Despite Fire, March Meet is Still On at Famoso

If you are unfamiliar with Famoso Raceway, shame on you for calling yourself a hot rodder. It’s located just north of Bakersfield, California and what helped establish the NHRA’s legitimacy when it was still rising above the street legacy it was known for at the time. However, a fire burned into the early morning at the facility and put the March Meet in jeopardy.

On the sixth of January at 3:30am, the VIP Tower of the world famous Famoso Raceway was in flames. This legendary track, which has history stretching back to the 1950s, had a part of it turned to ash. However, the track owner still feels that this will not deter them and will open in time for the famous March Meet so fans of the true nostalgia drag cars will enjoy a day that takes them back to the past.

Like quite a few drag strips and racetracks, it was once an Army base used during World War II that was taken out of service. A group of drag racing pioneers, but just some kids with attitude in their day known as the Bakersfield Smokers, bought the facility and created Famoso Raceway, named for road it resides on that is located between Highway 99 and Highway 65 East. While it’s mostly known now for the March Meet, Famoso also hosts the California Hot Rod Reunion, a high school drag racing series, and several other drag events. It’s also now a part of the Kern County Racing Association and is run by John Bowser, president of Famoso Raceway.