Famoso Dragstrip will see a change in leadership in 2025 as Tim Huddleston, currently at Irwindale Speedway and Dragstrip, takes over daily operations from Blake Bowser. Huddleston’s team will relocate to the historic quarter-mile track just outside of Bakersfield, California, as Irwindale is set for redevelopment.
Bowser will continue overseeing the marquee events at Famoso, including the March Meet and the California Hot Rod Reunion, while also leading efforts to promote the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series. This transition allows Huddleston to focus on expanding Famoso’s non-Heritage events, such as the NHRA Summit Racing Series events.
“I’m honored to continue the legacy of Famoso Dragstrip and build on the exceptional foundation established by Blake Bowser and his family,” Huddleston told NHRA.com. “I look forward to supporting his vision for these iconic events while creating new opportunities for racers and fans at Famoso.”
Bowser played a key role in establishing the Hot Rod Heritage Series, working with others to promote nostalgia drag racing across the country. He will remain actively involved at Famoso, advising on series rules and helping other Heritage Series tracks.
“This is a great opportunity for Famoso Dragstrip, drag racers, drag racing fans, and the community,” Bowser said. “Tim is going to bring many new events to Famoso Dragstrip. This change will allow me to focus on the March Meet and the Hot Rod Reunion, which have the support of Good Vibrations Motorsports.”
Huddleston plans to prioritize the NHRA Street Legal program, established to combat illegal street racing. During his tenure at Irwindale, the facility experienced significant growth and set a standard for the NHRA’s Street Legal program.
“This is an exciting day for fans of drag racing in California,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “Tim Huddleston has been a fantastic partner of the NHRA, and his vision for expanding Famoso’s footprint will help ensure racers have a safe place to race in the future.”
