The year 1958 brought Americans the Hula Hoop and NASA. But one moment that stands out among the drag racing community is Junior Thompson's Little Eliminator victory at the NHRA Nationals in Oklahoma City. Fifty years later, Thompson, the Gasser great, continues to be a star among cars. This year Thompson's been named Grand Marshal of the 17th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, Oct. 10-12, Bakersfield, Calif.
Thompson is being honored along with Georgia Seipel, Steve Davis, John Edmunds, Walt Rhoades and Butch Maas. In this interview, the always talkative Thompson looks back on his 30-year drag racing career as a driver and his current duties as Grand Marshal of the Hot Rod Reunion.
R&C: How does it feel to be named Grand Marshal for the 17th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion? What does the Reunion mean to you?
Junior Thompson: I've been in drag racing since the '50s, and coming out to every California Reunion since it began, so it feels great being named Grand Marshal after so many years in the sport. The Reunion is a wonderful time to meet up with my old friends and talk about racing. I'm expecting many of my friends and family to come out to the Reunion.
R&C: When you were racing decades ago, did you think you'd be honored years later? Are you surprised that people remember your racing exploits?
JT: When I was a 17-year-old at my first race, I was in it just for the love of drags. Since coming to the Reunions, my friends and fans would always ask when I was going to be honored. So after more than 50 years in racing it really feels good to tell friends that I'm being honored as Grand Marshal. I'm not surprised because I've been involved for so many years and racing is still a big part of my life and my family's life.
R&C: What are some of your fondest (and funniest) memories about drag racing in the early days? What do you miss most? Do you keep in touch with a lot of your old drag racing friends?
JT: My win as first Little Eliminator at the NHRA Nationals in Oklahoma City in 1958 and my win at the first Bakersfield March Meet in 1959 are two of my fondest memories. Drag racing is not what it used to be. The Reunions are wonderful because we get to be around things we love like racing and cars the way they were. That's why I continue to go to the Reunions; to see my old drag racing friends and talk about the good old days and remember good friends that have passed on like Wally Parks.
R&C: Are you surprised at the popularity of nostalgia drag racing? Why do you think people enjoy it so much?
JT: I'm not surprised because I've been around it for so many years and I grew up with it. They enjoy it for the same reason I do: a love for speed and cars.
R&C: What do you think of drag racing today compared to when you were on the circuit?
JT: Today, I'm amazed at how expensive drag racing has become. You almost have to be a millionaire to drag race and maintain your car today. When I started it was just a few bucks to maintain the parts for my cars and get me to the races. Back in the old days, it was purely for the love of the sport, not the fame or money like today.
The 17th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, Oct. 10-12 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, is a 3-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm. It's also the season finale of the inaugural NHRA's Hot Rod Heritage nostalgia drag racing series.
Those purchasing their credentials at least three weeks before the event receive significant added value including a "goodie" bag, Reunion program, commemorative dash plaque and a colorful and collectible plastic souvenir credential. Three-day credentials ($55 each) are available by calling 800/884-NHRA (6472) or by completing a form found in the Reunion section of the Museum's Website (http://museum.nhra.com). Auto Club members receive a $5 discount off Adult credential prices.
Daily general admission tickets/pit passes will be available at Auto Club Famoso Raceway gate, (www.famosoraceway.com). Cost per person: Friday, $20; Saturday, $20; Sunday, $15. Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Auto Club discount is also available at the gate: $2 off Friday and Saturday and, $1 off Sunday.