Steve Gibbs grew up a dreamer but has become more of a realist as he has aged. The reality of his popular Nitro Revival event is a clouded future.
The Nitro Revival, regarded as a celebration of nitro racing’s rich history, has become a focal point for fans and participants alike.
“[The event is] at Irwindale right now, which is a great location for our event,” Gibbs said. “Unfortunately, like many other drag strips in California, I think its days are numbered.”
Gibbs is concerned about potential legal issues and city planning that could threaten the venue, indicating that this year’s might be the last Nitro Revival at Irwindale.
Despite hosting the successful event at multiple venues since 2017, Gibbs acknowledged the importance of finding a new home for the Nitro Revival to ensure its survival.
“For Nitro Revival to continue, we need to look elsewhere. Bakersfield has a long-term future as a racing venue, and I believe we’re probably destined to work something out there,” he explained.
A key feature of the Nitro Revival is its emphasis on cackle cars, which are not traditional race cars but rather a way to preserve the sport’s history.
“The guys who bring these cars have invested significant resources to celebrate the nostalgia of nitro racing,” Gibbs noted. He emphasized the need for a dedicated venue to showcase these historic machines, underscoring a potential return to Bakersfield as a fitting home for future events.
Despite the challenges, Gibbs remains optimistic about the event’s direction.
“Time heals all wounds, and there’s a possibility that we can come back together again,” he said, reflecting on the complexities of the event’s management in previous years. Acknowledging the changes that led to the launch of Nitro Revival, he spoke about the importance of carving out a niche for celebration and remembrance.
Gibbs highlighted the Nitro Revival’s dual objectives: creating a reunion atmosphere while generating revenue to support the Wally Parks NHRA Museum.
“You need to bring in spectators because the money helps keep the museum alive,” he stated. “This event has morphed into more than just a reunification; it’s become a race that attracts those who love the thrill of competition.”
With an aging fan base and many legends of the sport drawing near to the end of their careers, Gibbs views the Nitro Revival as a vital platform to celebrate history and legacy.
“As long as we have Hall of Famers attending, we want to make it a showplace for them,” he said. At the last event, over 40 Hall of Fame members were present, many of whom are lesser-known figures who contributed significantly to the sport’s growth.
Personally invested in the Nitro Revival, Gibbs takes pride in the legacy he has built. The 85-year-old believes it will continue through his oldest daughter, Cindy.
“I’m fortunate to have a healthy life and a wonderful daughter, Cindy, who is deeply passionate about the history of the sport,” he shared. “We do this out of love, not for a living. Our mission is to preserve and introduce the sport’s history to new generations. This is what it used to be like.”
As the Nitro Revival prepares for its next chapter, Gibbs remains dedicated to celebrating the sport and its history. “It’s a celebration of the people who made drag racing what it is today,” he concluded.
