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Sep 26
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NHDRO Caps Season in Beautiful Racing Weather at Norwalk

By General Posts

Beautiful Racing Weather at Norwalk

event: NHDRO’s Midwest Fall Nationals presented by Liguori Drag Racing
when: September 16-18, 2022
where: Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, USA
NHDRO’s Midwest Fall Nationals presented by Liguori Drag Racing finished off the Midwest’s largest motorcycle drag racing series’ season in true NHDRO style—family, festive, high stakes fun at unquestionably one of the top-tier tracks in the world: Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

Norwalk was the final event of a 2022 NHDRO season that saw three race days at each and every event, maximizing racer paybacks for their travel dollar in a time of high expenses for all travellers. Champions were determined in all classes following two full points races on Saturday and Sunday, plus the usual NHDRO Friday night shootouts.

Schnitz Racing Top Gas and Shootout
There are no bigger advocates for Summit Motorsports Park than Cleveland’s Adams family, so it is only fitting that Craig and Kevin Adams had so much success at the NHDRO race—including sweeping both Schnitz Racing Top Gas points races.

Craig and his wheelie bar dragbike faced tough competition in Saturday’s final against no-bar racer David Beshara—winner on both days of the recent Edgewater event.

But Craig’s .018 light vs. Beshara’s .047 laid a table that Beshara couldn’t clear, despite running dead-on 8.20 with a 9, and Adams was able to win with an 8.22 at 28 miles per hour less than Beshara.

“Faced some really tough racers, lucky to come out with the win,” said Craig. “Had to race my brother second round in a really tight race.

“Thanks to Dad, Gary Godwin, Kevin, Gavin, Niki and Brian Welch, the Short family, Ligouri Racing, my wife Jill, and Eatmyink for the great coverage as always.”

Mike Puglia was Saturday’s number one qualifier.

The roles were reversed in Sunday’s final, with Craig’s brother Kevin riding a no-bar Suzuki Hayabusa against dragbike racer Bradley Shellhaas—also a member of a racing family.

This time around, both racers had awesome lights, with Shellhaas’ .019 only .001 behind Adams. Bradley broke out by .002 while Kevin ran 8.203 on the 8.20 index—what a race!

“What an awesome weekend with family and friends!” said Kevin. “To be able to race at the best track in the country and what I consider the best motorcycle sanction out there, NHDRO!

“Friday started out slow, losing a tight race in Top Gas Shootout, but got to test our brand new bike on motor and was very successful.

“Saturday, again lost a tight race to my brother in Top Gas, but the good news was he went on and won and I ended up runner-up in Super Comp.

“And for Sunday, wow, what a day to be able to get to the finals of Super Comp and Top Gas and end up winning both against very tough competitors, and made it to the semifinals in Street ET and lost another close race.

“I want to thank Greg and Maria Kubach for being great friends and giving me such awesome bikes to race, Joe Marasco, my dad, my wife Brianna Adams, and my sons Connor and Gavin for all their help and support.”

Friday’s Schnitz Racing Top Gas Shootout winner was Doug Fisher, who bypassed a race at his home track 131 Motorsports Park in Michigan to come race with NHDRO at Norwalk.

Wheelie bar racer Fisher beat no-bar racer Michael D’Addio in the Shootout final. “The bike went 8.202 out of the trailer,” said Fisher, who also went to two semifinals.

“Thanks Richard Gadson for the tuning and pit help. David Beshara said ‘You hired a tuner.’ I replied ‘He’s fam.’

“Thanks also to Donna Fisher for going and Alexis Baker for the great food and support.

“The long rollout got us Saturday and Sunday.”

Defending and once again Schnitz Racing Top Gas champ Jeremy Teasley came up winless in the class on this particular weekend, but retains his championship regardless.

“My plan was to do better in Top Gas, but I ended up with the Super Comp win—just as good but not as many points as I wanted,” said Teasley. “I knew Jeremy England was right behind me in Top Gas, but still squeezed out the championship at the end.

“Want to thank Brian and Niki Welch for the awesome event, can’t wait till next year.”

Sunday Top Gas number one qualifier Ceslie Shellhaas ended up feeling fortunate that her progress through the field was stopped midday.

“I made my Top Gas bye run and lost the right wheelie bar panel,” said Ceslie. “Ran second round of Pro ET and won. Then came up for third round of Pro ET and the bike died twice after my burnout, so I backed out and went back.

“We made some adjustments and the bike started just fine. I went ahead and took the left panel off before heading up for Top Gas second round. I got a rag and started to wipe the bars down and when I got to the side I had just removed, the bottom bar was completely broken. And then after checking the other side again it was starting to crack along the same spot.”

So in retrospect, it was a good thing that the panel fell off, that her bike died in Pro ET, and that she took the other panel off and discovered the crack. Hitting those broken bars in Top Gas might have proven disastrous.

MTC Super Comp 8.90 index
As Kevin Adams has already mentioned, he won Sunday’s MTC Super Comp 8.90 index, beating Greg “Magnet” Mallett in the final. Kevin (also the number one qualifier) nailed a perfect .000 light that left Mallett dazed to an .084. Kevin ran .040 slower than Greg and still won.

Adams runner-upped on Saturday to Jeremy Teasley. Jeremy’s .010 light put .032 on Kevin at the get-go, and Teasley was able to take the win with an 8.96 at only 150 mph to Adams’ 8.95 at 155.

The Super Comp and Pro ET championships were won by Joe Klemme, who also won Saturday’s MPS Pro ET race. “This late in the season and in my career, I was still trying some new things at the starting line and on the track,” said Klemme. “Some of those things helped and some didn’t, but if you don’t try new things you will be just like everyone else.

“My win in Pro ET on Saturday and semifinal finishes in Super Comp on both days was, as always, a total team KPM Racing effort. I would like to thank my teammates Tom Klemme (also Joe’s brother), Tim Genung, and John Mealy for all their help at the shop and on the track. Also thanks to KPM and Ed and Bradley Grothus at Grothus Dragbikes for their continued support.

“Our team’s success this weekend secured the championships in Pro ET and Super Comp. I would like to dedicate these two championships to my late sister Judy Grothus and uncle Roger Klemme, who we lost recently.”

MPS Racing Pro ET
As mentioned above, Joe Klemme won the MPS Pro ET championship and Saturday’s race. Pete Chongris runner-upped, his .035 light no match for Klemme’s .009. Chongris ran closer to his 8.95 his dial-in, but Klemme was close enough to his own 9.28.

Kyle Dolamore won an “all-Dolomite” final on Sunday against his cousin Steven Dolamore. Kyle put .033 on Steven at the tree to pretty well settle this one, as Steven broke out by more in the double breakout race.

“Me and my cousin both actually lost first round and didn’t wanna buy back ’cause we were both frustrated about us messing up the race, and my father talked us into buying back,” reported Kyle. “As I’m putting the body on the bike to head to the lanes, I remember looking at my brother and going ‘I’m about to wear some people and everybody is in trouble and better stay outta my way cause I’m winning this damn race now.’”

And true enough, he did. “This win was special to me because exactly six years ago I won my first race, and that was the Division 3 bracket finals, so winning again on that same day six years later and it being my second win ever was just something special! Along with it being my first ever win at my home track on a dragbike!

“One of the coolest things was finally winning with my grandparents Terry and Hedi Dolamore at the track. My grandfather is the one who got all of us into racing, so finally getting him in my winner circle photo has been a goal of mine since I started racing. And doing it in the fashion of it being an all-family final and the first time we ever did that just put the cherry on top!

“Just want to thank my family for everything they have done and always supporting me, especially my dad Tony for always making sure I have the best equipment possible and always wanting the best for me even if it means he gives up his bike for me to ride that weekend, and my mom Traci. Also like to thank my brother (Michael Maday) and my sister (Morgan Dolamore, recently married so Morgan Moore) and my cousin Steven for always reminding me that I’m a ‘Bad Dude,’ as they say.

“Also wanna give a shoutout to the Bader family for always giving us an amazing track to race at and just the best in the business facility-wise! Also thanks to the Adams family for always being there to lend a helping hand or advice or even a motorcycle at times!”

M2.Shocks 8.70 Quick Street
We’ve read about brothers and cousins winning races at Norwalk, but Marty White is a one-man wrecking ball. Already the defending M2.Shocks 8.70 Quick Street champion, White repeated that title along with the Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET championship.

White won Sunday’s Quick Street final at the expense of Eric Yost in a double breakout. White’s .031 advantage at the tree laid the table for his 8.696 to beat Yost’s 8.692.

“I couldn’t be more appreciative for my family and friends for supporting me and the whole AWR Cycles team,” said White. “Brian, Niki and the whole Welch family for giving us the opportunity to have so much dang fun, and Tim Hailey for capturing every precious moment! The racing action photos are awesome and the candids with family and friends melt my heart.

“The season was amazing for the whole team. Too many milestones to even mention. To win six races and back-to-back championships in two classes in a two season span is surreal to say the least!

“The old Katana rides like a Cadillac. I’m honored to be associated with AWR Cycles, NHDRO, Page Racing, JTR, the best photographer around, and many others. Keep safe, keep chasing your dreams, and make sure Eatmyink captures it all!”

Saturday winner Jaden Hall put .022 on runner-up Rashad Rowe at the tree, taking the win despite being nearly a hundredth slower on track.

Phil Tinsley and Tom Cooper were number one qualifiers.

Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET
As already mentioned, double championship winner Marty White also won the Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET title, sealing the deal with Saturday’s race win over Owen Burdick. Marty’s .029 starting line advantage proved impossible for Burdick to overcome on this particular day.

Burdick runner-upped again on Sunday, this time against Sean Neizmik. Sean didn’t post an impressive number at the starting line—a .127 to Burdick’s much better .038. But his ZX14 ran dead on his 8.97 with a 9, while Burdick’s 9.27 fell way short of his 9.11 dial-in.

“I really appreciate all the hard work Brian and his family put in to making the NHDRO venues a pleasure to race at,” said Neizmik. “I want to thank the Lord, thank my family, and really enjoy having the opportunity to compete against such a talented group of racers.”

Advanced Sleeve Dirty 30 9.30 and Friday’s Delay Box Shootout

Despite Tom Klemme’s two Advanced Sleeve Dirty 30 9.30 finals at Norwalk—winning one—it was Drew Nearhoof that won the championship.

“I’d like to thank a few people,” said Nearhoof. “My papa and uncle Fran looking down from above and keeping me safe. My uncle Dick and father who have let me store my dragbike, pitbikes, & streetbikes at the family automotive repair shop throughout the years. My uncle Kevin (Nasca) who always keeps things light at our pit spot.

“Blood runs thicker than water in our family and this championship would not have been possible without these men blazing the path for me.”

Klemme won on Saturday despite giving up the tree to runner-up Marshall Hutchinson .041 to 018. It was a double breakout, with Hutchinson’s 9.27 more offensive than Klemme’s 9.28.

“I can’t have success without a dedicated team and great pit help,” said Klemme, also Saturday’s number one qualifier. His brother Joe qualified number one on Sunday. “Zero mistakes made by my pit man John Mealy, but I made a few.”

Like going -.004 red against his brother Joe—who was trying to lose on purpose—in Street ET. Tom was trying for the bye the next round but lost the bye he already had.

“I’m still recovering from a sprained wrist and I don’t feel like I’m racing at 100%. I’m happy and fortunate to do as well as I did.”

Which included a win in Friday’s Delay Box Shootout. Tom beat David Beshara in the final.

Tom also did his job at the starting line in Sunday’s Dirty 30 final, posting an .027 to Justin Blackford’s .053. But Klemme was .005 quicker than Blackford when he didn’t want to be—at the finish of the double breakout race.

“This past weekend was an absolute blast at Summit Motorsports Park!” said Blackford. “This is my second year coming out to NHDRO events and it’s always something I look forward to.

“This season, my number one goal was to bring home a Big Check and get my first ever event win. Being able to make it happen on the last day of the last event in front of friends and family, and a lot of the people that helped me get to this point, was an awesome experience and something I’ll never forget!”

Friday Night Shootouts
Friday night is Shootout time at NHDRO, and Norwalk’s weather couldn’t have been more perfect—for all three days and nights, actually.

Buffalo, New York’s Owen Burdick may have come up short Saturday and Sunday in Street ET, but Friday was his as he won the No-Box Shootout, taking the final over Rylan Rowe.

“It was my first time at an NHDRO race and first time racing at Norwalk,” said Burdick. “This is my first full year on my new bike (‘08 Suzuki GSXR1000), so a lot of firsts. I had a great experience all weekend at the races. Great people and the event was run very well. Hats off to Brian and his family.

“As for the racing part, I felt great and the bike was deadly. Decent lights helped, and a little luck as well. The bike was very consistent for me, which made picking my dial-in time not hard at all. And a smooth, fast, and sticky track helped too. I was asked to split the money before the final round, but that won’t ever happen. Go big and fast or go home.”

The old man still has it. Crow Teasley won the Road Course Shootout, beating Chris Tucker in the final. “I just want to thank Joe Marasco for letting me ride the bike, and Brian and Niki for a great event. Had a blast.”

There was also a special Shop Wars Shootout, with speed shops competing against each other in various classes. Jeremy Teasley Racing (JTR) won Road Course and Top Gas Shootouts, while Joe Marasco’s Maximum Street Performance (MSP) won Heavyweight and Grudge. The tiebreaker was two runner-up finishes for JTR and only one for MSP, as the Testa Engines team runner-upped in Top Gas.

“It was a perfect weekend,” said Teasley. “Came in the race not knowing who to put where in the Shop Shootout, but we came together and figured it out to win by one point. MSP put up a great fight.”

VooDoo Grudge
Kevin Dennis isn’t just the Midwest’s greatest insurance agent, nor is he just the sponsor of Street ET. Kevin is also a hardcore racer, and made a big leap at Norwalk. Long time bracket racer Dennis showed up with a new VooDoo Grudge build and promptly won two big races against the most hallowed family in the Grudge biz—the Teasley’s.

Dennis and his “Full Coverage” shot out of the hole like a cannonball for the first race win against Crow Teasley on “Valhalla.” From there it was a race to get the bikes back around to run them again before the track went dark at midnight. But make it back they did, with Dennis sweating profusely from the hustle. It was all worth it, as he took the second one also.

“Really came to the race just to test it out and work on the tune-up, as the bike only had three passes in it prior,” said Dennis. “Once it ran a good number, I decided to let Brian find us a race. It’s always a little nerve racking when you see that you are racing anyone with the name Teasley on their leathers.

“First race was really close, actually. Had to ask Crow who won. When they wanted to rerun, I was pretty surprised since it was so late at night.

“The second race I knew he was going to try to put a light on me hard, but luckily he redlit and on that pass I made my fastest pass ever on any bike.

“It was a ton of fun and I’m sure Crow already has plans for his revenge! Was a great night of racing and the staff at Norwalk prepped the entire track for us at the end of the night. Overall great experience and a great payday.”

There were lots of great grudge races and bikes, including Jeremy Teasley stinging the nighttime air on “Bad Draw.” NHDRO’s Brian Welch picked up a win on “Big Greasy”

Shutdown Area
Friday’s Gamblers’ Race was won by Austin Poole with Rob Neizmik the final round runner-up.

Saturday’s Gamblers’ Race was won by Jeremy Himes over final round runner-up Tony “Toni! Toné!” Roberson.

Richard Gadson got some testing in on his James Johnson-owned, “Stop Soldier Suicide,” Monster 4 valve, George Babor motor, Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle.

The event was visited by the international meeting of the Gunfighters Motorcycle Club. Comprised entirely of law enforcement officers, members from all over the world were represented at the event and four of them took to the track on the bikes they rode in on.

Ashley Shellhaas beat Keith Joyce in Saturday’s scooter race, and Les Stimac’s HighRisk Motorsports along with Eric “Vansboy” Yost picked up the tab for every child on the property to get some of Norwalk’s famous pound of ice cream.

Brian and Niki Welch love taking their NHDRO family out for the most fun to be had at the best tracks in the Midwest. “Thanks to everyone for a great season,” said the Welch’s.

NHDRO thanks M2.Shocks , Kevin Dennis Insurance , MPS Racing , Liguori Drag Racing , Schnitz Racing , Voodoo Custom Motorcycle Components , Vanson Leathers , MTC Engineering , Advanced Sleeve , Rock Auto, High Risk Motorsports , Page Racing and APE .

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Aug 01
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NHDRO Motorcycle Action Coming Back to Edgewater

By General Posts

NHDRO motorcycle drag racing series race coverage report

event: NHDRO’s Summer Nationals presented by Page Racing
when: August 5-7, 2022
where: Edgewater Sports Park, Cleves, Ohio, USA

Racing so nice they’re doing it twice. The Midwest’s largest motorcycle drag racing series—NHDRO—is coming right down the return road to the head of Edgewater Sports Park’s staging lanes for the Summer Nationals presented by Page Racing on August 5-7.

NHDRO’s three races in one weekend format paid off well when the recent July Nationals presented by APE Raceparts faced a Sunday rainout. Making racing economical by giving competitors three days of racing at every event meant that two days of NHDRO Big Checks had already been distributed. And what with racing right here centrally in Ohio, NHDRO is delivering more smiles per mile of travel to motorcycle drag racers.

Friday night is Shootout time, with NHDRO Delay Box, No-Box, Road Course, Schnitz Racing Top Gas, No-Time/Grudge, and 55-and-older Shootouts.

A whole new program of NHDRO points racing starts with MPS Pro ET and Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET timed runs at 9:00 am on Saturday—and repeats on Sunday for two complete days of class racing following Friday’s full slate of Shootouts—three full days of competition for the cost of one drive.

Schnitz Racing Top Gas, Advanced Sleeve Dirty 30, MTC Super Comp, M2.Shocks 8.70 Quick Street, Pro Ultra 4.60, Pro Street, MPS Pro ET and Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET will all see two Big Checks apiece handed out this weekend, along with a second Road Course Shootout on Saturday. VooDoo Grudge will entertain on until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights as well

Winners and runner-ups from last time at Edgewater are a virtual “who’s who” of Midwestern and National motorcycle drag racing superstars: Ohio’s multi-time champ Jeremy Teasley, Edgewater regular Jeremy England, Defiance’s gizmo wizard Greg Mallett, Quick Street season champion Marty White, Iowa wheelie bar legends Tom and Joe Klemme, Cleveland no-bar hitman Kevin Adams, Jeremy Hines Jr., Donnie Emerson, Rylan Rowe, Jim “Just a Swangin’” Swanger, B.J. Evans, Roger Wilhelm, Dave Beshara, Tom Guzan, Jaden Hall, Big Joe Holt, Chad Fleener, Bill Deshong, Justin Hodge, Brandon Holland and more will all aim for similar or better results this time down the Edgewater 1320.

Weekend wristband is $45, Saturday after 5:00pm is $25. Arriving on a motorcycle after 5:00pm on Saturday? Pay only $10 per person.

If you arrive on Friday, you must purchase a weekend band. If you leave before 11:00pm Friday, you will be refunded $20 and you band cut off.

If you arrive on Saturday before 5:00pm, you must purchase a weekend band. If you leave before 11:00pm Saturday, you will be refunded $20 and band cut off.

Niki and Brian Welch can’t wait to see the NHDRO family back at shady, park-like Edgewater just outside of Cincinnati on August 5-7. Bring your bike and show us what you got!

NHDRO thanks M2.Shocks , Kevin Dennis Insurance , MPS Racing , Liguori Drag Racing , Schnitz Racing , Voodoo Custom Motorcycle Components , Vanson Leathers , BB Racing , MTC Engineering , Advanced Sleeve , Rock Auto, High Risk Motorsports , Page Racing and APE.

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May 20
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NHDRO’s Three Race “Trilogy” Was Fast Fun in Sun

By General Posts

The Midwest’s largest motorcycle drag racing series—NHDRO—kicked off their 2022 season with the Midwest Race Trilogy—three full races over three days at West Salem, Ohio’s beautiful, sunny Dragway 42.

NHDRO motorcycle drag racing series race coverage report
event: NHDRO’s Midwest Race Trilogy
when: May 13-15, 2022
where: Dragway 42, West Salem, Ohio, USA

Friday Shootouts

“I love the three races in one weekend,” said defending two-class champion Jeremy Teasley. “Because you normally mess up, so you got two more shots. But I ended up winning the first day over my buddy Dave Page. We left together, then his bike had problems.”

Teasley actually had a small .018 advantage over Page at the tree in Friday night’s Schnitz Racing Top Gas 8.20 all-no-bar Shootout final, and was able to cruise across the stripe when Page’s Suzuki Hayabusa went off song at 1000 feet.

“It was a good weekend at the track seeing everyone,” continued Teasley. “The weather was perfect and (NHDRO owners) Brian and Niki Welch did a great job.”

The event also served as a celebration of life for Page’s wife Rhonda, who passed away May 5thafter a courageous battle with cancer. Rhonda, you are missed.

Friday’s Big Show Shootouts were 100% payback races, and in addition to Schnitz Racing Top Gas also included NHDRO Road Course, Delay Box and No-Box Shootouts.

Tom Klemme and Jeremy England ran an awesome wheelie bar (Klemme) vs. no-bar Box Shootout final. In his new root beer and orange leathers, Klemme took the tree by a scant .004 on his matching KZ900 and ran .004 over his 8.84 dial-in for the win.

The No-Box Shootout also came down to a wheelie bar vs. no-bar final, and was also won by a Klemme—Tom’s bother Joe. He faced Teddy Thompson, usually known for riding a slow streetbike to considerable bracket racing success. On this occasion, however, Thompson was riding a piece with a 9.52 second dial-in. He took the tree with an .011 against Klemme’s .058, but broke out while Klemme won dead-on with a .007.

“The win Friday night was great, especially since as a team my brother Tom and I won two of the three shootouts that we entered,” said Joe Klemme.

“The rest of the weekend wasn’t quite as successful (for us). There is some very tough competition out there. That is a good thing and that’s what keeps us coming back.

“As far as the three races in one weekend, I think that is a no-brainer. All the other expenses remain the same. The second and third races are expense free besides entry fees and race vehicle maintenance.

“As always I would like to thank our team KPM: Tom Klemme, John Mealy, and Tim Genung, for everything they do.”

The NHDRO Road Course (instant green, no-time class with road course requirement) final was close for a moment, as a mere .003 separated Carlo Testa and Justin Hodge at the tree. But after that it was all Testa, who took the win by a wide margin.

“It was such a great weekend,” said Testa. “I’ve invested a lot of time and effort, not to mention all the money, into my craft, and the education I’ve received has come by way of all the lumps I’ve taken along the way. I’ve been going to a Dragway 42 since I was in diapers, so it was extra special this past weekend when I got my first win at that race track.

“I knew going in I had as good a chance as anyone of winning the Road Course Shootout. The bike has been so incredibly reliable and consistent for the past four years that I felt I could lean on it a little bit harder and give heads-up racing a shot. It made my job much easier knowing all I have to do is line up straight and cut a light, and the bike will make a clean A to B pass damn near every time.

“I was very lucky to have the help of a great group of teammates: Nino Zana, Joey Brandgard, and Jerome Gordon. Without them I might even forget to put fuel in the bike.

“I want to thank Brian and Niki Welch and family for their hard work and commitment to us racers. Their events are ALWAYS first class. Without folks like the Welch’s, Man Cup’s Jay Regan, and SDBA’s Sonny Vick, motorcycle drag racing wouldn’t be where it is today. Thank you also to Ron and Mary Anne Matcham, and their entire staff for such a great race track. They really make me feel like family every time I’m there. I’m hoping this is the first of many wins to come at my home track, Dragway 42.”

Saturday and Sunday

Testa and his no-bar ‘Busa went on to runner-up in Saturday’s Top Gas final against Bradley Shellhaas and his wheelie bar Kawasaki. Shellhaas took the tree .022 to .047 and went unchallenged from there.

“I was fortunate enough to have several family members travel there to watch this weekend, so those wins always feel more special,” said Bradley. “It also was my son’s ninth birthday, so he provided me with the luck when I needed it. No winlight was possible without my dad (Brad) building the most reliable and consistent antique that a rider could ever ask for. That bike makes my job easier and myself more confident than I ever should be on the track.”

No-Bar Shootout runner-up England nailed a .007 Bond Bulb on O’Dell Williams in Sunday’s Top Gas final, offsetting Williams’ 8.209 ET for the win.

“This weekend was a great start to the season for me,” said England. “I showed up Friday with my new bike and I hadn’t had a chance to use the nitrous much this season. So Friday morning, me and David Ligouri worked diligently to make the bike happy using nitrous, and within a couple runs it was working great. So I took a swing at 8.20 and went 8.177 at 179 mph.

“I left that tune alone and used it all weekend. It ran 8.16-8.18 all weekend long. This is my first no-bar Top Gas bike and I couldn’t be happier with it, showing up and winning the first weekend out. With a runner-up Friday in the Box shootout, 9.30 semifinal on Saturday, Pro ET semi and the Top Gas win on Sunday, I feel pretty good about my performance.

“I have the FuelTech plug ‘n play harness from David Ligouri and Ryan Schnitz, and man has that turned out to be a phenomenal system them guys created. I owe a huge thanks to David for his efforts with my motorcycle, Dave Page for building me a top flight engine every time, Marcus McBain for a killer shock combo, Dustin Lee for unbelievable clutch support, and Tim Hailey for being here with excellent coverage of the event.

“The next NHDRO is in my backyard at Edgewater Motorsports Park and I cannot wait to be there.”

Jeremy’s brother, Andrew “The Big Island” England, gave up .028 at the tree but still pulled out Saturday’s MPS Pro ET win against Perry Sowers in the final.

“Was a blast like always,” Andrew said about his weekend. “My first big win in the NHDRO and I was super pumped about it. Could not have done it with out the help of my dad Butch, my mom Anita, and my bother Jeremy. Had a hard road to get there, a lot of .00 stripes. Just lucky it fell my way.”

Not that he needs much luck, but Greg Mallett received heaps of it on Sunday. Kyle “Dolemite” Dolamore redlit by -.003 in the MPS Pro ET final, and David Beshara made it even easier for Mallett in the MTC Super Comp final when his bike pulled through the beams on the 2-step. That made for two wins for former Top Gas champ Mallett.

“Being the first race of the year for me, I really struggled Friday and Saturday,” said Mallett. “My lights weren’t consistent and I wasn’t riding well. I knew I needed to improve on Sunday or I’d be going home early. I worked a little harder, had a few lucky rounds, and things fell into place.

“It’s always helpful to have Dustin Lee, David Liguori, and Dan Rudd help me with my program. Those guys are the best at what they do!

“Dragway 42 is a great facility. I always enjoy racing there. Brian, Niki, and their crew do a top notch job at every event!”

Defending two-class champion Marty White also scored two wins at Dragway 42, both of them in M2.Shocks 8.70 Quick Street

Saturday’s Quick Street final was a true battle of titans—White vs. veteran rider Big Joe Holt. The champ’s .015 advantage at the tree was pretty much all he needed, as both bikes ran 8.73s to give White the win.

Sunday’s QST final was like a replay for White, but with a different bike and rider in the other lane. Eric Yost gave up .024 at the tree, ensuring another White win when both bikes ran 8.77s.

Young Chanston Moll was able to take the tree and the stripe against Sunday’s Super Comp runner-up Beshera in Saturday’s MTC Super Comp final.

“It was awesome to just get out there and have fun with family and friends!” said 20 year-old Moll. “The bike was super consistent every pass. I knew as long as I kept cutting a good light then I would be able to make it rounds. I also couldn’t have done it without all the help from Crow and Jeremy Teasley. They’re awesome, always there to help out when I need it!”

Jim Swanger grabbed an .044 advantage at the tree against Justin Blackford to give himself some easing room at the stripe for Saturday’s Advanced Sleeve Dirty 30 win.

Sunday’s Dirty 30 race was closer, with Jeff Hall taking the tree by .016 against Drew Nearhoof, who ran a click closer to the number with a 9.35. Still, Hall’s 9.36 took the stripe in the 9.30 index class.

“I’ve been following NHDRO since 2010, have been in many finals and semifinals, and have been number one qualifiers in several events, and this is my first win,” said Hall. “Been a long time coming. My goal was to win one of these races with a THC (True Hand Clutch) bike, and I finally did it.

“I would like to that Dave Page for building my motors throughout the years. If it wasn’t for him this wouldn’t be possible. He takes care of us at all costs. Would like to thank my son Jaden Hall for all the hard work and countless hours helping me work on these machines. And would like to thank Brian and Niki Welch for providing us with the series and continuing to put on the events for us to race in the Midwest. And of course, would like to thank the man Tim Hailey for the amazing photos and awesome coverage!”

Kevin Adams didn’t find the Friday success he was looking for but came through on Saturday for the Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET win. Kevin’s 9.32 dial-in had to wait over three seconds on Jim Messing’s 12.55, but Adams did his job well with a .126 advantage at the tree that virtually secured the win.

Cincinnati’s Jay Hunter had an easy Street ET final round on Sunday when opponent Josh Costa redlit by -.012. “The track was great, the crew was real good, can’t wait till the next one,” said Hunter, a man of few words.

Riding his dad Ryan’s turbo ‘Busa, Trevor Schnitz was able to win Pro Street on what is essentially a well-tuned Top Gas bike. Schnitz took the tree with a sharp .013 and breezed to a 7.74 at 183 mph win while final round opponent Rob Aston spun in the other lane on his proper PST turbo ‘Busa.

“It was surreal,” said Trevor. “It was not only great to race in the class, but to win the class felt like a dream. I had a lot of help from many amazing people, the most important being my dad and grandfather (Dave). They have helped me grow and become a great racer. Trust me, this is just the beginning.”

VooDoo Grudge was seriously curtailed when heavy showers shut the track down for the night just before dark on Saturday night.

Pro Ultra 4.60 fell short of the number needed to run the class, but champion Dan McCarten won a run-off against Heath McQuinn.

Niki and Brian Welch are excited about the #NHDROohiosummer and are looking forward to seeing every member of the NHDRO family at the APE Raceparts Summer Reunion at Edgewater Sports Park just outside of Cincinnati on July 15-17.

NHDRO thanks M2.Shocks , Kevin Dennis Insurance , MPS Racing , Liguori Drag Racing , Schnitz Racing , Voodoo Custom Motorcycle Components , Vanson Leathers , BB Racing , Hard Times Parts and Service , MTC Engineering , Grothus Dragbikes , Klemme Performance Motorcycles , Green Bay Anodizing , Advanced Sleeve , Rock Auto and APE .

This report was prepared by Tim Hailey. Enjoy everything there is to read, see and watch about motorcycle drag racing and more at https://www.eatmyink.com

Grab her while you can – CLICK for exclusive ballistic nylon vest for the summer. All-new 5-Ball Shop.

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Sep 06
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Great Winning Weekend for NHDRO racers at U.S.131

By General Posts

NHDRO race coverage report – NHDRO motorcycle drag racing series

event: NHDRO Mid-Season Nationals presented by Green Bay Anodizing
when: August 27-29, 2021
where: U.S.131 Motorsports Park, Martin, Michigan,USA

It was a motorcycle drag racing family reunion as NHDRO set up at beautiful U.S.131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, for the Mid-Season Nationals presented by Green Bay Anodizing on August 27-29.

Click Here to Read this Photo Feature Racing Report on Bikernet.com

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May 22
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NHDRO Race – Lee and Adams Take $67,000 Shootout

By General Posts

RACE REPORT – NHDRO $67K Big Bracket Shootout Season Opener presented by Liguori Drag Racing
by Tim Hailey

event: NHDRO $67K Big Bracket Shootout Season Opener presented by Liguori Drag Racing
when: May 13-16, 2021
where: National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio, USA

NHDRO’s Brian and Niki Welch have really perfected their Big Money bracket shootout formula with last weekend’s $67,000 Big Bracket Shootout presented by Liguori Drag Racing at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. A no-box ladder and delay box ladder (64 bikes each) raced for $33,000 a piece before facing off against each other for a $1,000 bonus. How fair is that for spreading the wealth?

Click Here to read the race coverage on Bikernet.

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Oct 23
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NHDRO race coverage report: Arnold, Deck and Lee are Big NHDRO Winners

By General Posts

Arnold, Deck and Lee are Big NHDRO Winners

Doubling up wins on an NHDRO race weekend is a big enough achievement, but doubling up AND securing a championship at the Midwest’s largest all-motorcycle drag racing series is something else all together! But three of the world’s toughest sportsman racers— Joe “Big” Deck, Dustin Lee, and Ron Arnold—did just that this past weekend at NHDRO’s Kenneth R. Schwartz attorney at law Motorcycle Madness Nationals and World Finals at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois—just across the river from downtown St. Louis.

Deck—of Morningview, Kentucky—won the Hardcore Cycles Top Gas race and championship, and added an MPS Pro ET win as well. The Top Gas runner-up was popular Chicago no-bar racer Michael D’Addio, who gave up .060 at the tree. Deck’s Pro ET final round victim was Bill Hormuth of Hampshire, Illinois. Deck and Hormuth both had great lights (.017 and .018 respectively), with Deck’s 8.18 sticking closer to his 8.16 dial-in than Hormuth’s 8.91 on an 8.87. David “Skywalker” Thompson was the Top Gas number one qualifier.

“We don’t overthink things,” Deck said about his key to success. “I’ve been chasing a championship since I started racing Top Gas, and I’ve finally done it. When you’re the last man standing at the end of the day, it makes you feel good.

“I’d like to thank Donnie Emerson, I wanna thank God for giving me everything I do, my wife and my kids, my racing family, and Dave Page. Dave does my motor work and I literally beat the eyeballs out of it. We appreciate Kenny Schwartz for sponsoring the race, and I wanna thank Niki and Brian (NHDRO owners Brian and Niki Welch) for doing what they do and putting themselves out there on the line for us.”

Saturday’s MPS Pro ET was winner Dustin “Biscuits” Lee, who also won Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET on Sunday (after going to the semis on Saturday) and the Street ET championship. “A win on Sunday and the semis on Saturday, it feels deserving to me,” the Tennessean said about his championship.

“And winning Pro ET is always special to me at NHDRO, because myself being a no-box racer, it takes luck and I’m glad I had it.

“It was another great season at NHDRO. One championship, a second, a third, and a fourth. I wanna thank Brian and Niki for what they do for us!”

The Sunday Street ET runner-up was Jeremy Teasley, who redlit by -.006. The Saturday Pro ET runner-up was Joe Klemme. The MPS Pro ET champion is second-generation racer Dalton Markham.

Saturday’s Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET winner was Ron “3-Way” Arnold, who also won the M2.Shocks Crazy Comp race and the Penske Racing Shocks Street Fighter championship for a real multi-class weekend of success.

“Thanks NHDRO!” said Arnold. “Thanks Fun For All Motorsports for all they do, and all my other million dollar sponsors like dragbike.com, eatmyink.com, Brock’s Performance, Renegade Racing Fuels, and Montgomery Motorsports. Thanks to all and I’m looking forward to next year.”

Arnold beat second generation racer Colton Gordon in the Street ET final and Pete Hubbard in the Crazy Comp final. Arnold’s .030 light to Hubbard’s .110 set the table for his winning feast. The one and only Joey DeSantis was Crazy Comp number one qualifier, and David Beshara is the Crazy Comp champion.

Beshara—who had his bike stolen at his home last year—started this season off with mechanical carnage but stuck with it. “It was a great year and a hard fought year to end up with the championship,” said Beshara.

“We go to the season final tied for first place with John Markham. John redlights in the first round, losing to Dustin Lee. I win round one and redlight in the second round. So that puts me out of the race and not gaining and more points.

“Now Dustin is in third place tying to catch me, but he goes out in the second round and puts me solely in first place. Now Ron Arnold is in fourth place and goes on to win the race. By the end of the day, I win the championship by 15 points. If I didn’t win round one, I would have lost the championship to Ron by 5 points.

“I have to thank my wife, my Jeremy Teasley Racing teammates, and Dave Page for their support on many occasions. Thanks also to Brian and Niki for a place for us to race. See everyone next year.”

Arnold may have won the Penske Racing Shocks Street Fighter championship, but Nathan Hollingsworth qualified number one and won the Street Fighter race. He beat Andy Bailey in the final with a reaction time difference similar to Arnold and Hubbard’s—.034 to .103. Both riders broke out.

“I been so focused on all our other teammates bikes with tuning them via Holleys that I have neglected me as a racer and focused primarily on them this year,” said Hollingsworth. “But lot of the guys wasn’t able to make it to this race so I was able to try and stay focused on my race program this weekend. Although I’ll do anything for anyone at the track, it was nice to finally make a win for me.

“I came off the trailer win a 9.50 with a 8, and decided to not make any more qualifiers, and that was enough for me to be number one qualifier.

“First round I had competition bye. After a couple heavy hitters in the game, I was able to squeeze past Jeremy England in a very tight race and then Ron Arnold. The finals (with Bailey) was a good race. I had him covered the whole way from the tree to the stripe. I was just on my game this weekend and that’s that.

“It was nice to be the last person to win Street Fighter as a class at NHDRO since next year they’re changing it to Dirty 30. I’m pretty sure I won the very first Street Fighter race at NHDRO as well, so that’s something kinda cool.

“Must make mention that Bill DeShong at Porttech Racing keeps all our bikes healthy and is really the backbone to a lot of our success. Without him none of this would even be possible. And thanks to NHDRO for making sure the coverage of our events gets out to the media.”

Lots of second-generation racers made news last weekend at Gateway, but none did it with as much style as Chase Van Sant winning Pro Ultra 4.60 on his dad Bruce’s beautiful old Pro Mod.

Van Sant beat number one qualifier Terence Washington in round 2, which was also a crucial round in the season championship. Smokin’ Joe Rodney beat points leader Broderick Jackson that round, despite destroying his tranny. Jackson broke out by .001! So even though his transmission still didn’t shift against Van Sant in the semi, Smokin’ Joe claimed the 4.60 championship by one point!

Riding a bike that’s older than he is, 21 year-old Van Sant then beat veteran racer Johnny Bond in the final for his first NHDRO win.

“My dad Bruce, and Rusty Kramer, built the bike prior to the 1996 IDBA and Prostar seasons and started racing Pro Mod in 1997 (the year Chase was born),” said Chase. “They built everything themselves, from the chassis to the motor and even the paint and fiberglass work. It’s unique and kind of known for running a GSXR head and a GS1150 bottom end.

“We were trying to decide where to go with racing and just around the time I was done with Junior Dragsters, the 4.60 class started to take off and it seemed like a perfect deal for us. We decided to get the bike out and use it as a good opportunity to do some great racing and get my feet wet with a big tire wheelie bar bike. We have loved the class and have had a blast trying to get a hold of the old bike again. This class is so awesome to be apart of and can be a great steppingstone into Pro Mod or something heads-up. We’ve talked about what’s next for us and we aren’t sure where to go, but for now we’re loving the class and trying to be competitive with some great racers!”

Gabe Frederick has taken most of the season off to be a new father, but stepped right back into his winning ways, qualifying number one and taking the Pro Street win over Indy winner Dave Roisen in the final. Even with a stout 203 mph trap speed, Roisen’s 7.14 was no match for Frederick’s 6.85

“Due to having (his newborn son) Nash, working full-time with limited vacation, and starting up a used Powersports dealership, this summer was pretty hectic, with not a lot of free time to race,” said Frederick.

“I started out the weekend with the goal of just trying to learn more about the bike on a new set-up with methanol. Friday night was very chilly, but I was actually really impressed with the job that Kane Daily with Total Venue Concepts and the other crew at Gateway did with the track—especially with the amount of cars that they were putting down it. Those guys had to deal with four oil-downs from cars in back-to-back passes.

“Being torn between knowing what the bike needed, but not wanting to risk losing rounds, I chose to just stick with the setup that would get me in the mid-to-high 6.80s for the rest of the race. The plan worked out good with a 6.88 (against high-wheelieing Brad Christian) and 6.85 in the final.

“We got a lot of information to work with and I’m looking forward to getting back down to where I was last year as far as ET’s go. We will hopefully have this bike making some respectable numbers at the NHDRO events next year.

“While the qualifying list and eliminations ET’s didn’t really show that the track conditions were there, I can assure anyone that wants to question it that the truck was on-point every round. It was as good as I have seen Gateway in a long time for a motorcycle race, probably since Tyler Crossnoe prepped up there for NHDRO a few years ago. It would’ve held whatever I was able to throw at it this weekend, but due to lack of runs and information I just didn’t have the opportunity to try and make mine go much faster than it was this weekend. Kane and the Gateway crew did an excellent job and it was exciting to know I wouldn’t have to worry about track conditions for the rounds.

“I would like to thank my dad for running with me when he can and being my pit crew. I can be pretty demanding on the old man. And Josh Affholder for helping this weekend as well. The whole Williford race team, but especially Ehren, Rodney, and John Gover for helping me get through the switch to methanol. Without them it would have been nearly impossible. Brian and Niki Welch for giving the Midwest racers a place to race when our only other option is to drive 15 to 20 hours for decent track conditions. Green Bay Anodizing for all my anodizing and Cryo needs. RPM Powersports for any parts I’m not able to get myself. Worldwide Bearings for keeping this thing rolling smooth. Firecore spark plug wires. I would also like to thank my wife for being supportive of my racing and taking care of Nash and holding the fort down while I’m gone on these trips.”

With a large field of Midwestern grudge bikes on the grounds and the starting line crowded with the people who love them, Saturday night’s VooDoo Grudge session was prepped to set off some true St. Louis Chaos. But a steady rain settled in and scuttled the program, pushing grudge action to the light of day on Sunday. One of the highlights was NHDRO regular Wiggle winning an all-Kawasaki ZX14 battle against Gold Mouth.

Next year is a big one for NHDRO, with all races moving to the centrally located, hallowed grounds of Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis. Brian and Niki Welch wish everyone a fabulous off-season and look forward to welcoming the NHDRO family back to action in 2020.

Find out more about NHDRO at http://www.nhdroracing.com/

Oct 11
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NHDRO pre-race report: NHDRO World Finals Coming to Gateway

By General Posts

event: NHDRO Kenneth R. Schwartz attorney at law Motorcycle Madness Nationals and World Finals

when: October 19-20, 2019

where: World Wide Technology at Gateway in Madison, Illinois, USA

NHDRO World Finals Coming to Gateway

NHDRO reaches its championship crescendo as the Midwest’s largest all-motorcycle drag racing series rolls into World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois—just across the river from downtown St. Louis.

Originally scheduled for June but postponed by rain, the Kenneth R. Schwartz attorney at law Motorcycle Madness Nationals will now also be NHDRO’s World Finals.

Pro Ultra 4.60 will see a big field putting their big tires to Gateway’s racing surface, including defending class champion Jeff Lindeman, former champ Les Stimac, Dan McCarten, Johnny Bond, Bob Foster, Jimmy Muntain, Sammy Gibbs, Jeff Dalton, Deshaun Wheeler, and Smokin’ Joe Rodney.

They’ll all be sending nitrous and turbo bikes hellbent to the eighth mile and—most importantly—chasing points leader Broderick Jackson for the championship. He leads Rodney by 20 and Muntain by 23.

The badass, turbocharged, Suzuki Hayabusa, Quicktime Racing stable of Rudy Sanzottera, Chris Klassen, Brad Christian, Jake Henderson, and Brett Ware should all be hitting the 1320 to contest Pro Street against Gabe Frederick, Dave Roisen, Josh Franklin, Jamie Hendricks and more.

Ron “Ju-Jitsu” Arnold has the Penske Racing Shocks Street Fighter field pinned with a 174 point lead over second place Kevin Adams.

Kentuckian John “Spooky” Markham and Buckeye David Beshara are tied for the M2.Shocks Crazy Comp points lead, with Tennessee’s Dustin Lee 30 points back.

Markham’s son Dalton Markham has a stout 120 point lead over Joe Klemme in MPS Pro ET, with spooky another 20 back.

Lee leads Hardcore Cycles Top Gas points by 40 over Dan Jewell, who has 27 on Mike Hall.

Lee also leads Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET by 60 points over Dalton, who has 80 on Michael Schmalle.

Sportsman racers such as Ohio’s Jeremy England, Tylan Beckelheimer, Jeremy Teasley, and Greg Mallett, Iowa racer Bruce Damewood, Wisconsin’s Shawn Books, Indiana’s Mitch Pennington, Illinois’ Eric Cooper and Chard Isley, Mike Krueger, and many, many should all be there testing their skills against local hitters Mike and Heather Wagner, Bobby Brown, and race sponsor Kenny Schwartz.

They’ll all be fighting for NHDRO Big Checks on ‘Busas, Kawasaki ZX14s, dragbikes, no-bar bikes—whatever tool it takes to get the win.

QO Bikes Real Street racers will all be working their no-bar magic.

And when darkness descends on Gateway, the St. Louis Chaos of NHDRO’s VooDoo Grudge takes over the quarter mile. Midwestern grudge racing has come into it’s own, full grown, bad-to-the-bone self and Gateway will be thumpin’!

Brian and Niki Welch look forward to welcoming the NHDRO family to the Kenneth R. Schwartz attorney at law Motorcycle Madness Nationals and World Finals.

Find out more about NHDRO at http://www.nhdroracing.com/