Cycledrag.com put John Curea of East Coast Suspension in Enon Valley, Pa., 724-336-3293, to the test.  Curea, an ex-aircraft mechanic from California with over 20 years of experience servicing, rebuilding and tuning suspension, was given the shocks off of a 2002 KX 250 and asked to fine tune them for a 190-pounder intending to ride and race in the harsh, bumpy and unforgiving terrain of the woods.

After inspection, Curea determined Kawasaki set the KX up for a supercross or arenacross application, where clearing jump gaps of 70-feet and longer is often required.  After a basic overhaul of the contaminated oil and old seals, Curea used his high-tech equipment and years of tuning and riding experience to make much-needed, drastic changes to the valving of the suspension to get the most out of the bike in the woods.

As is the case with every piece of suspension that leaves his shop, Curea used his state-of-the-art shock dyno to ensure the KX shock was performing exactly how he intended it to. It is the same technology being used by NASCAR teams.  A computer generated graph allows Curea to monitor compression, rebounding and how the shock will behave at  different velocities.   This incredible attention to detail vaults East Coast over most suspension shops.

Johns shows us his shock dyno here -

After reassembling the shocks, Curea stressed how important it is to not over-tighten any bolts when installing the suspension on the motorcycle. In the next video Curea takes us through an essential and often-omitted step when installing the front forks.

The positive changes were instantly apparent on the first ride of the KX .  The overall feel of the motorcycle, especially the handling and stability, was much-improved. Without any extra effort, I was able to navigate through the woods much quicker with a new-found abundance of traction.  In sections where the bike would spin the tire or bounce off the line, the KX now hooked up and motored through. In sections where the front tire seemed to want to bounce out of a rut, the KX now seemed to settle in and stay on course. I had no idea what I was missing out on before my trip to East Coast Suspension.

Also, because the suspension was soaking up the rocks, roots and bumps so much more effectively, I wasn’t becoming fatigued as quick. The changes Curea made to my suspension not only made me quicker but also saved my body by lessening the pounding and grueling attrition a woods rider faces.

East Coast Suspension has the right formula for the dirt, street or track and offers some of the best prices in the industry. Call Curea and mention this article from Cycledrag.com for a special price quote.  Curea also offers very affordable shipping for riders too far from his shop. East Coast Suspension can be reached at (724) 336-3293.

There’s nothing a drag racer dislikes more than running a team mate in the first round of eliminations. But the quailifying ladder put Reno, a 3 time AHDRA Pro Stock Champion, up against Capone Racing’s Frank Capone in the AHDRA Pro Modified Class.  It was Capone’s reaction time, an almost perfect light .004 with a 8.491 ET at 147.92 mph that put Capone to the big end of the track first.  Reno’s yellow and black Pro Mod was packed  back in the trailer after a very respectable 8.601 ET at 146.61 mph is home preparing for the next race on the circuit, Atco, NJ’s Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts AHDRA Northeast NitroNationals, May 19th and 20th.

It should be mentioned that this was a closest field in the history on Pro Modified, only .5 of a second separated the 8 bike qualifying field.  This will be a very interesting and wildly exciting season for this very experimental gas powered field. Look for Team HeadBlade on the Interstates of American chasing national points.

Reno’s team includes his wife, Kim , and his crew chief, Ricky Stewart

Sponsors include: HeadBlade Company, Hampton Roads Harley Davidson, SA (Steve Allstaedt) Racing

Reno can be reached at:

email      renoscc@cox.net
phone    (804)642-0554

Caldwell brought his newest Pro Stocker to the line at AMRA’s season opener at the infamous Beech Bend Raceway Park (where how much fun you can have is only limited by your imagination) in Bowling Green, KY. Starting his weekend by qualifying #1 with a record setting 8.209 ET in the quarter mile, Caldwell continued to smash records by capturing the AMRA 1/8 mile with a 5.117 ET

Caldwell continued making rounds where he appeared in the finals but a new clutch set up caused the bike to “creep” through the timing lights and a red light offered the win to his competition. ALAS (that’s fancy for DAMN.)

Rockingham, NC: Caldwell made a quick turn around and pulled to the AHDRA Carolina Spring Nationals presented by Carolina Dealers Assoc. at a traditional record breaking track, Rockingham Dragway, outside Rockingham, NC. A record escaped him here, but the AHDRA Pro Stock victory made up any potential disappointment.

Caldwell ran like a bracket bike in qualifying with a 8.263 for the number one spot, 8.342 151.73;  8.263 150.28: and a 8.439 156.12

During eliminations on Sunday, Caldwell parlayed those numbers with a little fine-tuning to victory with a great reaction time, .045 in the first round with an 8.146 ET at 151.77 mph. The final round a little quicker and faster with an 8.120 at 155.79 mph.

Special thanks to Steve Allstaedt , at SA Racing for his innovative cylinder head design work!
Also thanks to, S&S Cycle, Red Line Oil, Dana the welder, Southern Biker Magazine, PMFR, and 3D Painting.

But trying to be perfect is always a challenge and in the 2^nd round Capone’s aspiring perfection cut the light a little too close and out popped the red light with a – 026, what a difference 2/100 of a second makes. The AHDRA Pro Mod qualifying ladder was the tightest field ever with less than 1/2 second separating 8 bikes.

Disappointed? Sure, it’s always a longer haul home without a new trophy, however, Capone still maintains the #1 position in points. Even he admitted that it’s going to be a long, and if this race is any indication, a very competitive season and he’ll be ready.

Come see Capone Racing’s Pro Modified drag bike at the closest track on the AHDRA circuit for him and his fans, May 19-20^th at Atco, NJ for the AHDRA Northeast Nationals.

Capone’s team consists of Mark Godin, Richard Murray, Craig Fisher, Lorne Buchanan and Katy Miller

Capone Racing sponsors and friends supporting Capone’s record breaking season include: G&G Engineering, DAS Performance, L. Buchanan Co., Gannos Machine, Vanson Leathers and all the staff at Capone Landscape.

Capone can be reached at:

facjr88@yahoo.com

781-224-0700

and by visiting his website at: www.caponeracing.com

“I continue to be amazed at my progress and feel as if I’m becoming one with my motorcycle. Although I am more comfortable, I will never under estimate the power of this machine”, said Janette “and the fact that I have so much to learn and have yet to experience”.

The Hawaya Racing Pro Drag qualifying field was very tight and Thornley was paired up with veteran Rocky Jackson in round one eliminations, she needed to get out of the gate first and not allow Rocky to catch her. With a .092 light, running 7.660 ET at 161.75 mph Dream Chaser Racin’ was able to pull off a win. Advancing to the semi-finals, Janette was paired with Rich Vreeland, AHDRA’s 2011 Pro Rookie of the Year. Although Janette ran her best ET for the weekend, 7.475 at 160.14 mph, it wasn’t enough against Vreeland’s run. “Had I pulled a better light, .164 vs .061, I could have had him!” said Janette. “I still had a great weekend, this class is very competitive and I continue to feel very fortunate to be participating and qualifying against many that have been racing for years.”

Janette Thornley is owner and operator of　her nitro burning, carbureted, 121 cid Pro Dragster and Dream Chaser Racin’.

Thank you to my sponsors: Autolite Sparkplugs and Lowry Callahan of Quality Refrigeration Company. Special thanks to Ray and Jean Price; Freddie Robbins for his time, patience and dedication, keeping me grounded when necessary and being my “go to track guy”; to Bill Hendren for your time; and to the Ray Price Race Team – Tommy Grimes, Justin Heinle, Jeremy Hoy, Mark Morgan and Ray Price for all you do; and Dalton Matthews.　 Sponsors always welcome!

Contact Dream Chaser Racin’ at dreamchaserracin@yahoo.com

When cruising down I 95, just south of Richmond, VA with the Bammer trailer attached (or so they thought) to the 38 foot home on wheels, a frenzied Mom and daughter pulled up beside the RV and waving hysterically. When Crew chief, Michael Hopkins looked in the rear view mirror, there was NO trailer. Check out www.bammerracing.com for the results of a broken trailer hitch. Amazingly no one was hurt, the bike was totally unscathed and only limited clutter to clean up inside the trailer.  Many thanks to the Virginia Highway Patrol, a local wrecker Service and the Capone Race team who quickly gathered roadside to offer assistance when the cell phones started ringing.

Once arriving at the track, Brancaccio qualified the Bammer Screamin Eagle Top Fueler although computer/shifter problems held the team off their standard pace at the AHDRA Carolina Spring Nitro Nationals presented by Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Assoc at Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC.

Bammer Racing invites all of their fans to join them at ATCO Dragway,Atco, NJ,  May 19-20th for the AHDRA Northeast Nationals, the show must go on. See ya’ in the pits.

Bammer Race Team consists of:

Drums Brancaccio

Crew Chief: Michael Hopkins

Dickie Roberts

Joe Wysocki

Richard Murray

Sponsors for 2012 include:

Central Metal Fabricators www.CentralMetalFabricators.com

Anthony Augliera, Inc  www.augliera.com

Richard Murray

Keith’s Custom Seats  www.keithscustomseats.com

World Wide Bearings  www.worldwidebearings.com

Capone Landscape  www.caponeracing.com

Vanson Leathers  www.vansonleathers.com

Tattooville Tattoo  www.tattooville.com

Autolite   www.autolite.com

drumsonnitro@aol.com

phone 973 667 8504

website. www.bammerracing.com

After adding a co-sponsor this season, the Star Racing Team transformed their normally red and yellow ensemble to incorporate the blue shades of the new Sovereign logos. The change can be seen throughout the crew’s presentation, including new paint and decals for their 2010 S&S powered XB12R Buells, custom racing leathers from Vanson Leathers, an eye-catching logo addition to the team’s transporter and newly-designed crew shirts that were also made available to the public.

The Sovereign-Star Racing Buells and S&S Cycle engines, which competed in and won the 2011 UEM European Championship with the help of Star Racing owner George Bryce, were provided by the team’s Hungarian co-owner, Jeno Rujp. The Commerce race was the second NHRA event that Rujp attended with the team. His first visit to the Houston race was followed by an opportunity to travel back to Americus, Ga., on the Sovereign-Star Racing transporter with several of the crew members.

“I think Jeno had a fantastic time at his first two NHRA races! He was able to get to know our team and racers, and he got some great photos for us at the track. He got to see a little bit of the country, too, while he was here,” Bryce said. “We’re glad he’ll be here again for the next race in Englishtown.”

At Commerce, the Sovereign-Star Racing drivers, Scotty Pollacheck and John Hall, qualified 9^th and 10^th, respectively, in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, despite running in the 7.0’s during qualifying. However, the crew improved both bikes’ performances to run in the 6.90’s on Sunday in Eliminations. See attached release for full article

See what’s new at the STAR RACING website by clicking here

The AMAZON starts the AHDRA season opener as the #2 qualifier after running a 7.460 @ 174.03mph  at Gainesville, FL, on her 121 cubic inch Hawaya Racing Pro Drag Nitro Harley-Davidson.

Facing the one and only Rocky Jackson of Rockstone Racing in the semi-finals, Carrie knew she had her hands full.  “Rocky is a fierce competitor and a great rider”, says Carrie. “I knew I had to be on my game to beat him.  I was really looking forward to running with him.  Apparently, it wasn’t meant to be.  My Nitro stallion, I affectionately call Brutus, was running strong when we started him. However, when I grabbed my rear brake so the guys could bring him down off the stand they realized we had a clutch problem.  We had to shut him down and let Rocky make a bye run.  It was disappointing for the whole team, but that’s drag racing.  Next time, Rocky!”

At her second AHDRA race at Rockingham, NC, The AMAZON was able to qualify 5^th with a 7.49 @ 160.29 mph.  It was a very competitive field. During the first round of eliminations she was lined up with Steve Pier who had won at Gainesville and the current #1 in national points. Carrie ran a 7.356 against Steve’s 7.540.  The AMAZON was going to the semi finals!

Carrie was heading in to the semi’s going up against the #1 qualifier the legendary Mark Cox. After the dust cleared the AMAZON ran a 7.29 setting a new record for a female Nitro Harley pilot.  Mark won the match up with a very quick 7.167.  “It was an honor lining up with Mark”, Carrie said. “He and his team are true professionals.  I had my mind focused on the task at hand as I threw my leg over Brutus.  My run was crisp and straight as an arrow, but not enough to beat him.  He made a wicked fast pass.  I look forward to lining up with Mark again in the near future.”  He and his team went on to the Winner’s Circle.  Congrats, Mark!

All in all it was a great start of the season for Carrie and the AMAZON Racing Team out of Mount Vernon, Arkansas.

We appreciate our sponsors:  Engineered Performance Tooling, Beene’s Baggers, Conway Collision and Superior Interiors.  Thanks to Johnny Vickers, Steve Vickers and Leanne Purvis of Hawaya Racing for building this wonderful bike.  We thank the passionate Harley drag racing fans who come out and support our wonderful sport!

It was only last October that MIR’s super sticky track surface delivered the world’s first 6-second, quarter mile, streetbike pass, and Gladstone and DME are only the fourth combination to cross this exclusive barrier.

Qualifying started off with a near disaster for Gladstone, as the oil filter blew off in the burnout box. As Joey shot towards the starting line, a wide layer of oil sprayed out under the rear tire and the bike slid out from under him. DME bikes always sport some of the finest paint jobs in the pits, so seeing the beautiful Suzuki Hayabusa on the ground made everyone wince. “I cracked up Dimey’s nice bike, messed up my leathers, and cost a couple thousand dollars worth of damage,” groaned Gladstone, who recovered to qualify third in the field.

Gladstone opened eliminations with a win over DME teammate Greg Wallace, then took out Shannon Maylee in round 2. Gladstone was scheduled to meet recent record holder Bud Yoder in the semi, but Yoder blew his second motor of the day in round 2 and failed to show. It was then, with a broke-bye to the final, that Gladstone nailed the 6.994 at a record 211.23 mph. At DME’s previous race in Valdosta, Georgia, Gladstone rang up a 213.94 on the mile-per-hour scoreboard, so the DME ‘Busa is no stranger to big speed.

“When we came here to Maryland on Thursday, we did some testing, and we were just wanting to be consistent and not be greedy,” said Eddinger. “We took power out and just kept it smooth. We were trying to make a decision on whether to add power, and as the weekend went on we were having some wheelie issues on some of the passes. It was just because of the weather, so we kept with the plan and everything came through and it turned out real well.”

Gladstone met two-time Pro Street champ Rodney Williford in the final. Williford became the world’s third 6 second streetbike pilot on Saturday, qualifying number one for eliminations. But Williford spun badly right off the starting line in his earned semifinal bye run, and his final round launch looked for all the world like a rerun of the semi. In the other lane, Gladstone streaked down the track for the first Pro Street win for both him and DME. “These DME guys really came together and gave me a helluva bike,” said Gladstone. “They made it really smooth, really easy to ride, and it’s fast too man! It’s awesome. They’re an awesome team, real fun. To come back from dumping the bike, go a 6, get a mile-an-hour record, and to win the race is just unreal. As a team, these guys have really come together.”

“Getting off the bike is a decision I made last year and I’m glad I stuck with it,” said Eddinger, who—though not a big man—still packs on a few more than jockey-sized Gladstone. “It’s about a 45-50 pound weight difference. I used to be smaller, but now that I’m not riding I can eat more freely!”

Former AMA/Dragbike Supersport racer Gladstone had only one other Pro Street appearance to his credit before this season, so a win and a record so soon bids well for things to come. “My last win was about two years and two months ago in Valdosta, 2010, in Supersport,” said Gladstone. “I’ve been in a bunch of finals since then but haven’t gotten a win.”

“We came close to winning several but never came through,” Eddinger said about DME’s Pro Street history. Eddinger was a winner in Pro Sportbike, a class that was replaced by the longer wheelbase Pro Street bikes a few years ago.

For most of the last two years, Gladstone has raced in the class that fills the gap between Supersport and Pro Street—the DME sponsored Real Street class. “Compared to the Real Street bike, of course the power is different,” said Joey, who is in school for mechanical engineering. “You can feel it a whole lot more. The Real Street bike sits a lot higher, and you feel like you can lean over a lot more on it. But this bike’s cool ‘cause it’s got a throwaway clutch. It’s like a Pro Stocker, a Pro Stocker with a turbocharger.

“I want to thank Dimey, team crew chief Andy Sawyer, and Cole Seitzinger from Penske. He came here with a brand new shock, got it all right for us, got our 60 foots down, and hung out all weekend with us. He’s a great guy. And I gotta thank my parents. They make this possible. I couldn’t do this on my own, they’re the entire reason that I’m out here.”

Eddinger also wanted to thank Andy Sawyer, Penske, his own DME Racing, MPT Oil, Catalyst Racing Composites, NLR, Vanson Leathers, CP/Carillo, and Joey’s dad Skip Gladstone. “Skip’s been a real big help to the team. I also especially want to thank the people who help support DME Racing and all of our customers that make it possible for us to do what we love to do everyday.”

Joey Gladstone and Dimey Eddinger thank DME Racing http://www.dmeracing.com/ , Penske Shocks http://www.penskeshocks.com/ , MPT Oil http://www.mptindustries.com/index.htm , Catalyst Racing Composites http://www.catalystracingcomposites.com/ , NLR http://www.nlrsystems.com/ , Vanson Leathers http://www.vansonleathers.com/ , and CP/Carillo http://www.catalystracingcomposites.com/

The DME Racing Team races next back at Maryland International Raceway for the Fast By Gast Summer Showdown, June 2-3, 2012

Results: http://www.mirockracing.com/results/2012/race2-mir/sunday/ORIENT_EXPRESS_PRO_STREET_2012-04-29.html

Find out more about the Mickey Thompson Performance Tires MIRock Superbike Series at http://www.mirockracing.com

This report was prepared by Tim Hailey. High-res images for editorial use are available by e-mailing timhailey@earthlink.net . Enjoy everything there is to read, see and watch about motorcycle drag racing and more at http://www.eatmyink.com

The engine is a 4.5″ (114.3mm) bore and a 3.23″ (82mm) stroke, 102.7 cu/in (1683cc) DOHC 4 valve per cylinder parallel twin.

The barrels and heads are separate from each other (unlike Per Bengtsson’s `Beast’ parallel twin) and the crank is effectively two individual single cylinder cranks co joined by a spline and sleeve assembly. Another unique aspect is that the primary drive is gear driven, rather than the more usual belt and pulleys.

It is hoped that the bike will be on track for the first time at the season opening European Dragbike Championship round at Santa Pod on Jubilee weekend.

About Puma Engineering

Puma Engineering is owned by Gulf Oil Dragracing Team Principal Ian King and former Nitro Supertwin rider Gerard Willemse. Founded in 1972, over 100 Puma engines have been built for Top Fuel and Funnybike applications and Puma powered motorcycles have broken numerous US, European, Australian and World records over the years on the way to a multitude of championship titles, more than any other engine in Top Fuel Dragbike history. With power outputs of around 1500 HP / PS under 1500cc, Puma engine powered bikes are used in US, European and British Championship winning bikes, and hold the accolade of propelling riders Larry McBride and Korry Hogan to the quickest (5.746 seconds) and fastest (250.97 mph) quarter mile standing start runs in history by a piston driven motorcycle.