For decades, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has attracted racers and rodders of all kinds to events across the country, but it was just 11 years ago that the organization started honoring nostalgic racers and models that inspired vintage racing at the National Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Last weekend, the NHRA, Holley and AAA Insurance once again got together to celebrate racing and automotive history at the Hot Rod Reunion, and as we found out from WBKO News, this year’s event was one for the record books. Check out what we mean in the video above.

Image:NHRA

The NHRA and hot rodding culture has been a cornerstone for the automotive industry for decades, and nothing proved that better this last weekend than the amazing attendance at the Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green.

According to WBKO, the event, which kicked off Thursday, June 13th with a Show’n’Shine and nostalgic Hot Heads Eliminator qualifying and exhibition drag runs, was expected to bring in nearly 35,000 spectators, show-goers and racers this last weekend. Not only does this show the dedication to hot rod culture and keeping nostalgic racing alive in the automotive community, but also the surrounding area’s support of the auto industry.

Events at the National Hot Rod Reunion included the Show’n’Shine and nostalgic racing, as well as a cruise-in and kick-off party on Thursday, meet and greets with Grand Marshal Preston Davis and all the Reunion Honorees including legends like Alan Bockla, Melvin Heath, Lynwood Dupuy, Tom Prock, and Jon Lundberg on Friday, and a grand send-off with the Soffseal and Street Rodders Parade of Champions, the Hot Heads Nostalgia Drag Racing Finals and even a vintage Cacklefest featuring vintage Nitro dragsters.

If you’ve ever attended an NHRA event, you know they’re no joke and the National Hot Rod Reunion is no different. But instead of just racing, this very special event brings together professional racers, race fans, and the vintage automobiles that inspired the association’s start in the beginning all in one place. Sounds to us like an event that should definitely be marked on your calendar for next year!