Sorokin Seeks Success at 2009 California Hot Rod Reunion
Bakersfield, Calif. – For second generation Nostalgia Top Fuel driver Adam Sorokin, The 18th running of the California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, is more than a drag race, it is an opportunity to pay tribute to some of the legends who created the sport of drag racing. The fact Sorokin will do this driving the Champion Speed Shop’s potent nitro-methane powered slingshot at the legendary Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield is icing on the cake.
“I have attended 14 of these events and every year the show and history gets more surreal,” noted Sorokin, the Glendale, Calif. driver who is competing in his fifth reunion. “From door cars to our Nitro Nostalgia front-motor dragster, there is a class for everyone to watch and enjoy. Everywhere you look legends from the golden age of drag racing as well as present day players are walking the pits and checking out the scene. It’s an event like no other.”
Sorokin and the Champion Speed Shop team, who campaign the only small-block Chevy entered in Nostalgia Top Fuel, head into this year’s reunion after a final round appearance at the recently completed Governors Cup held at Sacramento Raceway. Sorokin and his team are confident their little mouse motor will match up well against the hemi contingent. “I’m excited to race at the Hot Rod Reunion with a car capable of running with the Hemi’s,” stated Sorokin. “The car ran really well at Sacramento last month. It had its best numbers to 60-foot and half track yet. Bobby McLennan and the team have really improved the performance of our car and it’s rapidly becoming a player.”
The reunion also gives Sorokin the pleasure of mingling with several of the legends of the sport who competed with his father, the late Mike Sorokin, who drove the Southern California based ‘Surfers’ legendary Top Fuel Dragster of the mid-1960’s. “I would love to do well at Bakersfield. It’s my favorite track and it’s the same track my father had his biggest success at (winning the ‘66 March Meet in Top Fuel). I really can’t stress how amazing this event has become. The Reunion is one of the best races of the year and it’s a thrill and an honor just to participate in it.”
The Nostalgia Top Fuel class will hit the Famoso Drag Strip on Friday October 16th at 2 p.m. for their first of two qualifying sessions. The second session will commence Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. with the first round of eliminations occurring later that afternoon.
For more information about this year’s California Hot Rod Reunion, please visit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum website
