(James Drew photo)

Words by Jim Baker
Photos by Larissa Larson, Garry Smith, Bob Snyder, and James Drew

After several weeks of cold, questionable weather, conditions could not have been better for the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage points opener at Speedworld Raceway Park near Surprise, Ariz., on March 5-6. The weather was a balmy 75 degrees, with a slight breeze, plenty of sunshine and a fierce turnout of competition.

Billed as the Arizona Fuel & Gas Championships, the event included categories 1 & 2 Nostalgia racers, plus a feature of the Western Fuel Altered Association.

Mel Larson, left, receives two awards from present owner Dan Matthews commemorating 50 years of sanctioned drag racing in the metropolitan Phoenix area. Mel built this track in 1961 prior to hosting the AHRA Winternationals in January 1963. Best known for his work with William Bennett and the Circus Circus Hotel Casino chain, Mr. Larson is a personal friend of O. Bruton Smith and a driving force behind the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (Bob Snyder photo)

Casey Trear’s awesome ’33 Willys, from Santa Maria, Calif., was well qualified for B/Gas on Saturday afternoon. The classy team was looking forward to repeating their class win during the Rock-a-Billy Reunion at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last May. (Larissa Larson photo)