Bakersfield, California. Adam Sorokin and the Champion Speed Shop Special came out of the gate wheels up and on a charge in first round qualifying at the 18th running of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion. Getting through some tire shake was only half the battle, as the horrors of nitromethane took hold of connecting rod number seven. Half of the rod ended up in the oil pan while the other half did its best destruction derby impression – while still attached to the crankshaft of the small block Chevy. Adam took the Special safely down the track and lifted the oily canopy to see through to the turnout road. Nitromethane is the only fuel that can turn a qualifying run into a complete teardown and engine replacement, and the only fuel that can power the team to spend Friday night getting the car ready for Saturday action. Today’s top fuel qualifying session is scheduled for 1:30 PM, followed by first round of Eliminations at 4PM.

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Tags: Adam Sorokin, California Hot Rod Reunion, Hot Rod Reunion, NHRA, Nitro, nitromethane, top fuel

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