Drag racing's first quarter-mile showman “TV Tommy” Ivo, who is one of NHRA's Top 50 Drivers, has been named grand marshal of the 21st annual California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, scheduled for October 19-21 at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway near Bakersfield.
 
Ivo's first drag race was 60 years ago in a 66 mph ’52 Buick at Saugus Drag Strip. His last race was 30 years ago on his farewell tour in his Showboat four-engine Buick station wagon.
        
In between there were 36 different cars in 12 different classes. His Model T street roadster earned countless drag race and car show trophies, as well as magazine features and movie appearances.

Ivo will be joined by Honorees the Brissette Brothers, Bob and Jim; the Mallicoat Brothers, Gary and Jerry; Jim Nicoll, Marv Ripes, and Ed Sigmon. Ivo and the Honorees will be recognized at the free Honoree Reception held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bakersfield on Friday, October 19, at 7 p.m.

Three-day credentials are $65 per person. Advance ticket sales include a goody bag with program, dash plaque, hard card and other great goodies. Kids 15 and under are free accompanied by a paid adult.

Tickets are available online at www.nhratix.com, or call 800/884-NHRA (6472).

All proceeds raised at the California Hot Rod Reunion benefit the programs and exhibits at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum located in Pomona, California.