In the days and weeks leading up to the 26th California Hot Rod Reunion, there were many unanswered questions. Would the cackle cars come back to Bakersfield after last year's debacle? Would the disgruntled fans return? Would the mood of the event improve over the toxic atmosphere that pervaded CHRR 25?

The answers are some, some, and yes. NHRA Museum director Larry Fisher and curator Greg Sharp made a concerted effort to mend the fences damaged or destroyed by the NHRA legal department in 2016. Their efforts appeared to be well received by those present, but those numbers were way down from previous years. There were 16 push start cars in the Cacklefest this year compared to 58 in 2015 and the crowd was noticeably down from prior years. Whether or not the CHRR can return to its previous glory remains to be seen. If so, it could be a long slow process as there was much bitterness engendered by the events of last year.

The Friday night ceremony at the Doubletree, emceed by Bob Frey this year, saw Rick Stewart honored as Grand Marshall along with honorees Pete Eastwood, Bob Panella, Bob Lambeck, Jimmy Scott, and Bill Holland.

Englishman Nick Davies earned the Fuel Altered crown in his "Havoc" entry by outrunning Vince Generalao in the "Nanook," 6.11 to 6.13. Jeremy Hanger driving for Kirk Kuhns topped the Pro Mod field outrunning Tony Jurado in the final.

Jim Murphy won the Heritage Series Top Fuel championship and Ryan Hodgson clinched the Funny Car title when Jason Rupert failed to qualify after oiling the track on all three of his qualifying attempts. For Murphy's crew chief Roland Leong, it was his first championship in a long and storied career. The remaining series champions were Dr. Kin Bates in A/Fuel, Don Enriquez in Junior Fuel and Bobby Cottrell in 7.0 Pro.

The event was dampened by the loss of Wichita, Kansas racer Brett Henry who succumbed to injuries suffered when his "Iron Mistress" crashed after a Saturday qualifying pass.