2008 Race Team Reports & Industry News Archive
Price Silences Critics with a Win at the Rock
Ray Price Nitro Harley race team debut their new top fuel nitro Harley
with “Rock Solid” Win at the 2008 AHDRA Screamin Eagle Performance Nationals
Raleigh, NC – October 14, 2008
The legendary Ray Price never gives up, always looking to improve, seeking to perform at the highest level. For the Ray Price Nitro Harley race team Rockingham Dragway is a homecoming. A Rockingham debuting of the new top fuel nitro Harley the team had been developing and painstakingly preparing for the last several months made perfect sense.
While anxiously awaiting his new ride, Joey Sternotti continued to hone his riding skills by piloting his own bike at AHDRA races leading up to the 2008 Rockingham finals. With a 6th place standing in Top Fuel Nitro Harley, Sternotti was eager to build his points lead at the final race of the AHDRA season. In typical Ray Price Racing fashion, the race team of Mark Morgan, Jeremy Hoy and Justin Heinle provided the drag bike to do just that.
With all eyes on Joey Sternotti as he entered the box Friday night for round one of top fuel nitro qualifying, the Ray Price Harley-Davidson sponsored nitro Harley drag bike captured everyone’s attention with an impressive 6.285 E.T. at 222.91 mph run.
Sternotti continued to impress, with two very consistent performances in rounds two and three respectively, posted an E.T. of 6.277 at 213.23 mph and an E.T. of 6.388 at 220.98 mph placing him in the number 3 spot going into Sunday’s finals.
“This new bike runs so strong, and the guys at Rockingham always provide us with a well prepared track, I can’t wait to unleash its potential in Sunday’s eliminations said Sternotti”
Ray Price’s legions of fans would not be disappointed. “The Ray Price Race team has spent the latter part of the race season building a drag bike that will give our fans the level of excitement they deserve, said Price”
Going into Sunday’s eliminations Sternotti kept fans on the edge of their seats, pulling off a decisive win in the first round against Bill Furr, running a 6.330 E.T. at 206.92 mph. Sternotti continued to pick off the competition with close wins in rounds two and three, putting the team into the finals against Mike Romine.
As promised, Sternotti unleashed the power of the new drag bike and ran a 6.289 E.T at 224.51 to capture a very convincing first place win. “The whole team is very excited with the win. Their tireless efforts provided a bike for Joey that we knew would run strong and very consistent, said Price”.
That they did, and as a result of the win, Sternotti moved from 6th place to 2nd place in the AHDRA Top Fuel Nitro class point’s championship.
The Ray Price Nitro Harley race team will return to Rockingham this weekend performing exhibition runs at the IHRA World Finals. The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to our Primary Sponsor: Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Special thanks to our Associate Sponsor: Raleigh H. O. G..
Support Sponsors: CP Pistons, Icon Motorsports Apparel, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, RPR/MSD Ignitions, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Metzeler Tires, Performance Machine, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X Eyewear. Special thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc - Raleigh, NC – www.rayprice.com
Verl Smith Racing for Vets
October 7, 2008
Verl “Smitty” Smith has taken the 2008 Cutters Foam/Nila Racing Street Pro Western Division Championship for the Verl Smith Racing for Vets VA Tour.
“We’re very pleased with our results this season and all of our sponsors and the super support brought us this championship. There are a lot of folks that help our program and although a simple thank you is all I can offer, it doesn’t seem quite adequate. So thank you, thank you, thank you. However, we do have more news to report, at the Sacramento Fun Drags, finally we got into the 8’s, with an 8.90 ET. This was a huge accomplishment and we’re thrilled.”
“We have already started working on the bike for the 2009 season, and I won’t be able to come to the AHDRA Rockingham Finals, so Mary Lou Brewton will be accepting my trophy at this year’s banquet. In 2009, we hope to expand our VA Shows and race a few more East coast events.
Our successes are in the hands of our wonderful sponsors: Celorie Bros Dump Trucking, Biker’s Choice The Avi Resort & Casino, Feuling, Evolution Ind., McCaa's Ent. Inc., Stringer Engines, Oak Grove Choppers, Mickey Thompson Tires, Avon, Outlaw Racing Fuel, STD, Davey Rocket Corp., Bitchin' Seat Co., Old School Choppers, XOPRODOX, and Spyke, Inc.
Smitty is an honorable man trying to do the right and honorable thing.
http://verlsmithracingforvets.com
Racing for the best, and racing for the Vets!
Verl Smith Racing for V.E.T.S. – 3825 Southeast 113th, Portland, OR 97266
Smitty: 928-699-3061 or 503-477-0097 sp683@msn.com
Greg ‘The Desert Dawg’ Krenik Clinches the AHDRA 2008 K & K Marine Pro Modified National Championship!(not to mention… 2 wins, 2 records and a #1 Qualifier) Richmond, VA - September 23, 2008 YES, The Desert Dawgs are the Pro Modified National Champions! This was concluded at the S&S Cycle Jim McClure Nationals in Richmond, VA, the next to last stop on the 2008 All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) schedule. When the Desert Dawgs headed to Virginia Motorsports Park their intent was to wrap up the Pro Modified National Championship and to come away with at least a chance to also win the Pro Stock National Championship. The trip from New Mexico was an easy ride as they joined up with tuner, Steve Allstaedt, at AHDRA headquarters to continue the ride to the Virginia Motorsports Park, arriving Thursday evening, getting a chance to relax before the hectic race weekend. Friday, first thing to do, Greg & Steve had to finish assembling the Pro Stock motor which suffered some abuse at the last race. Steve asked Greg not to run the PM in ‘test n tune’ because all Greg needed to do for the PM Championship title was make one qualifying pass. “There’s no need to take any chances.” said Steve. “She has worked hard this year, we’ll give her an extra day off.” he added. So, they made three passes on the PS and none of them were to their liking, the best pass being an 8.26. Saturday, Qualifying day, started out with perfect conditions. Steve prepped the PM since she was the first bike down the track. Greg decided to get Karen to tow him to the scales to be sure the total weight of the bike was right so they wouldn’t get Disqualified. Greg put some air in the tire and weighed and they were 5 lbs light so they went back to the pit to add the weight. Steve had just finished the PS and they were being called to the lanes for PM. They got there a bit late and were double checking the bike when it was time to run...Greg was more nervous than any race of his life, he just had to get down the track for the title and that seemed to be a lot of pressure. Greg’s first pass was anything but an easy ride, he was going all out and ran an 8.56 second pass, just 0.01 sec off the record. He spun the tire and went left but still ran great. It turns out they could have broke the National record but they never took the air out of the rear tire that Greg put in. Steve thought the pressure was as he set it, oops, they had a good laugh. On Greg’s 2nd pass he broke the tire loose again and ran an 8.80 and his 3rd pass was an 8.59. Greg’s 8.56 pass was good enough to take the #1 Qualifier spot. The PS qualifying had some issues. The first pass was real bad, a 9.96 but they picked things up with an 8.32 and an 8.36. By accident the Dawgs may have found out their shifting problem. For the third round of qualifying Greg added some weight to the left side of the bike and in the process re-tightened the chain. The bike shifted perfect….amazing! The Dawgs had some close friends stop by to cheer them on for the Championship and celebrate with dinner Saturday evening. It is now believed that Pop-Pop, Scott & Vicki Furber are good luck charms…the last time they were at a race, Greg broke the PM ¼ mile ET record in Maryland this year. They had lots of laughs and fun and the celebratory steak & shrimp dinner and to top it off a strawberry/blueberry dessert. Then it was time to say ‘goodbye’ to the Furbers and layout the plan for Sundays eliminations. Sunday, another perfect day. Greg was on the starting line with the #1 Qualifiers and to honor Jim McClure with all the Top Fuel riders. Greg’s first Bike to race is the PS and he ran a fairly good 8.27 for the win. “I believe the tension Greg set on the chain is what it needed to make the bike shift…gosh, it is always something” said Steve. The PM was next and Greg ran an 8.62 getting a bit out of the groove while spinning the tire for the win. In the next round he ran an 8.56 again taking the win. All of the sudden the day was almost over and the Desert Dawgs are in the Finals in BOTH classes. The PM Final, Greg is racing Randy Borho again. Since Greg has the National Championship under his belt, the pressure is off. He got Randy on the tree and never looked back. He broke the 1/8 mile and ¼ mile ET records posting a 5.38 and an 8.53 respectively. “Unbelievable!” said Krenik. “We never expected to break the record in the Finals. We took a bunch of clutch out to try and not spin the tire and had one of our best 60’ times, and that’s with the track temp dropping. Karen Raffa really came through setting me on the perfect launch spot on the line.” he added. Flying high on the return road they needed to re-group to run the PS Final against the #1 qualifier, Shaun Reno. Greg got hole shot with an 0.011 reaction time and added a 1.15 60’ time and was ahead to the 1000’ where his bike nosed over and Shaun came around him. But 80 feet later, Shaun suddenly slowed and Greg came around him to take the win. “Wow! That was our luckiest run in a long time.” said Greg. “I thought it was over when we nosed over and he went by me but I kept praying she’d kick back in. Karen really out did herself with the spot, I think that was our best 60’ time ever. This win keeps us in the chase for the Pro Stock Championship.” he added. An incredible weekend, PM National Championship title & Pro Mod #1 Qualifier & Winning Both classes Pro Mod & Pro Stock AND Breaking the PM NATIONAL Record ¼ & 1/8 mile ET. What a way to go into the last event of the Season! 2008 AHDRA Points Chase: ONE race to go! Greg Krenik is the 2008 Pro Modified Champion Pro Stock: Up next for the Desert Dawgs: The Desert Dawgs would like to THANK their ever important sponsors for making this all happen. Meet their Sponsors and their products: Thunderbird Harley-Davidson www.thunderbirdhd.com PLUS a Big Thanks to all the AHDRA Contingency Sponsors! |
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Verl Smith Racing for Vets AHDRA-Season Wrap Up
September 15, 2008
Verl “Smitty” Smith will capture the AHDRA Cutters Foam/Nila Racing Street Pro Western Division championship at season’s end. Although there are 2 more east coast events, the western swing concluded at Woodburn, OR where Smitty took the number three qualifying position.
Although Woodburn’s Smitty’s home track (in that it’s close to home) he doesn’t get to compete there as often as he’d like, using his race funds for the AHDRA Cutters Foam/Nila Racing Pro Street class. There’s just “something about that track,” says Smith, “we can set up the bike, qualify well, but we sure would like to win at Woodburn.” Smith took his “Racing for Vets” pro street bike to the semi’s where he was taken out of the show by Dave Threw who went on to runner-up at the event.
But Smith went to Woodburn knowing that if he made the show, he’d take the Cutters Foam/Nila Racing Street Pro Western National Championship. That championship had been one of his goals this season and he’s pleased that his sponsors made this award possible.
“I’m really hoping to get back East next season, so that we can accumulate enough points to finish well in the National points and we’re hoping to expand our opportunities for Verl Smith Racing for Vets VA tour in several major cities near those East Coast events.”
Sept.,15 Woodburn,Or. Smittie qualified for his NHRA license and ran a 9.07@149.89 (our best ever) and competed in The Northwest Dragbike event, again eliminated in the semi's by Rick Tedder (R/T Performance). This weekend (Sept 27th) Smitty will be racing at the Sacramento Fun Drags.
Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors: Celorie Bros Dump Trucking, Biker’s Choice, The Avi Resort & Casino, Feuling, Evolution Ind., McCaa's Ent. Inc., Stringer Engines, Oak Grove Choppers, Mickey Thompson Tires, Avon, Outlaw Racing Fuel, STD, Davey Rocket Corp., Bitchin' Seat Co., Old School Choppers, XOPRODOX, and Spyke, Inc., R/T Performance
Smitty is an honorable man trying to do the right and honorable thing.
http://verlsmithracingforvets.com
Racing for the best, and racing for the Vets!
Verl Smith Racing for V.E.T.S. – 3825 Southeast 113th, Portland, OR 97266
Smitty: 928-699-3061 or 503-477-0097 sp683@msn.com
Dean Druschel / Team Miller Motors WINS in Woodburn, OR!
September 4, 2008 - Swanton, Ohio
Moore Stellar Performances - All Harley Top Fuel Drag Racing World Championship
August 31, 2008 - Atco, NJ Banky Race team has been challenged much of the season by mechanical difficulties. However - Bob Banky (owner/tuner) is relentless. He is determined to find the right tune for his pro-gas Harley, so that he continues to be a serious contender in the class. | |
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Bob Banky and mechanic, Tommy Finn, arrived in Atco the night before Hannum's All Harley Top Fuel Drag Racing World Champion Race. Initially, they were disappointed to learn that they were the only pro-gas entry, after rumors that other participants were unable to make the event. However, in its commitment to fellow racers and fans, Hannum's Harley Davidson gave ALL bikes the opportunity to race - and placed Banky's pro-gas bike in the pro-mod division. Despite the competitive edge, Bob Banky was convinced that his bike would win the pro-gas event. "The conditions were optimal. The tune, track, and temperature were perfect." With Rick Moore at the throttle, they qualified first place in the five-bike field. With an E.T. of 7.72 @ 165.74 mph, a bye-run in first round eliminations did not slow them down. Second round, the bike ran an E.T. of 7.72 @ 165.74 mph against veteran Randy Long. Moore went to the finals against prior champion, Tommy Hannum - winning with an E.T. of 7.76 @ 164.75 mph. Congratulations! Seems like Banky Racing has finally found the silver lining in its 'black cloud!' The Banky Race Team is supported by Chris Mell Motorcycle Restoration (CMMR), Wallace Landscape, and Harley Davidson of Maryland. |
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Rush Thunder In The Valley Nationals were Presented by Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson at the Bristol Motor Speedway, in Tennessee. It was an action-packed weekend for veteran, Rick Moore. Once again, he successfully qualified in all three classes, and then clinched his third AHDRA Pro-Dragster title. Mike Bahnmaier and the Mid-Continent Motorsports Team worked diligently to get the pro-fuel bike in the field by qualifying 7th place, with an E.T. of 7.194 @ 159.78mph. They were paired up against Doug Horne (currently ranked first place). However, the machine's pipe 'blew-off' just past the tree, and Moore lost the round with an E.T. of 8.523. | |
Krenik Wins Pro Mod
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Valerie Thompson Racing
August 27, 2008
Female rider Thompson will make Pro Stock Motorcycle debut in Indy
We finally made it after a long anticipated year!! The Mac Tools US Nationals is NHRA's biggest event...5 days of racing, fun, and for me...the dream begins.
Stay tuned to ESPN2 (August 28-September 1st). Check your local listings for NHRA POWERAde Drag Racing televised on ESPN2.
Thank you for your support!
Valerie Thompson
ValerieThompsonRacing.com
Tommy Grimes &Mid-Continent Motorsports runner up at T & O
August 19, 2008
Pfafftown, NC
Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports Team made it to the finals of the 27th Annual Truett and Osborn Drag Race at Wichita, KN. This race was in team owner Mike Bahnmaier’s back yard (almost) and an event Bahnmaier just can’t pass up.
The quick turn around from Sturgis (winner) and Bristol AHDRA (semi’s) events kept most of the team on the road. But qualifying #1 in Kansas with a 6.01 ET at 184 mph made the tiring journey one to remember. (This was a 1,000 foot event, so we’re ready for NHRA again next year, he said optimistically and we love the sound of those ET’s)
Grimes said the weather was beautiful and the crowds were great. He signed lots of autographs and was pleased by how appreciative the fans and staff were, “everyone was so nice, there was a huge crowd and the temperatures were in the 70’s and low 80’s, it was a blast.”
In round one, Grimes won with another 6.01 at 187 mph and round 2 a 5.88 ET at 193 mph. In the final against Griz Robinson of the Chop Shop in Pueblo, CO, Grimes tucked in for a quick 1,000 feet but while trying to avoid the marker cone, scuffed the wall and lost to Griz. “If you have to lose, Griz is a great competitor, I’ll get him next time.”
Mid-Continent Racing: Mike Bahnmaier, owner, rider and tuner, Dave Larson of Topeka H-D, Drew Moldenhauer, and Jody Dukelow both of Wichita, KS and Pfafftown, NC’s quickest son -Top Fuel rider, Tommy Grimes.
The Mid-Continent Motorsports team is supported by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, Ks., Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP pistons, Nungesser Engineering, and Nevada Auto Mall.
Grimes-336-406-5856
Bahnmaier-316-729-0759
Verl Smith Racing for Vets SHOW at VA Nursing Care Unit Vancouver, WA
August 15, 2008
On August 20th, Verl Smith and friends will be at the VA Show from 9 am till 11 am at The VA Nursing Care Unit, 1501 E 4th Plain Blvd in Vancouver, WA.
Teams and friends so far committed to attend the Vancouver show will be members of VETERANS MOTORCYCLE Club, and Sue Weiler of Oak Grove Choppers and Rick Green (AHDRA road representative) and of course, Verl “Smitty” Smith coming off his win in the Cutters Foam/Nila Racing Pro Street division at the Rally at Sturgis, SD.
Coordinating this effort from the VA Nursing Care Unit in Vancouver is John Vazquez. He has a great support staff who help the patients get out for this show and they love it.
Smitty has been creating a bike show prior to each national AHDRA drag race event at regional VA hospitals and homes. He takes with him not only a few hours of time to visit but some of the technical jargon appreciated by the Vets and, of course, Smitty and friends bring their show stopping, quick paced, award winning Harley-Davidson drag race motorcycles.
Verl Smith Racing for Vets is supported by Celorie Bros Dump Trucking, Biker’s Choice, MOMS, The Avi Resort & Casino, Feuling, Evolution Ind., McCaa's Ent. Inc., Stringer Engines, Oak Grove Choppers, Mickey Thompson Tires, Avon, Outlaw Racing Fuel, STD, Davey Rocket Corp., Bitchin' Seat Co., Old School Choppers, XOPRODOX, and Spyke, Inc.
Smitty is an honorable man trying to do the right and honorable thing.
http://verlsmithracingforvets.com
Racing for the best, and racing for the Vets!
Verl Smith Racing for V.E.T.S. – 3825 Southeast 113th, Portland, OR 97266
Smitty: 928-699-3061 or 503-477-0097 sp683@msn.com
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Comunal’s Nitromaniacs at Thunder in the Valley, Bristol, TN
August 12, 2008
Bartonsville, PA
Dean Comunal’s Nitromaniacs continue to maintain their consistency, please the crowds and move up in points. This weekend at the AHDRA Rush Thunder in the Valley Nationals presented by Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson Comunal qualified #6 with 6.624 seconds in the ¼ mile at 215.54 mph.
The Nitromaniac’s had made a couple of exhibition passes with DJ Johnson and Tak SHIGEMATSU at Englishtown, NJ’s, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park during the Jet Car Nationals on Weds. night prior to the AHDRA Thunder in the Valley Nationals. According to Dean, “we love to race, and showing off at Englishtown is great, it’s only a couple hours from the house and a HUGE crowd. We appreciate DJ getting us that opportunity. At Bristol we had some clutch problems in the first round of competition, but went back out for the Barnett Nitro Outlaw class and were runner up to Mark Conner of EDGE racing."
The Nitromaniacs will next attend Hannum’s Harley-Davidson Top Fuel World Championship this Sunday August 17th, 2008 at Harley Day at Atco Raceway. Gates Open 8am, Racer & Spectator Admission $20, Kids Under 12 are Free Check out -- www.hannumshd.com/
Thanks to Carl Lovero, our Crew Chief and special thanks to Mary Lou Brewton for delivering the Qualifying Results it’s like the “old days”! , Jim Nicholas of DG NICHOLAS Car Quest, Lisa of Quest Promotions, Paul of Lyndall Racing Brakes and as always- everyone at Pat and Red’s!”
Comunal— 570-420-8288
Mid-Continent Motorsports WIN, WIN and WIN at Sturgis
August 12, 2008
Pfafftown, NC
Tommy Grimes, former NHRA Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley champion and the Mid-Continent Motorsports Team added another title to their list, Top Fuel winner at the AHDRA Screamin' Eagle Race at The Rally Presented by Pingel. This wildly popular event is a win that no racer will forget. Grimes defeated Phil Schmidt of Orangevale, CA in the finals with a great hole shot. His winning numbers 4.719 seconds at 157.38 mph on the infamous Sturgis Dragway 1/8 mile.
Grimes and team also took Top Fuel #1 qualifier but Grimes was not the only winner on the Mid-Continent Motorsports Team. Mike Bahnmaier, Wichita, KN, team owner, dusted off his leathers and saddled up for the Rush Pro Fuel class where he captured #1 qualifier and WON his event, too. In the finals, Bahnmaier took out Terry Stewart, Orange, CA with a 4.814 sceonds at 156.74 mph over Stewart’s 5.166 seconds at 128.83 mph.
AND YES, there is more. Bahnmaier wanted it all. His winning continued in the Kresto Pro Drag Class where he took out Kirby Apathy of Bloomington, IN. Bahnmaier won by .01 of a second, with a 5.056 seconds at 141.03 mph over Apathy breathing down his neck at 5.070 seconds at 138.90. What a race!
AND since there was another “spare” race bike, team member and infamous racer of the 70’s and early 80’s Freddie Robbins of Robbins Performance of Clemmons, NC renewed his competition license and made several rounds in the Kresto Pro Dragster Class. I suspect they were all still grinning as they made the long haul to Bristol, TN to compete at the AHDRA Rush Thunder In The Valley Nationals Presented by Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson. Grimes performed well making it to the semi’s before a hurt motor stopped their opportunity to win.
Next, Grimes goes home for 4 days before flying back to Wichita, KN to compete at the Truett and Osborn, powerhouse drag race event of the Midwest. Please check out www.Truett&Osborn.com (thank you, Tom Johnson, great article) and Events .
What a team, Mike Bahnmaier, owner, rider and tuner, Dave Larson of Topeka H-D, Drew Moldenhauer, and Jody Dukelow both of Wichita, KS and Freddie Robbins, Clemmons, NC, Top Fuel rider, Tommy Grimes, WOW!
The Mid-Continent Motorsports team is supported by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, Ks., Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP pistons, Nungesser Engineering, and Nevada Auto Mall.
Grimes-336-406-5856
Bahnmaier-316-729-0759
Verl Smith Racing for Vets—10th Anniversary VA Show at Black Hills Health Care System
July 24, 2008
On Sunday, August 3rd, Verl Smith and friends will be at the VA Show from 9 am till 12 pm at Black Hills Health Care System,113 Comanche Rd. , Ft. Meade (Sturgis) SD 57741. This parking lot expo provides a respite from the day to day routine for patients and staff alike. These Harley-Davidson drag race bikes and racers come with big motors and bigger hearts.
Attending the 10th Anniversary at the Black Hills Health Care System, will be organizer Verl "Smitty" Smith. And although he’d blush behind his big beard, Griz Robinson of the CHOP SHOP, Pueblo,Co. with his hugely popular team and winning Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel team from the ’07 Sturgis AHDRA Rally Drag Race will be on hand. Matt Spencer of of Harley-Davidson of Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, UT, will attend with his 3 race bikes, representing Pro Gas, SEP and ET classes and another old hand at the VA Show series, Ricky Greene, AHDRA Road Rep from Tobacoville, NC.
Coordinating this effort from Black Hills Health Care System is Nancy Worth. Nancy was our first contact with the VA System 10 years ago and has been tremendous advocate for these shows. She has a wonderful support staff who help the Black Hills Health Care System patients out for this show and everyone has a wonderful time.
Smitty has been creating a bike show prior to each event at regional VA hospitals and homes. He takes with him not only a few hours of time to visit but some of the technical jargon appreciated by the Vets and, of course, Smitty brings his winning Harley-Davidson race bike. V
erl Smith Racing for Vets is supported by Celorie Bros Dump Trucking, Biker’s Choice, MOMS, The Avi Resort & Casino, Feuling, Evolution Ind., McCaa's Ent. Inc., Stringer Engines, Oak Grove Choppers, Mickey Thompson Tires, Avon, Outlaw Racing Fuel, STD, Davey Rocket Corp., Bitchin' Seat Co., Old School Choppers, XOPRODOX, and Spyke, Inc.
Smitty is an honorable man trying to do the right and honorable thing.
http://verlsmithracingforvets.com
Racing for the best, and racing for the Vets!
Verl Smith Racing for V.E.T.S. – 3825 Southeast 113th, Portland, OR 97266
Smitty: 928-699-3061 or 503-477-0097 sp683@msn.com
Marlowe Racing Calls it quits at season’s end
July 17, 2008
Atlanta, GA: Mitch Marlowe owner of Marlowe Racing is putting his entire race program up for sale at the end of the 2007 Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley AHDRA season.
Marlowe whose teams have been recognized as serious contenders from coast to coast said the decision is a tough one.
“Right now we’re 2nd in points, Drums Brancaccio really wants the championship. You can’t deny the power and enthusiasm, the raw excitement of big nitro motors, but there comes a time when enough’s enough.”
“I’ve had a great time, worked with some amazing racers, but my family and I have other plans that don’t involve the ’08 Nitro drag race season. I’ve put a good price on the entire race program, for $265,000 you can be rolling down the road in a 2002 Kenworth condo, pulling a 53” stacker self contained trailer, unload a 2007 186 cid proven 6.35 ET PRP powered Weekend chassis monster. AND still have a 2007 191 cid spare motor and lots of spare parts.”
“I’ll continue to morally support all the great Nitro Harley competitors, but I’ll be doing it from my laptop computer.”
Marlowe can be reached at 954-325-2298 or marl89309@aol.com
Moore Wins with Family & Friends
July 5, 2008
On June 28 & 29th, the Northeast Nationals were Presented by Horne Concrete Construction & Structural Concrete at the Cecil County Dragway - Rising Sun, MD.
This was like Christmas for Rick Moore, since the race was only an hour away from home - and his entire family and friends were planning to be in attendance.
It took only one round of qualifying for Mid-Continent to secure the #1 and #2 positions with the pair of pro-dragsters. Moore qualified first-place with a pass at 7.48, while Jones qualified #2 with his pass of 7.61. Moore went on to secure his best qualifying position yet (#4) on the pro-fuel bike, with an E.T. of 7.26. Unfortunately, the Banky Team fought electrical glitches all weekend, but did well with a 4th place qualifying position at an E.T. of 8.275.
First round of pro-fuel eliminations was against Andy Baumbach. The team was optimistic because of lane choice. But, the bike was unable to fire at the line, so Baumbach broke the beam to advance. Banky Racing's pro-gas bike was again paired up with Karen Wagner. The electrical system continued to be problematic, and their 8.82 wasn't up to the challenge. Then there was good ol' reliable - Mid-Continent's championship pro-dragster. First round eliminations was won by breaking the beam since Darrell Rice checked-in broke. The final round was a bitter-sweet win against friends, Curly Jim and Kim Fontaine. Moore ran a 7.82 @ 172 mph - getting the team, family, and friends to pose for a memorable photo in victory circle.
Special thanks to:
- Mike and Jody for providing the equipment and means to contend for another championship season;
- Phil Mell for crewing this weekend on the pro-fuel bike, and Dave Larson for his work on the pro-dragster;
- Bob & Ed Banky for a great pro gas bike; Tommy and Jimmy for crewing;
- Riki, Emily, and the entire family - for all your love and support.
Moore dedicated this win to the team's mechanic, friend - Aaron Nottestad. He will always be remembered.
The Mid-Continent Motorsports team is supported by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, KS, Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP pistons, Nungesser Engineering, CMMR, and the Nevada Auto Mall. Banky Racing is sponsored by: CMMR, Wallace Landscaping, and Harley Davidson of Maryland.
See complete story at www.mooreperformanceracing.com.
Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports - Cecil County
Pfafftown, NC – July 1, 2008
Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports Team have found their problem that’s been haunting them for the last 3 races, it’s the fuel delivery system. Now the next problem, finding out WHY.
Mike Bahnmaier, team owner, Freddie Robbins and Tommy Grimes spent most of the weekend at the ADHRA event at Cecil County Dragway near Rising Sun, MD for the Northeast Nationals Presented by Horne Concrete Construction & Structural Concrete, trying many combinations to resolve the fuel issue.
According to Grimes, “We had Rex Harris probably the best fuel man in the sport with us but we were still stumped. Harris said he’s never seen this situation but using some of his test techniques on the last pass in the Outlaw class we think we’re getting closer to finding the problem. We’ve replaced everything in the fuel system, now we just have to start at the beginning and rebuild. But at least we have somewhere to start from.”
“We’re going to Sturgis and will be making the long, quick haul back to Bristol, TN in August. I hope we have an opportunity to test before then, but Mike’s got a lot of good data on the Sturgis track and I’ve never raced there before so it should be very interesting.”
The Mid-Continent Motorsports team is supported by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, Ks., Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP pistons, Nungesser Engineering, and Nevada Auto Mall.
Grimes-336-406-5856
Bahnmaier-316-729-0759
Comunal’s Nitromaniacs at Cecil County Dragway
Bartonsville, PA - July 1, 2008
Dean Comunal for the 3rd AHDRA race weekend in a row qualified his Nitromaniac Screamin’ Eagle Top Fueler near the top of the ladder. Sound familiar?? It’s how we’ve started Comunal’s last several releases and the Nitromaniac’s consistency is starting to pay off.
According to Jenn Ward, “Our team works well together. This is our first full season together and now we able to anticipate each others needs and this weekend at Cecil County Drag way Rising Sun, MD for the Northeast Nationals Presented by Horne Concrete Construction & Structural Concrete was a good example.”
Ward goes on to say, “We’re moving up in the points, we are making rounds, and although we haven’t been in victory circle for a while, we’re pleased with how the program’s moving along. AND this weekend we did win the “Outlaw” class (established by AHDRA to provide not only entertainment for the crowds but vital extra passes for teams who don’t usually have an opportunity to test on a prepped track). It’s not like a REAL trip to the winner’s circle but it’s a few hundred extra bucks and gives us the opportunity for extra track time that’s so critical to us.”
“We are very thankful for our crew chief, Carl Lovero. He does a great job and is able to keep our team focused, and that focus is keeping us in the top qualifying positions. Special thanks to Paul of Lyndall Racing Brakes and always everyone at Pat and Red’s!”
Comunal — 570-420-8288
Krenik WINS Pro Mod While Setting ¼ mile ET RECORD!Corrales, NM - July 1, 2008 This week the Dawgs flew back east to attend the last leg of the All Harley Drag Racing Association’s eastern swing, the Northeast Nationals at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, MD. They flew back to Ohio where they had previously left the rig at Mike Robert’s house. With so many flight delays, cancellation, another one put on stand by, then the lost luggage (with parts inside), taxi cab scams and lastly finding worn down batteries in the motorhome when they finally arrived, it was a wonder they ever made it to the track. Finally, the Dawgs arrived at the track too late for Friday’s Test ‘n’ Tune but perfect timing to enjoy the pouring rain…Greg Krenik sighed “It just feels good to be here after the 36 hour adventure and then we added just a few wrong turns to find the track.” Now they had to see IF the ‘promised’ luggage would arrive, tonight. Steve Allstaedt, ‘engine Builder/tuner extraordinaire’ was also delayed coming in from North Carolina and arrived at 1 am…amazingly… with the ‘lost luggage’ that was found in a back room somewhere! Saturday’s Qualifying started out with blue skies, high humidity and another new track to figure out. But first they had to set up their pit and Steve had to replace the broken parts before the first round. The first round of Pro Mod Greg ran an 8.663 at 150.21 mph to continue his streak of 8.66’s from Norwalk and put him in the #1 Qualifier spot. His 2nd pass was a bit slower at 8.674 but 151.00 mph. The 3rd pass he ran a 8.623 at 154.25 mph which put him in the #1 Qualifying spot for the weekend. The first round of Pro Stock, Greg ran an 8.419 at 164.33 mph. “We still have to figure out the clutch. We put more clutch in it in Norwalk but not enough for this track. We’re also having a small shifting issue.” said Greg. The 2nd round he ran an 8.410 at 156.05 mph. “We just don’t understand what went wrong on that run.” said Allstaedt. “Like Greg said, it may be the tranny acting up.” he added. On the 3rd pass, the fuel line came off one of the carbs and they had to act fast to stop the flow and get Greg to the line. They made it to the line, but as Greg staged, he ran out of fuel just as the tree activated. He pulled the kill and they backed the bike off the line. He ended the day in the #3 Qualifier position. Sunday was Elimination Day and the Dawgs were ready to go. Greg was on the PS first and racing the current points leader. Greg ran an 8.252 at 165.17 mph taking the win light and the points lead…at least for one round. Greg had a bye run on the PM in the first round because of an odd number of bikes. He ran an 8.553 at 158.33 mph breaking the AHDRA ¼ mile ET and MPH record. He had already backed up the ET record with his 3rd qualifying pass so this was now the New AHDRA record. Now, he just had to back up the MPH. “I love it when a plan comes together!” said Steve. We had a chance to use the bye run to try something different. We changed a bunch of stuff we normally wouldn’t have and it worked…the conditions were right on that pass and we broke the record.” he added. In the PS semi finals the Dawgs thought they were on the right path. They had lane choice over the #2 Qualifier and they made some changes that should work. The run started out with Greg red-lighting, taking himself out of the race with a –0.009 light. He didn’t know he redlit and was running the bike to win but it didn’t shift into 2nd. “Man, just when you think things are going great, wham!” said Greg. “We almost broke the MPH record in the first round and got the bike running as fast as the two guys ahead of us. We made some changes that should’ve worked but the bike didn’t shift. I guess we didn’t follow our check list and change out those gears after four races….that’s my fault.” he added. In the PM semi’s, Greg ran an 8.604 at 153.44 mph taking the win light but still not backing up the MPH record. That put him in the finals against Randy Borho again! At this race, Greg had the faster bike and Randy tried to get him on the tree and took off too fast, red-lighting and giving Greg the win. Greg ran an 8.606 at 152.61 mph but not good enough to get the MPH record. “We had the PM running great today but the weather went away. We made some changes but with Greg and Randy waiting in the rain before their final I knew the record wasn’t going to happen….we just wanted the win.” said Steve. “What an unexpected surprise breaking the record was!” Greg said. “I had no idea until one of my competitors crew came down and announced it. Then the riders from the next class stopped by to congratulate me…HOW COOL!” he added. |
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This weekend, the Dawgs spent some time with some of their Sponsors, John Magee-Bandit Machine and Mike Hager from Regina Chain. They also had some good friends, Scott, Vicki and Jamie Furber stop by to visit…and cheer Greg on to win! 2008 AHDRA Points Chase: Pro Stock: Pro Modified: YES, we are going for the 2008 AHDRA Championships in BOTH Pro Classes and we could really use some help with Diesel Dollars...any donations are gratefully accepted! THANK YOU! Up next for the Desert Dawgs: The Desert Dawgs would like to THANK their ever important sponsors for making this all happen. Meet their Sponsors and their products: Thunderbird Harley-Davidson www.thunderbirdhd.com PLUS a Big Thanks to all the AHDRA Contingency Sponsors! | |
Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel bike had more problems than searching for Nitro at June 14-15 Summit Motorsports Park
Norwalk, OH Roeder Harley-Davidson Ohio Bike Week Nationals
Pfafftown, NC - June 17, 2008
According to Grimes, “we came to Norwalk anxious about the limited amount of Nitro we had on hand. With a multiple bike team, it’s a little stressful. Even as well planned as team owner Mike Bahnmaier had our situation, it was still in the back of our minds. BUT, fuel quantity was not our problem. While cranking the bike in the pits prior to qualifying on Saturday, the chain broke and we had to do some quick welding before the 2nd round. We were prepared for round 2 but had a lazy start off the line and not a good run. The last chance to qualify was not much better so we helped the team pack up and Freddie Robbins and I headed back to North Carolina. Running the Nitro Outlaw class on Sunday was an option but we’re trying to save Nitro for the points events. It was a long ride home. On the bright side,” Grimes continued, “we did sell a couple of our new tee shirts printed by Mama and Papa Smurf.”
Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports Team will be ready for the next ADHRA event June 28-29 at Cecil County Dragway near Rising Sun, MD for the Northeast Nationals Presented by Horne Concrete Construction & Structural Concrete.”
The Mid-Continent Motorsports team is supported by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, Ks., Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP pistons, Nungesser Engineering, and Nevada Auto Mall.
Grimes-336-406-5856
Bahnmaier-316-729-0759
Krenik WINS BOTH Pro Stock & Pro Mod and takes the Pro Mod #1 Qualifying Spot in Norwalk!Corrales, NM - June 16, 2008 The Dawgs flew back east to attend the All Harley Drag Racing Association’s Roeder Harley Davidson Ohio Bike Week Nationals in Norwalk, leaving some of the driving (and fuel costs) for later. Flying into North Carolina to pick up Crew Chief/Engine Builder, Steve Allstaedt and the rig then they all hit the road North, where the first evening was spent with Deb & Bill Bader and Steve LeTempt for dinner and desserts aplenty, at their home. This was a GREAT time to catch up with them and makes plans for more time together in the future. Friday Test and Tune was rained out and even though the Desert Dawgs loved hearing the pitter patter on the roof, they really needed to get on the track and see how the bikes would work. The Pro Stock’s clutch has been giving them trouble for the last three races and they were anxious to solve the problem. As the Dawgs travel all over the USA, each track is different and they were anxious to see what the Bader Family & Team had in store for the riders-track preparation wise. It is always an issue…BUT they proved to know the business better than most. Jeff and Timothy and the Norwalk Team presented the AHDRA riders with a track that PS & PM could take. “Every time I went to find Greg’s launch spot on the starting line, I was pleasantly surprised. The Starter Jeff, always watched ‘what I was looking for’ and he saw the immediate results when Greg made his pass. They made my job easier!” noted Karen Raffa. The 3 Qualifying runs on Saturday gave Steve the information he needed to put Greg in the #1 Qualifying Spot in Pro Mod with an 8.666 and #2 in the Pro Stock Class! Steve mentioned “Racing without Test and Tune puts SO much more pressure on us. By the end of Qualifying Saturday, we still didn’t have the PS clutch dialed in…we were still breaking the tire loose…I was very frustrated. After talking with Greg we decided to take the clutch and the motor back to nothing…make it so soft that there would be no way to spin the tire, of course our 60’ times and ET would suffer but then we have the horsepower to get some ET back on the top end.” The pressure was on Steve and Greg to make the right decisions! The Pro Stock dinner was hosted by KW Seneca’s Red Dragon Racing and was a very relaxed time, they are a great bunch of riders, family and all around good people. Down the pit lane a bit was the louder and wilder side of the AHDRA with a Top Fuel Band and the all out Fagan Party which rocked the house until Midnight-GREAT FUN! Sunday-Race Day-was another incredibly beautiful day, but was threatening rain, so the show had to move quickly. Greg started the day on the starting line with the other #1 Qualifiers, for cheers and jeers and a HUGE crowd that made plenty of noise to make them feel special! Eliminations- first up was the Pro Stock. “We had to add a little bit to the tune up a little at a time.” said Krenik. “We were racing the points leader in the first round. Steve and I were both trying to figure what to change without going too far…we were so nervous.” he added. With the good track prep provided by the track personnel they were able to change the tune enough to get the win. The first round on the Pro Mod went perfect. Greg had a bye run due to an odd number of qualifiers and ran an identical 8.666 that had earned him the #1 Qualifying spot. The second round of PM had Greg running a 8.668 (an 8.66 three times this weekend) taking the win and getting a quick nickname from the tower of ‘Agent 66’. With the semi-finals next, the Dawgs were still changing the tune on the PS…adding a bit more to see if the track could take the power that they were putting down without breaking the tire loose. It worked, they took the win with an 8.33! The PM run was flawless, Greg ran an 8.68, just shy of the previous three 8.66’s. “We were so close to the edge with that clutch that we tried a ¼ pound more air pressure in the rear tire to prevent driving through it.” said Steve. “It had the opposite effect, we had a slower 60’ and it showed at the top end but still taking the WIN Light!” he added. Now the rush to get the bikes ready for the ‘Double Finals’. The Pro Mod seemed ready, just take the ¼ pound out of the rear tire. Greg’s run was perfect, running an 8.65, saving the best for last, his fastest time of the weekend while taking the win from Bruce Chandler. Now to quickly ‘get towed’ back to the starting line to run the PS in the final, where he was up against the #1 Qualifier, Shaun Reno. The Dawgs adjusted the tune- yet again- to see what they could get out of it. Reno had the faster bike but Greg had him on the tree with a 0.016 reaction time and beat him down the track with an 8.31. This was also Greg’s best PS run of the weekend. “Man, the PS hooked up, that was our best 60’ time since Phoenix.” said Greg. “We still had way too much fuel in it but it got us to the line first.” he added. “It feels so great to win… and to win twice in one event AND at Norwalk is so fantastic I can’t describe it…awesome!” Seeing her husband Greg WIN Both classes at the Bader Family Track was EXTRA special for Desert Dawg Karen, she had worked for IHRA from 1998-2002 and had an opportunity to have some laughs with friends-Debra Sue, Bobbie, Jaime & Billy Bader and all the many familiar track faces and local friends. Plus they rode their pit bike up to the IHRA offices to see Pam & Jim Marchyshyn. Also ‘deep down’ Greg celebrated and dedicated his DOUBLE WIN to his Dad –on Fathers Day- who passed away in April! Happy Dad’s Day! An incredible High, this weekend and only 10 days to come down and hit the track in Maryland. The Team had some sponsors stop by to visit, Jerry Francis from Mickey Thompson and Mike Hager from Regina Chain, to give their support and encouragement…Thank you! Also, the Dawgs ‘THANK’ Mike Roberts and Amy for allowing the rig to rest in Ohio as the Dawgs fly back to New Mexico and will return to drive 8 hours to the East coast. Then, after racing in Maryland, they plan to spend some time with the McClain Family (Karen’s Maiden name) on Fire Island for the July Holiday…WOW…rest and fun, family and swimming in her hometown, Greg will be crazy with the New York accent within a couple of hours or will it be minutes! 2008 AHDRA Points Chase: Pro Stock: Pro Modified: YES, we are going for the 2008 AHDRA Championships in BOTH Pro Classes and we could really use some help with Diesel Dollars...any donations are gratefully accepted! THANK YOU! Up next for the Desert Dawgs: |
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The Desert Dawgs would like to THANK their ever important sponsors for making this all happen. Meet their Sponsors and their products: Thunderbird Harley-Davidson www.thunderbirdhd.com PLUS a Big Thanks to all the AHDRA Contingency Sponsors! | |
Verl Smith Racing for Vets SHOW at Ohio Veterans Home
June 7, 2008
On June 11th, Verl Smith and friends will be at the VA Show from 10 am-1 pm at Ohio Veterans Home. Located at 3416 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, Oh. 44870 this parking lot expo provides a respite from the day to day routine for patients and staff alike. Teams so far committed to this show will be Rick Green (AHDRA road representative) and the reigning RUSH Pro Fuel Champion (and Ohio native) Chris Streeter and team. Ron & Penny Nichols, and Larry Mayhart. These Harley-Davidson race bikes come with big motors and big hearts.
Verl “Smitty” Smith said, “VSR4VETS would like to extend our thanks to Ricky Greene the AHDRA for contributing their time & some passes for our vets. I can’t be at every show and can’t thank Ricky and the other racers enough for their time. Remember if it wasn’t for our Vets we may not be able to do what we do.”
Coordinating this effort from Ohio Veterans Home is Tracy Waskielis, APR specialist. She has a great support staff including who help the Ohio Veterans Home patients out for this show and they love it.
Smitty has been creating a bike show prior to each national AHDRA drag race event at regional VA hospitals and homes. He takes with him not only a few hours of time to visit but some of the technical jargon appreciated by the Vets and, of course, Smitty and friends bring their show stopping, quick paced, award winning Harley-Davidson drag race motorcycles.
Verl Smith Racing for Vets is supported by Celorie Bros Dump Trucking, Biker’s Choice, MOMS, The Avi Resort & Casino, Feuling, Evolution Ind., McCaa's Ent. Inc., Stringer Engines, Oak Grove Choppers, Mickey Thompson Tires, Avon, Outlaw Racing Fuel, STD, Davey Rocket Corp., Bitchin' Seat Co., Old School Choppers, XOPRODOX, and Spyke, Inc.
Smitty is an honorable man trying to do the right and honorable thing.
http://verlsmithracingforvets.com
Racing for the best, and racing for the Vets!
Verl Smith Racing for V.E.T.S. – 3825 Southeast 113th, Portland, OR 97266
Smitty: 928-699-3061 or 503-477-0097 sp683@msn.com
Desert Dawg Sets the Pro Stock National ¼ Mile MPH Record and is Pro Modified #1 Qualifier!Corrales, NM - May 28, 2008 The Desert Dawgs- Greg Krenik, Karen Raffa, Steve Allstaedt and Justin Lail regrouped on the East Coast for the Eastern Swing which kicked off at the Stone Mountain Harley Davidson Southern Nationals in Atlanta, GA then leaving the rig in the East for the upcoming Ohio and Maryland All Harley Drag Racing Associations National events. Packing the rig for 3 events and not having the bikes in New Mexico is tough, all around. You have to bring EVERYTHING! Every clutch plate, belt, shifters, and every spare part you have in stock, you just never know what you will need! The drive East was ‘windy’, again, they love the tail winds but those side winds just beat Greg up-especially with those ‘new elbows’. They stopped for the first time in Amarillo, TX to photograph and explore Cadillac Ranch. It was way windy and super cool and ‘graffiti’ was encouraged, hmmmm. Steve and Greg got the bikes ready for Friday’s test and tune. They had their work cut out for them, they were putting a new clutch in the Pro Stock. Not just a new clutch but one made out of a different material. They had no data what-so-ever to set it up. They ran in the right lane and the Pro Modified ran very good, so good that they blew the MPH record away on both passes. It was odd that the ET didn't get faster also. The Pro Stock only made one pass, they missed the clutch setup and drove through it, but the bike shifted and even with all the problems they still broke the mph record...odd, once again, that the ET was so slow and the mph was so fast. Maybe for race day things will be figured out. They were happy with the speeds but still questioned them. Saturday’s qualifying was good and also frustrating. The Dawgs were about to find out how fast the left lane was, because Greg drew the left lane for the first and third runs for both classes. The Pro Mod was first, Krenik ran an 8.64 at 151 mph, that put him in the #1 spot. OK, a faster ET but almost 6 mph slower from Friday in the right lane.…interesting. The Pro Stock was next and he ran an 8.36 at 163.93 mph which was good enough to be #1. The 163 was very close to the AHDRA National record. The second round was in the right lane and the PM broke loose and ran an 8.65 but at 153 mph. Greg still held the #1 spot. On the PS it also broke loose pretty bad shoving Greg close to the wall, he backed out of it to run a 12.69. He was in the #2 qualifying spot. The third round of qualifying got worse. In the staging lanes just before Greg was to go to the water box on his PM he noticed cuts in his rear tire. Apparently the chain had been rubbing on the side of the tire and had rubbed it almost through. They opted to not do their last qualifying run with Greg holding on with the #1 Qualifier position. Once again, the Pro Stock had the tire break loose and Greg was off the pace with an 8.42. He had to settle for the #3 Qualifier spot. “Man, the track was a moving target.” said Krenik. “We'd make a run, get the data, make changes and the track would deteriorate and it would be like we did nothing. We have a really fast bike, but you'd never know it by watching us today.” he added. Sunday, the day that counts. “We made our clutch changes for today based on best guesses.” said Allstaedt. “After the last two races we now know you have to account for less than adequate track prep. Many questions go through your head before the elimination rounds begin…Did they prep before the Pros start? Did they do a better job than Saturday? We have a narrow window with the PS clutch…with a good consistent track, we will be hard to beat. One that is not, you see what has happened these last three events. We slip the clutch to avoid breaking the tire loose but either we go through the clutch or the fingers lock up too fast and we spin the tire. A very fine line. Also, if we break the tire loose at the hit of the throttle the tranny won't make the first shift, it gets bound up until the rpm drops.” said Steve. The Pro Stock is up first on Sunday and Greg took the first round win and set the ¼ Mile MPH record at 165.48 mph while running an 8.39…in the left lane! In Pro Mod, Greg had a bye run because of there being an odd number of bikes. The Dawgs used the bye run as their 3rd test run. Greg got out of the groove a bit and broke the tire loose before going into second gear finishing with an 8.70. The second round of PS had Greg racing against the current points leader. They really needed the win. With the latest adjustments to the clutch they thought they were on track. At the hit of the throttle Greg broke the tire loose, thus giving Bruce the win as Greg missed the first shift. On the PM, Greg ran an 8.71 due to breaking the tire loose again but he took the win advancing to the semi finals. In the semi’s Greg was against Randy Borho. Randy beat Greg on the tree by a hundredth and pulled him at the top end for a 0.03 second win. The Dawgs would not go to the finals at this event. “We did well but others did better. We set a record in PS and also broke the PM record but so did Randy by a little more so it’s his, congrats to him!” said Greg. Up next for the Desert Dawgs: Roeder Harley-Davidson Ohio Bike Week Nationals in Norwalk, OH June 13 – 15 Northeast Nationals in Cecil County, MD June 28 -29 |
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The Desert Dawgs would like to THANK their ever important sponsors for making this all happen. Meet their Sponsors and their products: Thunderbird Harley-Davidson www.thunderbirdhd.com PLUS a Big Thanks to all the AHDRA Contingency Sponsors! | ||||
Moore Wins @ the Stone Mountain Harley Davidson Southern Nationals
2 BIKES, 2 TEAMS, 2 MOORE FINALS
May 25, 2008
The Stone Mountain Harley Davidson Southern Nationals were held on May 24 and 25th, @ the Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia. For the fifth-straight race, Moore qualified first place on Mid-Continent's Championship Pro-Dragster, with an E.T. of 7.722 - just nearly beating teammate Chuck Jones' time of 7.724. Moore admits "Our times were great, and certainly a tribute to Mike Bahnmaier's fine-tuning." Moore broke the beam during first round eliminations, and took out Darrell Rice in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, fellow-competitor Rickey House broke in the water box during the finals. Due to a broken piston in the engine, Moore was advised to break the beam (rather than break the bike) for his third win this season.
Banky Racing had an equally impressive weekend in the Pro-Gas Class. Moore qualified fourth place - and team owner, Bob Banky, was able to overcome track conditions to get his bike to the finals. "The competition was tough," states Banky. "We were really excited for Karen Wagner who scored her first E.T. in the 7's - but this also meant we had our work cut out for us." The Banky bike performed consistently. Moore was fortunate to beat Wagner with a 7.927 @ 161.34mph, and then move on to the semi-finals where Mike Lozano broke at the line. At this point, they too had their share of mechanical issues. A broken valve lifter prevented them from getting to the finals - and Dale Raudenbush won the event. Currently Moore sits in first place in the Eastern Division of the Pro-Gas Class.
*Due to lack of nitro availability, Mid-Continent Motorsports decided to sit out this race on the pro fuel bike. Fans will be pleased to know the bike will be returning to competition at the Ohio Bike Week Nationals.
www.mooreperformanceracing.com
Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports Make Show
May 27, 2008
Pfafftown, NC: Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports raced in the Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel series at Atlanta Dragway Commerce, GA for the AHDRA’s Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson Southern Nationals.
Grimes said, “Freddie Robbins, Eddie Hargis and Michael Hart made the trip to Atlanta much more fun and we sure appreciated their help and support at the track. When you work with a 3 bike team it seems that you’re always busier than you expected. This year’s learning curve is a steep one. This race we had some fuel issues and dropped a cylinder in the first round. Because of a fuel shortage we decided to prep the bike for Norwalk and not to compete in the Nitro Outlaw series. On the bright side we did get our new autograph cards and tee shirts, so we encourage everyone to stop on by the pits and see our new shirts and get a card signed.”
Mid-Continent Motorsports will be racing:
- June 14-15 Summit Motorsports Park Norwalk, OH Roeder Harley-Davidson Ohio Bike Week Nationals
- June 28-29 Cecil County Dragway Rising Sun, MD Northeast Nationals
- August 9-10 Bristol Dragway Bristol, TN Rush Thunder In The Valley Nationals Presented by Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson
The Mid-Continent Motorsports team is supported by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, Ks., Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP pistons, Nungesser Engineering, and Nevada Auto Mall.
Grimes 336-406-5856
Bahnmaier 316-729-0759
Moore Performance Racing - Mid-Continent Racing Mourns Loss of Mechanic, Friend
May 11, 2008
Desert Dawg Krenik - Personal Best & Pro Mod R-upCorrales, NM - May 4, 2008 The Desert Dawgs finally returned to the Dawg pound in Corrales, New Mexico after spending over 3 weeks and traveling over 4450 miles on the road to 2 AHDRA National events and the other days in the World of Medicine-Hospitals and Hospice, watching, wondering and praying for Greg’s Dad’s recovery. After parking the Motorhome, also known as ‘IT’, at numerous places in Minnesota with the Dawgs in constant vigil over Dad Krenik’s medical decisions and healing…Jim Krenik did pass away after just one day in Hospice, but over 3 weeks in the hospital. His head trauma had taken him down as far as he wanted to go and then he ‘slipped out the door’ quietly. After the Mass/Funeral and Full Honors Military Burial, the Dawgs once again hit the road and landed safely for the AHDRA Lonestar Nationals in Ennis, Texas. The change in weather was enough to cheer up the Dawgs, they had not felt warmth or seen blue sky in weeks. The Texas sky was blue for Friday’s Test ‘n’ Tune and Greg ran his Personal Best on his Pro Mod, an ET of 8.602 seconds giving his tuner, Steve Allstaedt hope that the weekend would be good. Then on Saturday it was the other kind of Blew -WIND. Saturday winds were so hard, that the Fuel teams decided to race on the 1/8 mile during Qualifying. Greg Krenik’s Pro Classes- Pro Stock and Pro Mod stayed at the ¼ mile and Greg worked hard to secure the #1 Qualifying spot in Pro Mod with an 8.613 pass. Mission Accomplished! The track prep was not good, at least for the Pro Stock. The Dawgs could not take enough clutch out, to get the tire to hook up. All three qualifying passes Greg broke the tire loose and ended up in the #4 Qualifying position. On a positive note, Greg’s changing of the transmission gears in fellow PS competitor Bruce Beltramini’s driveway on Wednesday seemed to have fixed the shifting problem. Thank you Bruce! Sunday, Elimination Day, much to everyone’s surprise the track prep had improved to what it should have been on Saturday. This made for a lot of upsets and threw everyone for a curve. The Dawgs took a lot of clutch out of the PS thinking the track would be similar to Saturday. Not so. In the first round, Greg burned through the clutch resulting in no hope of winning the round. “I can’t believe it, the track should be similar for both days.” said Krenik. “That’s four clutches we’ve gone through this season, that’s more than all of last year, but, at least it shifted.” he added. After the Pro Stock fiasco, the Dawgs put the Pro Mod on the lift and put clutch back into it. It worked, Krenik ran an 8.63 for the win. The PM was running great, the only thing suffering was Greg’s concentration, his reaction times were his absolute worst. In the final, Greg finds himself, once again up against Randy Borho. Greg had the faster bike all weekend so the final was to be another good race. Randy got Greg on the tree, 0.027 to .061 but Greg was running him down, an 8.65 to Randy’s 8.68. But there was not enough track for Greg to pass, Randy took the stripe by 0.004 seconds. “Man, that was disappointing, close, but disappointing.” said Greg. “We’ve raced in the finals three times this season and all have been real close, 0.003, 0.007 & 0.004 win margins…..a good show for the fans.” he added. “These two races were really tough for us.” said Steve. “I don’t think I’ve had a clutch apart so many times in such a short period of time in my life. We just couldn’t get a handle on the track. Greg did well by riding the bike straight while the tire broke loose, well, except for that first run where he almost crossed the centerline. We’ll just have to put the PM losses behind us and get ready for the Eastern swing beginning in Atlanta.” he added. As you can see, the Desert Dawgs are aggressively pursuing the AHDRA National Championship in Pro Stock and Pro Mod and also the Western Championship in both classes. At this time, to accomplish that goal…ANY monetary help is accepted to put diesel in the rig to get them to the races. Would you like your name on these race bikes and on their trailer too...call now! |
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Coming Events: AHDRA Eastern Swing: The Desert Dawgs would like to THANK their ever important sponsors for making this all happen. Meet their Sponsors and their products: Thunderbird Harley-Davidson www.thunderbirdhd.com PLUS a Big Thanks to all the AHDRA Contingency Sponsors! | |||
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Back to Back AHDRA wins for Winters Racing!!May, 2008 Kevin qualified Saturday as 15th out of a field of 16 motorcycles. During Sunday eliminations, everything clicked for Kevin and Winters Racing is on a roll. Kevin won his second national event in the 2008 AHDRA season in Ennis TX. This time it was SEP, the 11.50 index class. Kevin fought through the field of drivers to meet Reggie MacKay in the final. Kevin got the win with a double breakout, Kevin's 11.44 to Reggie's 11.27. Kevin said "This weekend was awesome! When I qualified so far down in the field on Saturday, I was ecstatic to get the win on Sunday." "I would like to thank all of my competitors for some great racing, my sponsors DP Brakes, F&S Enterprises, McHenry Harley Davidson, O'Leary's Pub, Hal's Speed Shop, Miller Motors and my wife". See you at the strip, www.winters-racing.com |
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Verl Smith Racing for Vets WINS at Texas Motorplex
May 7, 2008
Portland, OR: Verl “Smitty” Smith Racing for Vets took a win in the Cutter’s Foam Pro Street division of the AHDRA’s Lonestar Nationals presented by Kresto at Texas Motoplex near Dallas, TX.
Smith defeated Danny Worth in the first round, and went on to take out reigning champion, Andy Simon in the finals with a 9.523 ET at 145.00 mph against Simon’s 10.091 at 122.09 mph.
Smitty has been creating a bike show prior to each event at regional VA hospitals and homes. He takes with him not only a few hours of time to visit but some of the technical jargon appreciated by the Vets and, of course, Smitty brings his winning Harley-Davidson race bike.
Verl Smith Racing for Vets is supported by Celorie Bros Dump Trucking, Biker’s Choice, MOMS, Feuling, Stringer Engines, Oak Grove Choppers, Mickey Thompson Tires, Avon, Outlaw Racing Fuel, STD, Davey Rocket Corp., Alliance Mechanical, Bitchn Seat Co., Old School Choppers, and Spyke, Inc.
Verl “Smitty” Smith is an honorable man trying to do the right and honorable thing.
http://verlsmithracingforvets.com
Racing for the best, and racing for the Vets!
Verl Smith Racing for V.E.T.S. – 3825 Southeast 113th, Portland, OR 97266
Smitty: 928-699-3061 or 503-477-0097 sp683@msn.com
David Hope Qualifies with NHRA Vroom Racing Pro Stock Motorcycle
May 5, 2008
Nevada, MO: David Hope, AHDRA and now official NHRA Pro Stock rider qualified and made the field at the O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals, at Madison, ILL.
“We didn’t go far but we made the field and David is a outstanding young man and hopefully I can give him a better bike to ride in the near future,” said former AHDRA/NHRA racer, John Hammock team owner and tuner of Vroom Racing.
Hope, “when you pull into an NHRA event it’s obvious you’ve made the big time, everyone was so kind and the professionalism there is amazing. I am truly humbled to have this opportunity and compete with the level of riders with the NHRA.”
Vroom Racing made the field by holding on the bump spot, but were taken out in the first round by Matt Smith who went on to the finals.
Based out of Tulsa, OK, Hammock’s previous race experience and tuning abilities will continue to provide Hope with the mentor opportunity he has been searching for and looks like this will be a pair you’ll be hearing from again.
David Hope is a young man to watch.
Vroom Racing is supported by Red Line Oil, Brown Machinery, Lozano Brothers Porting, Route 66 Harley Davidson, World Wide Bearings.
Hope-417-667-3385
Hammock-918-633-1078
www.Vroomracing.com
Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports Runner Up at Dallas
May 5, 2008
Pfafftown, NC: Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports were runner up at the Lonestar Nationals Presented by Kresto despite having some issues in qualifying in the Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel Series.
During the Saturday qualifying sessions the Texas breezes prevailed and sent AHDRA officials to the trailer to determine safety would reign supreme and made a decision to cut the qualifying session to an 1/8 mile. This wise decision sent Grimes and team scrambling to the pits to re-gear the bike and change the set up and they missed the first round. The 2nd round was 4.887 ET and the 3rd round moved Grimes up comfortably in middle of the field with a 4.498 ET.
In round 1 of eliminations, Grimes advanced over J Sternotti and in round 2 Grimes took out Bill Furr. But coming down the other side of the ladder was Phil Schmidt who met Grimes in the finals. Neither rider had a stellar pass, but it was Schmidt with the win with a 7.45 ET over Grimes’ 8.49 ET.
Grimes, “This was a very interesting weekend, but Texas Motorplex is always full of surprises. I do agree with the decisions made by the AHDRA officials although it wasn’t easy for us, it was a good decision and we worked through it. It’s always good to run against Phil and we look forward to winning against him next time. Our team had 4 teams competing this weekend, we worked very hard to keep everyone in the program and I was again very thankful to have Freddie Robbins who not only worked very diligently with the Top Fuel bike but shared the driving. But don’t call for a day of so, ‘cause we’ve “gone fishing” in Oklahoma. See everyone in Commerce, GA, for the AHDRA Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson Southern Nationals, May 24-25.”
The Mid-Continent Motorsports team is supported by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, Ks., Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP pistons, Nungesser Engineering, and Nevada Auto Mall.
Grimes 336-406-5856
Bahnmaier 316-729-0759
David Hope Preparing to Move to NHRA with Vroom Racing
April 30, 2008
Nevada, MO: David Hope, AHDRA Pro Stock rider is preparing to make the move from his grass roots training to the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle field.
It was meant to be that someone would notice Hope’s enthusiasm and natural riding skills. His runner up race at the AHDRA St. Louis Gypsy Nationals was a test session with former AHDRA/NHRA racer, John Hammock’s Vroom Racing.
Based out of Tulsa, OK, Hammock’s previous race experience and tuning abilities will provide Hope with the mentor opportunity he is searching for. Both Hammock and Hope look forward to their team effort at the O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals, at Madison, ILL, May 2-4th.
Hope graduated Cumme Laude from Western State College of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Management. He is employed by his family owned Nevada Auto Mall and has been drag racing motorcycles since 2004.
David Hope is a young man to watch. V
room Racing is supported by Red Line Oil, Brown Machinery, Lozano Brothers Porting, Route 66 Harley Davidson, World Wide Bearings.
Hope-417-667-3385
Hammock-918-633-1078
www.Vroomracing.com
Moore Wins Pro-Drag @ Gypsy Rendezvous Nationals
April 30, 2008
Tommy Grimes and Mid-Continent Motorsports WIN Outlaw Nitro at St. Louis
April 23, 2008
Pfafftown, NC: Tommy Grimes, reigning NHRA Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley champion and Mid-Continent Motorsports raced at Gateway Int'l Raceway Madison, IL for the AHDRA Gypsy Rendezvous Nationals.
Though sporting new Vanson leathers, it wasn’t a look good-do good weekend. Grimes had a wheel bearing problem, that was not only time consuming but held off his qualifying opportunities. Thrashing in the pits along with the Mid_Continent team was guest crew member, Freddie Robbins of Robbins Performance of Clemmons, NC. Robbins, a former machine shop instructor, maintains a quiet, low profile, yet his name is well known in the Southeast speed world.
Grimes was able to get the bearing situation under control and participated in the Sunday “Outlaw Nitro” field for non qualifying nitro powered bikes. This class offers a test and tune type opportunity. Grimes using his extra track time wisely won the Outlaw program. During this session while competing again Steve Simmons, Grimes, out of the corner of the eye, saw Simmons hit the wall and come off the bike. We wish Simmons a quick recover time and look forward to competing with him soon.
The Mid-Continent team looks forward to competing May 3-4 at Texas Motorplex Ennis, TX Lonestar Nationals Presented by Kresto. Next on their itinerary will be a PINKS, Speed Channel TV event at Atlanta Dragway Commerce, GA, May 17-18, the week prior to the AHDRA Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson Southern Nationals, May 24-25.
This year is a new learning curve for me, Mike Bahnmaier and crew have been great to work with and I think that Freddie Robbins had enough fun at St. Louis that I hope he will be back with us at Dallas.
The Mid-Continent Motorsports team is supported by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, Ks., Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP pistons, Nungesser Engineering, and Nevada Auto Mall.
Grimes 336-406-5856
Bahnmaier 316-729-0759
Desert Dawg Greg Krenik Race ReportApril 23, 2008, Bloomington, MN The Desert Dawgs are in transit from the All Harley Drag Racing Association’s (AHDRA) Gypsy Rendezvous Nationals in St. Louis, MO where everything from earthquakes, rain and ‘close calls’ dominated. The trip from Corrales, NM to St. Louis started a week sooner than expected. Greg’s Dad, Jim, had a bad fall and was in the hospital. It was not a good week as his health deteriorated and they had to move him to a care facility without much hope of him recovering. Then the ride from Bloomington was smooth for about 130 miles before the transmission on the motorhome started having issues. The Dawgs made the trip in 4th gear…making it in 16 hours instead of the normal 10 hours. Then, a half hour after being parked in the Allison Transmission dealer’s parking lot the ground started to shake with the rare 5.2 earthquake. Karen commented that someone could be breaking into the trailer or walking on the motorhome…Greg was so tired, he just claimed it was the wind. Making it to the track to set up the pit and finish the reassembly of the two bikes for TNT. The rain had other ideas and Greg’s Friday was a day spent in the cramped trailer with Steve Allstaedt, as the two of them tried to get the bikes ready. Steve said “We had a few new things we wanted to try and get set during TNT & Qualifying but it wasn’t meant to be.” Saturday started a little late because the track needed to be dried due to another early rain shower. Greg’s concentration on racing was nowhere to be seen. On his first launch of the day he looked like it was his first time on a bike, it sat him straight up and sent him over to the right. For as bad as it was, it was his best run on the Pro Modified at an 8.640 which was good enough to be the #2 qualifier. The Pro Stock had what seemed like a terminal case of transmissionitis in addition to blowing through the clutch. No matter what they did they could not get it to shift correctly. Greg ended the day as the #6 qualifier. Back to work on the two bikes...take everything off that they put on Friday and go back to where things were in Phoenix. Then find some new clutch fibers…thanks to Jordan Cruz, a fellow PS rider, they got a new set on Sunday morning. Sunday was a nice sunny day, a new start. Greg started on the Pro Stock against James Surber. The bike failed to make the shift the first 2 times but Greg stayed on it. At the 1/8 mile Surber’s clutch broke and he lost the piece holding it together. As his bike fell off the pace Greg was able to pull around him for the win. Lucky break! Back in the pits, the Dawgs noticed they shredded the teeth off the belt again. Another problem to overcome in the future. In the second round of PS Greg was up against the #1 Qualifier. The bike made the first shift and for a split second they thought they would get the win but then the tranny failed to shift into 3rd ending all hope. “I just don’t get it.” said Greg. “This was the biggest nightmare trying to figure out what is going on with this bike and we still don’t know what’s up. We don’t have time before Dallas to do anything with it so I don’t know what we’ll do.” he added. |
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The Pro Modified ran great in the first round moving Greg on. He had his fastest run of the weekend in the Semi’s with an 8.63 which put him in the finals against Randy Borho, the #1 Qualifier. The final was another race for the books…a mere 0.003 separated them off the line, Greg was ahead to the 1000’ mark, but Randy taking the finish line stripe by 0.007 seconds with both riders running 8.64’s. They sure did give the fans a show. “Considering what Greg’s been through and what’s ahead of him in the next few days we think he did an awesome job.” said Steve. “Now we just have to figure out what’s wrong with the Pro Stock and fix it. I guess we know what we’ll be doing in Dallas while everyone else is running TNT .” he added. Next up for the Dawgs is the Lonestar Nationals, May 1-3, 2008 in Ennis, TX On a sad note, Greg’s Dad past away last night. God Speed Dad. The Desert Dawgs would like to THANK their ever important sponsors for making this all happen. Meet their Sponsors and their products: Thunderbird Harley-Davidson www.thunderbirdhd.com PLUS a Big Thanks to all the AHDRA Contingency Sponsors! | |
Winters Racing - The Gypsy Rendezvous Nationals - No Blues for Kevin in St. Louis!
April 23, 2008
Moore Wins Pro-Drag @ Arizona Bike Week Nationals - A Win at Windy Wittmann
March 30, 2008
Desert Dawg Greg Krenik Wins both Pro Stock & Pro Modified and Qualifies #1 in both classes!!!
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Corrales, New Mexico - 4/1/08 The Desert Dawgs headed to their closest (in miles) All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) National event, The Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts Arizona Bike Week Nationals in Wittmann, AZ and never thought it would turn out the way it did! It was only a seven hour ride after working the day on Thursday, but the Dawgs were still wandering through the desert looking for the entrance of Speedworld’s Dragstrip at 12:30 am. Yes, the trailer and bikes were packed and coolers were full, but did any of them ever think of ‘calling’ the track and actually asking…how do you get in?…nope! So, the adventure added an extra hour to the evening, but that hour was gained back by crossing over the time zone, so no ‘time’ was really lost, just the Dawgs. Steve Allstaedt (SA Racing), tuner and engine builder arrived Saturday morning just after Greg set up the pit…good timing Steve. They then looked closely to see how the bikes were prepared for Test and Tune in a just a few hours. In Greg’s first TNT pass on the Pro Modified he broke the tire loose so bad that the bike turned sideways, he let off the throttle but had so much forward momentum he crashed over the 60’ timing lights. “That was the worst launch I’ve ever had, I’m glad I was in the left lane or I would’ve been in the wall.” said Greg. The rest of TNT was uneventful by comparison. Saturday, a new day. Greg’s parents/in-laws stopped by to watch the entertainment as well as some close friends. It was time to see if everything worked and to try to get the #1 qualifying spots. Greg started out on the Pro Mod and ran an 8.78, 8.83 and an 8.76 on his 3rd pass which was good enough for the #1 spot. The Pro Stock was another story, the small shifting issue they found in TNT was growing. Greg’s first pass was only a 9.83…good enough to be last! Back in the pits, both Steve and Greg went to work to find the problem. “We just started from one end of the shifting system and worked our way to the other.” said Steve. “We went into the ignition, the cylinder, the tranny and it all looked good. We made some adjustments that would max out some things, leaving no more room for adjustment.” he added. On Greg’s second pass the bike failed to make the shift into 2nd gear but Greg managed to get it to shift on the second try and he ran an 8.34 which put him into the #1 position. For the third round, they waited to see if anyone would beat their time, no one did, so they backed the bike out of the water box and back to the pit to save ‘wear and tear’ on the unknown problem. “The track prep made the starting line real tough to find good spots for Greg to launch from. He likes to go to the right, well, not likes to, but if the tire spins he will go that way because the bikes are right-side heavy. We also have to remind him to move his butt over to the left, just before staging to help with that problem.” said Karen Raffa. Saturday evening was the Desert Dawgs opportunity to feed the Pro Stock and Pro Mod classes. The spread was Burritos and all the New Mexican toppings you can think of. It was a fun time and everyone got to relax a bit. Sunday, Elimination Day, where the classes are run opposite from Saturday. Greg is up first on the Pro Stock. The bike fails to shift the first, second and third try but on the fourth try it goes into second gear and he gets the win. “Can you say luck? That’s what got us the win, in addition to all the horsepower Steve put in this thing.” said Greg. “I was ready for it this time, I just had to let the rpm drop a bit so it would go into gear. I just didn’t think it would take that many tries.” he added. It was back to the pits to find the problem. The Pro Modified ran perfect and Greg advanced in PM. Steve said, “We took the air shifter apart, modified the end, ground the lock nut thickness in half, changed a shifter fork and made more adjustments. We know we have a fast bike, it just needs to shift. The fact that the shift light is no longer working has added a little more excitement to our dilemma. It works when we switched it to the PM but not on this bike. We’ll check everything twice and then pray a lot.” With the number of bikes, Greg had a ‘bye’ in the semi-finals, so he only went up and broke the beam. They wanted to save the bike as much as possible. The Pro Modified was up first for the finals, in dusk. Greg ran an 8.71 at 153.23 MPH taking the win. He broke the ¼ mile MPH record on the run but since it was the last run of the day for the class he could not back it up…darn! Up next was the Pro Stock. Greg cut a 0.017 light and the bike shifted and the light worked, he ran an 8.19 at 160.38 MPH for the win beating Bruce Beltramini. “A 160 miles an hour in these conditions, WOW!” screamed Steve on the starting line. Time to rebuild the transmission and weld a few cracks for the next race. An Incredible weekend and the First AHDRA Points race that the Desert Dawgs went home with the double Win and Double #1 Qualifying Position. YIPEEE! Up next for the Desert Dawgs will be: The Desert Dawgs would like to THANK their ever important sponsors for making this all happen. Our Sponsors and their products: Thunderbird Harley-Davidson www.thunderbirdhd.com PLUS a Big Thanks to all the AHDRA Contingency Sponsors! |
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Winters Racing Race Report
March, 2008
Douglass Racing announces the results from the AHDRA season opener in Gainesville, FL.
Staunton, VA: The new season has started off with a BANG for Douglass Racing.
Charley Douglass started the season opener with a new ride. He had purchased a Street Pro bike just weeks before the Gainesville race. He had no idea how the bike would run, as he had never taken it down the track. There were numerous problems with the bike and much of the weekend was spent working on it. The end result was well worth it.
On Sunday he ran a 9.520 to beat Danny Worth’s 11.345. Not too bad for a guy that only had one qualifying pass for the whole weekend and had never had any practice riding this bike down the track. Thanks to everyone that helped get the bike up and running.
In the Dragmasters Hot Street class, Charley is looking to defend his 2007 National Championship title. It didn’t start out well for the defending champ. Charley had some technical difficulties and didn’t get to run his first qualifying pass. He ran his second and third qualifying passes on Saturday with his best being 9.954 to earn him the # 1 qualifier position.
Gary Douglass started the season off running in the same classes as last year. He ran three qualifying runs in S & S Super Sport (SS), with his best being a 10.504. Gary advanced to the second round after beating Dean Druschel with a close 10.370 to a 10.379. In the second round he was up against Sam Lowery and lost with a 10.792 to a 10.586.
In the Super Eliminator (SE) class, Gary also ran three qualifying passes with his best being his second with a 10.918. This earned him the # 1 qualifier position for the weekend. Gary advanced to second round with a 14.897 after Jimmy McMillan red-lighted. In the second round, Gary was up against Danny Boyer and lost when he red-lighted against Danny’s 10.838.
This was the first time ever in Douglass Racing history that we had two # 1 qualifiers. Both Gary and Charley got to share their moment of fame together during the opening ceremonies on Sunday.
Douglass Racing wants to thank the “crew” for all their support. The crew consists of:
Jody – daughter/ sister, Tammy – Charley’s girlfriend, Jackie – Gary’s girlfriend, Sootie – sister/ aunt, and Jessi – niece/ cousin.
The guys will be heading out without the crew to take the long trip to Arizona to race on March 29-30. Stay tuned for the results.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Energy One (energyoneclutches.com)
Muggs
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, just shoot us an email and tell us what you think – douglassracing1@yahoo.com
or check us out on myspace.com/douglassracing2
or we can be reached at (540) 290 – 0150 or (540) 886 – 7526.
Verl Smith Racing for Vets Sets 2008 Race and Show circuit
March 12, 2008
Portland, OR: By coordinating the western AHDRA drag race series (www.ahdra.com) Verl “Smitty” Smith is organizing a special Harley-Davidson drag bike show prior to each event at selected regional VA hospitals.
Most teams are just worried about how they’re getting to the track, Smitty and friends take time, make time to visit some great American heroes, our veterans. Smitty takes with him not only a few hours of time to visit but some of the technical jargon appreciated by the Vets and, of course, Smitty brings his winning Harley-Davidson race bike. Smitty encourages other teams to come to the VA facilities and often there will be 5-10 Harley-Davidson drag bike teams in full race regalia.
This year, Smith’s association with MOMS www.mothersofmilitarysupport.org will bring an extra enthusiasm to the events where he’ll be.
The Verl Smith Racing for Vets will make appearances at the following events:
March 26th- VA Show - 9am-12-- Phoenix VA HealthCare System, 605 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012---Smitty and James Surber (coming off a win at Gainesville, FL) and Rick Green (AHDRA road representative)
March 28-30- AHDRA Phoenix, AR.
April 23-27 -Laughlin River Run- exhibition for Race your Ride at Avi Casino, 10000 AHA Macav Parkway, Laughlin, NV 89028
April 29th - Exhibition at Biker’s Choice, 4900 Alliance Gateway Freeway, Ft. Worth, TX 76177
April 30- 9 am-12 VA North Texas HealthCare System-4500 S Lancaster Rd., Dallas, TX 75216
May 3-4- AHDRA Lonestar Nationals, Ennis (Dallas) TX
May 26th- Memorial Day Parade, MOMS www.mothersofmilitarysupport.org Moses Lake, WA
June 11-15 –Traveling Wall, MOMS www.MothersofMilitarySupport.org
Norwalk, OH -- VA Bike Show - Sandusky, OH- FMB Racing, featuring Rush Pro Fuel Champion, Chris Streeter
June 27-29-Grant County Aviation Festival, Moses Lake WA
July 30-Aguust 1st --Exhibition Biker’s Choice, JP Cycles-- Moizelle St., Sturgis, SD
August 2 —9am-1— VA Bike Show - Black Hills VA HealthCare System, 113 Comanche Rd., Fort Meade, SD 57741 -Smitty and friends
August 5-6 -AHDRA Sturgis Nationals, Sturgis Dragway, SD-
August 20th - 9 am-12-VA Bike Show - VA HealthCare Facility, Vancouver, WA, Smitty, Rick Green and friends,
August 23-24 -AHDRA Northwest Nationals, Woodburn, OR
November 11 -Veteran’s Day Parade, Auburn, WA-- MOMS www.MothersofMilitarySupport.org
Verl “Smitty” Smith is an honorable man trying to do the right and honorable thing.
verlsmithracingforvets.com
Racing for the best, and racing for the Vets!
Verl Smith Racing for V.E.T.S. – 3825 Southest 113th, Portland, OR 97266
Smitty: 928-699-3061 or 503-477-0097 sp683@msn.com
Moore leaves Gainesville - One, Two, Three
March 15, 2008
2008 Team Miller Motors Season Opener in Gainsville, FL
March 11, 2008
Desert Dawgs ROCK the 2008 opening AHDRA event
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Mark Cox Attends Frank Hawley Pro Stock School
February 2008
Winters Racing Race Report
February 2008
Bob Malloy Ready to ROCK at Gainesville
Elkton, MD 2/13/08
Top Fuel Harley-Davidson racer Bob Malloy is ready to rock and roll in ’08 with the AHDRA drag race season ready to start at Gainesville International Dragway.
Malloy who was lowering his ET’s at the end of the ’07 season and was consistently running in the quick 6.30 second range in the ¼ mile unlimited Nitro class. Malloy is one of if not the most innovative of the Top Fuel racers. His Upswept exhaust system is only one of the more visible innovations on the world’s quickest high gear only 192 cid custom built Top Fueler.
While running a limited regional series in ’07, Malloy placed 7th nationally in the AHDRA Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel class in an internationally spice field of over 30 competitors.
Malloy says, “We’re not sure how many events we can make this season with the obvious fuel increases and the loss of Seaford Harley-Davidson as our primary sponsor. We understand the economy, the elections, but our team remains willing to hit the road in pursuit of the National Championship. We continue to look to align our team with high caliber partners for the ’08 Nitro Harley-Davidson drag racing season.”
Malloy would like to thank his support crew, “there’s really no way to thank Bill and Donna Bennett for everything they have done for me, I could not have done it without them.”
Malloy would like to also thank Boninfante Clutches, CP Pistons, Proto-Fab Racebikes, APE, Red Line Oil, Eastcoast Powder Coating, MSD Ignitions, Goodyear Belts, Ultra Pro Machining, World Wide Bearings, Mickey Thompson Tire, and Crawford Fuel Injection.
If you are interested in becoming a marketing partner for this championship caliber team please contact Bob Malloy 1-443-350-3970.
Desert Dawgs Are Ready for the AHDRA 2008 SeasonCorrales, NM 2/10/2008 The Desert Dawgs (Greg Krenik, Steve Allstaedt & Karen Raffa) are getting ready to race for the 2008 All Harley Drag Racing Association’s National Championship in both Pro Stock and Pro Modified! In the Dawg’s first full season (2007) in the Pro Classes they had SO much fun, plus they finished the year #2 in Both Classes, that they want to go for the #1 Plate in 2008! Meanwhile, the off-season has been a rebuilding time for Greg. Not only did he turn 50 years old, he also had both elbows operated on (an old windsurfing injury) and is getting himself in shape to hold onto the bikes without over doing his rehab. The rebuilding of the bikes has been limited to a refreshing of the cranks, heads and transmissions because of a loss of 2/3 of their cash sponsors. With the budget constraints, they are going to try for more speed by designing a more aerodynamic look for both bikes this season. This season they would like to welcome back their sponsors: Thunderbird Harley-Davidson, SA Racing Inc., Unique Services Inc., Leading Edge – The Motorcycle Paint Pros, Custom Coating, OUTLAW Racing Fuels, CP Pistons, Mickey Thompson Tires, Lyndall Racing Brakes and Bandit Machine Works. And welcome their NEW sponsors that are joining them in 2008: S&S Cycle, Regina Chain and Boot Guard. The 2008 season starts in Gainesville, FL for the “Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts Bike Week Nationals” Feb 29 – Mar 2. The Dawgs will leave Corrales, NM on Feb 22 to drive to Steve Allstaedt’s SA Racing shop in Asheville, NC. There, they will install the motors in both bikes, and head to the track to fire them up and start the 2008 Chase for the Championship. The Desert Dawgs would like to THANK their ever important sponsors for making this all happen. Our Sponsors and their products: Thunderbird Harley-Davidson www.thunderbirdhd.com PLUS a Big Thanks to all the AHDRA Contingency Sponsors! Upcoming Schedule: Feb 29 – March 2, Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts Bike Week Nationals, Gainesville, FL |
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Douglass Racing announces 2008 Schedule
As the family team, father, Gary Douglass, 58, manipulates his vacation time as Service Manager at the Staunton Coca Cola plant, son, Charley Douglass, 38, is doing the same as Maintenance Technician at McKee Foods (Little Debbie snack cakes). Also, Jody, daughter/ sister of the team joins them. Jody adds, "We all enjoy our time together at the races. It means so much when you have your family by your side, especially when you are doing something you enjoy." Gary Douglass has been racing for 7 seasons in the Syn3 ET, Pingel Super Eliminator and S & S Super Sport series and aspires to win a class championship in ’08 on his 1990 HD Sportster with a 2001 Buell motor. Charley Douglass started racing his 1992 Harley-Davidson Sportster in 2000 in the AHDRA Syn3 ET class. He advanced to DragMasters Hot Street in 2003 and continues to run in that class. Surprises are in store for 2008......stay tuned for more info! Charley will carry the #1 plate in the National DragMasters Hot Street class by winning the Championship in 2007. He also finished 4th in S & S Super Sport. And not only are their racing credentials outstanding but in ‘07 Douglass Racing placed 2nd in Best Appearing Sportsman team. 2008 Schedule Douglass Racing is supported by Shenandoah Harley Davidson www.shenandoahhd.com Energy One www.energyone.com and Muggs (more to come on this). |
January 29, 2008 Staunton, VA: Douglass Racing, a family oriented Harley Davidson Drag Bike Team is pleased to announce their 2008 AHDRA Race Schedule. We at Douglass Racing are anticipating another great year in 2008 and hope to see you at the races.
Hawaya Racing Moves Operation to North CarolinaPartners with CrossRoads Harley-Davidson in Harley Street Performance | |
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January 23, 2008 Mark Cox and Johnny Vickers proudly announce the arrival of the Hawaya Racing operation to Millers Creek, North Carolina, a small township just minutes from CrossRoads Harley-Davidson. The new partnership will offer high performance options for race-oriented motorcycle enthusiasts, custom bike owners and the everyday rider looking for a unique, race-proven product. Cox and Vickers have worked together for years through Mark Cox Racing, a multi-race winner and National Champion in the Harley-Davidson Nitro classes. “We have been working towards partnering up on this business venture for several years,” said Johnny Vickers, owner of Hawaya Racing. “It took some time to put all the elements in motion, but we finally have completed that process. We built a new state-of-the-art racing facility in Millers Creek to be able to offer Hawaya’s high-end performance services to our existing customers and new clientele in the racing country of North Carolina.” “With Johnny’s Hawaya Racing operation, we will now be able to advance our service to the next level in regard to performance. CrossRoads Harley-Davidson will now be a unique performance headquarters, where you can get race-proven performance.” Vickers will continue to operate Hawaya Racing Products, specializing in building racing motorcycles from the ground up, clutch and fuel-management systems, drive-train components, fabrication and custom bike building. Through the new partnership, they will also be able to offer dyno tuning, horsepower packages, machine work and custom fabricated pieces. “CrossRoads’ 33,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that we moved into in late 2005 offers a great location for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle performance enhancement business,” added Cox. “People are constantly riding in and wanting to upgrade their horsepower package or get some custom fabricated pieces for their bike. Through this business extension, we can now do it and do it right. Johnny is a legend in the Harley race bike building business and we are proud to be associated with him. His quality is unmatched. We are very excited for our customers because of the unique services we can now offer.” Check out more news about CrossRoads Harley-Davidson at www.crossroads-hd.com or Hawaya Racing and www.hawayaracing.com now at 1333 North Minton Road, Millers Creek, NC 28651. Phone 336-973-5078, Fax 336-973-5079. For more information, contact: Mark Cox, 336-667-1003, ext. 101. |
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Nitro Harley Champions and Mid-Continent Motorsports to Compete in 2008 Season | |
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January 21, 2008 Mid-Continent Motorsports of Wichita, Kansas, has confirmed that two-time champions, Rick Moore and Tommy Grimes, have agreed to another year of competition. Rick Moore is the reigning 2006/2007 AHDRA Pro-Dragster Champion and Tommy Grimes is the reigning 2006/2007 NHRA Top-Fuel Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Champion. Moore obtained his 5.90s Top-Fuel license at last season's race in Pomona, CA. This year he will be entering AHDRA's Pro-Fuel class. Meanwhile, veteran Top-Fuel Harley rider, Tommy Grimes, has committed to racing his first full season with the Team. I'm really impressed by the talent these two young men are bringing to the table," states team owner, Mike Bahnmaier. "Mid-Continent Motorsports is going to be a serious contender in both Nitro Harley Classes." The Mid-Continent Motorsports team includes: Mike Bahnmaier, Joe and Neita Bahnmaier, Jody Dukelow, Dave Larson, and Drew Moldenhauer. Mid-Continent Motorsports is sponsored by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, KS., Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP Pistons, and Nevada Auto Mall. Follow Mid-Continent Motorsports race season at Rick Moore's website, www.mooreperformanceracing.com. |
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