The anticipation only built as the road climbed towards the EMMR parking lot. There were lines of trailers in place, causing your face to involuntarily smile in anticipation of the nostalgic magic that was awaiting. And once parked and walking the grounds, there was no disappointment. Show cars, drag cars, legendary cars…not to mention some legendary people to go with them. The usual cast of characters were in attendance, a group who spends a lot of time and effort at these reunion events, doing their best to keep the history of hot rodding alive so the younger ones have a foundation to build upon and keep the sport going onward.

It’s always been a pleasure seeing one of Bruce Larson’s USA-1 cars on display. Bruce always works to keep the history of the sport alive, and the funny car he brought was a perfect step back into time to see what a late 60s-early 70s funny car was all about. And if your mood was for something even older, E.J. Kowalski provided that with vintage iron. With that tone set, all the other cars fit right in.

And, of course, you can’t be “at” the museum without stepping inside. Even if you’ve seen the cars before, the way exhibits are rotated and changed it always feels like the first time. Everything is there from drag cars, to dirt cars, and even some land speed stuff. It’s a unique look at racing history from the area.

The Lyndwood gang’s dragster display was definitely the most meaningful of all this weekend. Michael J. Prestas Jr. had wanted to join them for this reunion, but sadly passed away in June. In a fitting tribute, Michael’s ashes were placed in a very special receptacle and joined the crew and the car today and traveled along for Day 2 at South Mountain Raceway.

Last, but very certainly not least, the golden voice of nostalgia drag racing, Frankie Burke, gave a description and commentary on each car that was fired up and “cackled” in a way that only Frankie can. We were also treated to an example of what a dragster engine can do to green grass.

Mark this one on your calendar for next year! And if you enjoyed this coverage, keep looking for Part 2 of this story, as the weekend was continued at South Mountain Raceway.