On Tuesday prior to the AMRA final event of the year, the crew of Hawaya Racing headed to “the Rock” in preparation for the Fall Nitro Bike School.
In total, 7 riders and 4 crew chiefs/members attended the school, including 1 female rider, all from the USA. The weather forecast was great for the entire week, but iffy for the weekend.
The rain held off for the school but not for the race as rain moved in on Sunday. The two Hawaya Racing prepared Derringer powered Pro Fuelers made over 40 passes each during the school and the AMRA event and performed perfectly through out the entire week.
We only had one hiccup when one of the riders got out of shape about 100’ out during the 330’ pass and over corrected instead of aborting the run. The bike got on the frame rail and went down. The rider was OK and the only damage was a broken off foot peg.
The crew members had it repaired and turned around in 30 minutes and we were back in business. By the end of the class, the crew members were doing all of the turn- arounds on the bikes for their riders. 3 out of 7 unlicensed riders passed the class and received their AMRA license. 2 of those riders (Frank Capone and Mike Beland) went on to qualify for the AMRA final event of the year. Frank qualifying in the #6 spot, and Mike sat in the 7th spot. Two of the riders that did not go quite quick enough to qualify for the license during the school, stayed on Monday and licensed on their next pass down the track, making 5 out of 7 for the class.
“Everyone does not progress at the same rate,” says Johnny Vickers, “so it was good that Jim and Bill could make a lap on Monday to get their license. All they needed was one more pass.”
The facts are, 5 out of 7 riders licensed. There were 10 entries in the Pro Fuel class for the AMRA event. 9 of those 10 entries had licensed in the Nitro Bike School. Of the 8 that qualified for the race, all had Derringer engines between the frame rails. All 8 qualifiers were on Hawaya Racing built Pro Fuelers!
“That’s Grade “A” in my book,” said Vickers. “Congratulations to Frank Capone, Mike Beland, David Wild, Bill Dupell and Jim Martin. We wish you all much success as your Nitro dreams progress.”
We would also like to congratulate Rocky Jackson on his AMRA Pro Fuel National Championship for 2014. As well as an “At A Boy” to Rich Vreeland for running his first 6 second pass on his Nitro Funny Bike.
Hawaya Racing, Inc. would like to thank all the people that make the Nitro Bike School a success. Many of these people volunteer their time to help and it would be difficult to pull the Nitro Bike School off without their dedication and support.
Marty, Jane and the staff of the AMRA for their support and over seeing the school.
Steve Earwood & “The Rock Crew” for always having a great facility in which to hold the Nitro Bike School.
Rich & Patti Vreeland (Vreeland Harley Davidson) & Crew – Walter and Norine Halonski- Rebel Glover- Janeane Diffin, Jimmy Tubbs, Buddy Foss and Janette Thornley (Dream Chaser Racin) and our favorite Swede Tore. A special thanks to Kevin Garrow & Carl Barnes for handling the class demonstration.
Vanson Leathers for supplying protective equipment & leathers for new riders.
VP Racing Fuels – Nitro
Venom Group International – The best batteries period.
PR Factory Store – Mickey Thompson Tires
Pac Racing Springs- Pingle Enterprises for great parts
Lucas Oil Products keeping things slippery
Pro-Jack Race Car Stands
Photography Provided by Mike with Moto Lenz – Thank you for an excellent Job.
Blue Pig Catering for awesome lunches!
Last but not least Steve Vickers and Leanne Purvis for supporting Hawaya Racing, Inc. in all its endeavors!
WHAT’S NEXT?
On November 7, 8, 9, the HRP team will run the NHRA finals in Las Vegas where I will wrap up the championship, then straight to the Manufactures Cup race in Valdosta Georgia. All AMRA/NHRA legal Pro Fuelers are welcome to compete in the Pro Fuel class presented by Hawaya Racing. This race track is always prepared great and times will be very quick.
