NHRA officials confirmed the return of the National Hot Rod Reunion name for the June 18-20 event at Beech Bend Raceway, marking a deliberate shift toward the sport’s historical roots during its 75th anniversary season. The move reestablishes one of the Heritage Series’ most recognizable brands at a venue long tied to nostalgia drag racing.
The decision aligns with a broader effort to reinforce NHRA’s legacy properties while strengthening fan engagement around heritage-driven events. It also signals renewed emphasis on storytelling and preservation within the Hot Rod Heritage Series.
Broc Porter will oversee event operations for the first time, expanding collaboration between the NHRA Motorsports Museum and his family-owned Beech Bend Raceway. Porter and his wife, Rebecca, have operated the facility since 1984, maintaining its status as a cornerstone venue in grassroots drag racing.
“This is an opportunity to build this race back to what it was when it first arrived in the early 2000s,” Porter said. “This race helped put Beech Bend on the national map and has been a great event for us for many years. We want to see it continue and grow back into a prominent event that honors the legacy of both Beech Bend and NHRA drag racing.”
Porter’s leadership introduces a track-first approach rooted in operational continuity and long-term vision. His involvement is expected to bridge the gap between tradition and modern event execution.
The National Hot Rod Reunion serves as the sixth stop on the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series schedule, a circuit built around nostalgia competition and vintage exhibition. Event proceeds will benefit the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, reinforcing the event’s dual role as both competition and preservation platform.
Support for Porter’s transition includes guidance from Blake Bowser, who has overseen recent growth initiatives tied to heritage-focused events. His involvement adds continuity to a model that has elevated nostalgia racing’s visibility in recent seasons.
The Beech Bend stop has historically drawn strong participation from both racers and fans, making it a reliable anchor on the Heritage Series calendar. This year’s return to the National Hot Rod Reunion name is expected to amplify that draw during a milestone season.
The event will feature three days of nostalgia racing, along with hot rods, show cars, and a swap meet tied closely to drag racing culture. Organizers are positioning the weekend as both a competitive showcase and a celebration of the sport’s evolution.
Cacklefests, car shows, and fan-focused experiences will complement on-track competition, providing a multi-layered attraction beyond eliminations. These elements are designed to reinforce the connection between modern fans and drag racing’s formative years.
On-track highlights will include nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters capable of exceeding 240 mph, maintaining the visceral appeal that defines the series. The combination of speed and heritage continues to serve as a primary draw for attendees.
Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday, concluding a full weekend of competition, exhibitions, and tributes to NHRA pioneers. The structure reflects a traditional race format while integrating festival-style elements.
“This is great for the long-term outlook of this event,” said Jason Galvin, NHRA Sportsman Manager. “Broc and Rebecca operate a world-class facility. It’s located in the hot-rodding hotbed of America and, obviously, the 75th anniversary tie-in sets this up to be a booming resurgence for the Hot Rod Reunion brand and a great weekend for the NHRA Museum as well.”
