Bobby Hilton

Today I spoke with Bobby Hilton about the upcoming Heritage Racing Series. The first thing I asked was whether he and Tyler would be back on the trail this year, chasing another championship. Bobby said they are committed to the March Meet, Bowling Green, and a new race at Great Bend, Kansas. Beyond that, they will see how the rest of the series unfolds.

“It’s hard to run the full series on the other side of the country. It’s not so much the money as it is the time commitment—not just from me and Tyler, but also from the guys who volunteer to work on the team and from my wife. Money is still a big factor, though. It costs about five grand just to travel to Bakersfield once you figure in hotel rooms and food. All we usually come home with are pots and pans, but time is still the biggest factor.”

Bobby also pushed NHRA hard for the race in Great Bend, Kansas, as it marks the 75th anniversary of the first Nationals, which were held there. I personally think this is a great idea and only hope there is a strong car count along with plenty of spectators and history buffs in attendance. I plan to apply for media credentials and attempt to capture the event.

Bobby also told me that his brother, Mike, is having a new car built with a full carbon-fiber body. The car is currently in the works and won’t be finished in time for the March Meet, but I was assured it will debut at Bowling Green.

Here’s hoping the Hiltons have another strong racing season. Sometime in January, Bobby will be joining us to talk more about the Heritage Series and his history in drag racing, and I’m sure we’ll hear a few stories about Jim and Alison Lee as well. Stay tuned—it should be a great interview!

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