. Not only that but the afternoon featured an entertaining Legends Bench Racing Session with the guest American and Norwegian racers and personalities telling stories about back in the day with questions from the floor.

The sessions were introduced by Traci Hrudka, Chair of the Cleveland, Ohio-based Quarter Mile Foundation, and facilitated by US Network TV announcer Jack Korpela.