Another year of Gasser Reunion is in the books and it was everything a drag race fan could expect. Thompson Raceway Park has been running since the early ‘50s and has certainly seen its share of gasser action throughout the years.

“Ohio George” Montgomery at the autograph table

The Gasser Reunion dates back to 2002 and this class has seen a rapid growth in popularity in recent years. Gasser legend “Ohio George” Montgomery was the Grand Marshall and could be found signing autographs at the Cruisin’ Times Magazine’s Drag Racing Legends tent. Dave and Susie Koffel, Nick and Joanne Larussi and others were also on hand to meet and greet race fans.

 
Cruisin’ Times Magazine held down the North end of the track

Cruisin' Times Magazine editor, John Shapiro poses for a photo with “Godzilla” legend Nick Larussi

John Shapiro (Cruisin’ Times Magazine) has been an avid supporter and promotional partner of this event and especially the Friday evening Alkydigger.com “Nitro Noise” blastoff! In addition there was nice variety of race and show cars lined up along the fence by their tent for attendees to check out.

Two popular groups of gassers added to the already big show. The Nostalgia AA/Gassers returned to Thompson for the first time in four years. The club runs a Heads Up, All Out, No Index format in a “Chicago Style” shootout providing the quickest and fastest racing on the property. The Ohio AA/Gassers brought out eleven members and their tire smoking, wheel standing machines and the crowd favorite BUGS (Back-Up Girls).

 
(L-R) Junior Ward drove his 1934 Willys sedan, “Junkyard Dog,” to the final round win over
Michael Campolucci in his 1933 Willys coupe, “Code Blue,” for the Nostalgia AA/Gassers group

Junior Ward drove his 1934 Willys sedan, “Junkyard Dog,” to the final round win over Michael Campolucci in his 1933 Willys coupe, “Code Blue,” for the Nostalgia AA/Gassers group.

The skies had been threatening for a while and intermittent rain forced a split between the two Ohio AA/Gassers finalists, Bob Cook in his ’57 Corvette, “Crazy Grandpa,” and Alan Borowski’s, “Scott Rods,” ’48 Anglia. Bob and Alan decided to run off the final at a later date.

Bob Cook’s Corvette and Alan Borowski’s Anglia shared the winner status due to rain in the Ohio Outlaw AA/Gassers

The First Lady of Drag Racing Barb Hamilton watching the action on the track.
Barb was the first woman licensed to drive a supercharged car by the NHRA.

When the curtain closed on this round of the Gasser Reunion it left spectators and participants looking forward to next year. 

If you missed out on this one, maybe it is time to start making plans for 2017!

NOSTALGIA DRAG WORLD - Text by Joe Secka