HISTORY

During September of 1957, the Orientals Hot Rod Club, Inc. was formed. This club was created with the help and encouragement of Ma Sidebotham.  Sy Sidebotham and his High School friend Harvey Richardson, along with a few of their other hot rod friends worked together to form this club.

During the following years others joined. In 1960 there were 24 active members of the club.  1960 was the year HOT ROD MAGAZINE saluted The Orientals Hot Rod Club to appear in their magazine due to their interest in safety, by having regular "get-togethers" for safety inspections of club members cars. In addition, the club had a desire to help the community by helping needy families at holiday time, and as members of the New England Hot Rod Council (chartered by the NHRA) displayed their willingness to work by taking on jobs at the Sanford Maine drag strip every other Sunday.

During their "spare time", some 75 percent of the members were constructing and improving drag machinery for upcoming events at Sanford.  On the first race of the 1961 season, as the Orientals invaded Sanford, Sidebotham in his dragster hit 170.45 mph, Bob Lundholm in his '55 Chevy at 101 mph and Dave Riley at 95 mph in his '33 Ford.

By the mid 60's, with the sport of drag racing growing, a new track was built in Epping, NH. "New England Dragway" with many club members involved from the beginning.

 On Saturday June 12, 1999 the Orientals Hot Rod Club hosted their first "New England Hot Rod Reunion" at New England Dragway, The name was later changed to

 "The New England Hot Rod Hall of Fame Nationals".

In 2003 the club placed "The Rock" at New England Dragway.

Each year the club picks up to 4 individuals or groups "who have made significant contributions to Hot Rodding and Drag Racing in New England" to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.