Nitro Revival 2025: A True Trip to Drag Racing’s Past

For the drag racing world, there’s always been a strong sense of nostalgia – especially at events like “Nitro Revival.” These gatherings are true celebrations of the past, centered around vintage front-engine dragsters that once ruled the top class, AA/FD. “AA” designated the premier category, while “FD” stood for Fuel Dragster. When rear-engine dragsters emerged around 1971, they became known as Top Fuel.

What is a cackle car?

The term “cackle” was coined by drag racing historian Greg Sharp of the NHRA Museum. He imagined what it would sound like if a group of vintage dragsters fired up their nitro-fueled HEMI^® engines all at once – and dubbed it a “Cacklefest.” While not found in any dictionary, “cackle car” has become shorthand for the sights, sounds and smells of those front-engine nitro dragsters. These aren’t racers – they’re rolling tributes to a golden era.

Nitro Revival is the brainchild of Steve Gibbs and his daughter Cindy. Previously held at Irwindale Raceway and before that at Barona Dragstrip in Ramona, CA, the event has now found a permanent home at the legendary Bakersfield track. It continues to promote and preserve the spirit of the “good ol’ days” of drag racing.

NITRO FLAMES GALORE

When the sun went down and the festivities kicked off, nitro cars were pushed down the return road, fired up, and rolled onto the dragstrip. Flames roared as they lined up and ran until the nitromethane ran dry – an unforgettable spectacle of sights and sounds.

Larry Minor

Larry Minor’s 1978-79 Top Fueler, originally driven by Larry Dixon Sr., has been fully restored to its original condition. Built on a Sherm Gunn (M&S Race Cars) chassis and powered by a Gen II HEMI engine from Jim Wright, this car claimed the NHRA Division 7 Top Fuel Championship in 1979. Chris Minor brought the car to honor his father, Larry Minor (1940–2025).

Yeakel Plymouth

The Baney, Rapp, Lisa and Rossi Yeakel-sponsored car, powered by Ed Pink, kept the flames lit longer than anyone – and the crowd ate it up.

Burkholder Bros.

Harry and Pete Burkholder ran the original version of this car, and in 2017, a fully detailed, period-correct replica was built. Now run by Harry and Robert Reel, it continues to thrill AA/Fuel Altered fans.

Don Garlits Swamp Rat III

Don Garlits greeted Sonny Messner in the Swamp Rat III, the final car down the return road. With the big HEMI engine still rumbling, it came to a stop as fans along the fence and in the grandstands soaked in the moment. Don shared memories of first coming to Bakersfield in 1959 and spoke about how much he enjoyed seeing all the cars – and the excitement of this year’s Nitro Revival.

After an incredible nitro show, the crowd poured onto the return road and track – it was truly a night to remember.

CHIZLER V

The “Chizler V” replica was meticulously built by Ron “Big Yohns” Johnson, with full blessing from Chris “The Greek” Karamesines. It features a 126-inch, 3-point tube chassis by Bobby Hansen and a 6-71 supercharged 392 Gen I HEMI engine with ported heads by Jim Swedberg. The car is now owned by Greg Barta.

TOM HOOVER AA/FD

This restoration/re-creation of Tom Hoover’s 1966 “Fish Bowl” AA/FD features a full-tail rear body design, originally built by Woody Gilmore with an aluminum body by Tom Hanna. Around 2007, Steve Andersen located a similar Woody chassis, and Pat Foster began the re-creation. After Foster’s passing in 2008, the project gained new momentum with Corey Conyers taking on the tin work – recommended personally by Tom Hanna. The stunning car debuted at the 2014 Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield and is now owned by Greg Barta.

The fully jeweled supercharged HEMI engine features a Jerry Newman tune-up, and it’s worth noting that today’s cackle cars often showcase more polish, chrome and visual “bling” than they originally had – the restoration process can sometimes get a little carried away. But it’s all in the spirit of presenting these vintage machines at their absolute best. This car also features an ultra-rare Mopar_® 8.75″ diameter third member, originally crafted by Woody Gilmore – believed to be one of only eight ever made.

THE OTHER GUYS

Driver Kelly Brown captured the NHRA World Championship in this car back in 1978. Powered by a 417 Donovan HEMI engine topped with a Bowers blower, the Brissette & Drake Top Fueler kicked off the season with a win at the Winternationals in Pomona – setting the tone for a title-winning year.

TV TOMMY IVO

Tommy Ivo joined in the fun, bringing along the last front-engined AA/FD he ran before transitioning to a rear-engine setup – a car now owned by John Neas. A true legend who’s seen it all and raced just about everything, Tommy is always a crowd favorite, especially when sharing his stories from drag strips across the country.

WATERMAN AND HAMPSHIRE

Ronnie Hampshire handled the driving, with Sid Waterman as the engine guru behind the power. This car has been faithfully restored – but make no mistake, it’s still in its original “battle-ready” condition. This ain’t no show pony!

MAGICAR

Bill Pitts was honored on the starting line by Steve Gibbs for his legendary resurrection of the Magicar AA/FD – the car widely credited with kicking off the entire cackle car movement. The recognition came in the form of a Silver Wally Trophy, with John Strom suited up behind the butterfly. A truly special moment.

SWAMP RAT III

A West Coast favorite, Swamp Rat III was the real deal – a record-setter in its day with a 7.88-second run at 198.66 mph. A true icon in the cackle car scene.

BILLY LYNCH

This 1967 AA/FD replica, originally from Race Car Specialties, was built by Pat Foster with extreme attention to engine detail. Finished in stunning House of Kolor Candy Apple Red, the car is now owned by John Lipori and is considered a true work of art. Power comes from a 392-cubic-inch HEMI engine pulled from a 1958 Chrysler Imperial, topped with a rare Art Chrisman/Dick Holt billet 6-71 supercharger.

MAGNIFICENT 7

Leroy Chadderton drove the “Magnificent 7” AA/FA from 1966 to 1971 – a groundbreaking car credited as the first Fuel Altered to break 200 mph and dip into the 6-second range. Restored and brought to Bakersfield by Skip Davis, the car was a fan favorite in its day, running out of Riverside, CA, with sponsorship from J&M Speed Shop.

FRANK PEDREGON

Mike and Irene Elsberry own the “Flamin’ Frank” Pedregon tribute car – a striking AA/F Competition Coupe featuring a rear section styled after a Fiat Topolino body shell. Known as the “World’s Fastest Coupe,” it was built by Pat Foster around 2003 with a 156-inch wheelbase, and its 392 HEMI engine was assembled by the legendary Dale Armstrong. The car pays homage to Frank Pedregon (1941-1981), who famously told Drag Sport Illustrated in 1965 that he soaked the drag slicks in gasoline before each run – causing them to ignite in flames as he blasted down the track.

BEAVER HUNTER II

The Pritchard family brought out the “Beaver Hunter II” AA/FA, originally debuted by Nolan Pritchard for the 1968 drag racing season. Among its drivers was the talented Henry Harrison – and later, a young John Force, who got his early start behind the wheel and began his path to drag racing greatness.

GREAT TURNOUT OF LEGENDARY DRAGSTERS

Walking through the Famoso pits, front-engined dragsters were everywhere – a mix of originals and faithful re-creations, most powered by early 392-cid HEMI engines. Throughout the day, organized fire-ups brought these machines to life, and the switch from alcohol to nitromethane was unmistakable – the engines truly roared. Stopping to chat with owners and crews felt like stepping into a living drag racing history lesson. Here’s a colorful sampling of the incredible variety on display.

NEXT UP FOR BAKERSFIELD 2026

The Good Vibrations March Meet returns March 6-8, 2026, drawing a huge turnout of participants and fans alike. First held in 1959, it remains one of the most important nostalgia events in the drag racing community and serves as the season opener for the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series.

More details at www.famosodragstrip.com.

Author: James Maxwell