East Bakersfield High School graduate and World War II veteran Ernie Hashim (1924 - 2015) was a pioneer in drag racing, winning the first Smoker's Meet in 1950. Best known for his development of superchargers, he opened his own business, Hashim's Automotive. He operated Famoso Drag strip in the 1960's and at the age of 75, set a record at Bonneville. He is in the National Drag Rracing Hall of Fame and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame and is the recipient of the National Hot Rod Association Lifetime Acheivement Award.