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California Hot Rod Reunion celebrates its international drag racing family

The 2026 California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports and featuring Nitro Revival, Oct. 23-25, is once again shaping up to be a truly international gathering, with tickets already purchased from many foreign countries.
15 Sep 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
CHRR

Established in 1992, the California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports and featuring Nitro Revival has grown into one of the most anticipated gatherings in drag racing. Held annually at legendary Famoso Dragstrip, the reunion brings together racers, fans, car enthusiasts, and media from across the United States and around the world.

The 2026 California Hot Rod Reunion, Oct. 23-25, is once again shaping up to be a truly international gathering, with tickets already purchased from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

With the event still weeks away, the list of countries represented is expected to grow for the Throwback Event of the Year!

The California Hot Rod Reunion continues to attract drag racing fans and competitors from around the world, making it a must-attend event for the global hot rod and drag racing community.

Mike Rice, the event’s racing director and director of NHRA’s Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, says the worldwide response is one of the most rewarding aspects of the event.

“It’s a pleasure to help put on an event that brings the drag racing world together," he said. "Every year, I’m simply amazed by the international attendance at the reunion. People travel thousands of miles to be a part of this event, and that says a lot about the passion and appreciation they have for drag racing and the history of Famoso.”

A Celebration of Drag Racing Around the World

In recognition of the many international visitors who make the journey to Bakersfield, the reunion will proudly display the flags of participating nations in the starting-line area throughout the California Hot Rod Reunion.

Fans traveling to the reunion from outside the United States are encouraged to contact the reunion staff at chrr@famosodragstrip.com and let them know they will be attending. This will allow the reunion staff to make sure their country’s flag is included in the international display.

International visitors — and anyone who has traveled a significant distance to attend the reunion — are invited to stop by the control tower when they arrive, introduce themselves, and share where they are from. It’s a simple tradition that helps showcase just how far the love of drag racing reaches.  

“The reunion family is truly made up of drag racing fans from around the world,” Rice continued. “Every October, we come together to celebrate the history of this great sport. The reunion has become much more than just a race. It’s a global gathering that celebrates the passion, history, and community that makes drag racing so special.”

With historic race cars, legends who helped shape the sport, passionate fans, and competitors and enthusiasts traveling from across the country and around the world, the reunion delivers an unforgettable experience that brings the past, present, and future of hot rodding together.

For tickets and information
Visit: nhramuseum.org, call (800) 759-8679, or email: CHRR@famosodragstrip.com