Even as they grieve the very recent loss of one of their own, the Nitro Harley racers of the PennGrade1 American Motorcycle Racing Association (AMRA) all-Harley drag racing series prepare to kick off their 2026 season at Belle Rose, Louisiana’s No Problem Raceway this weekend, March 20-22.
Attempting to step up in class from her Pro Fuel bike, Hayley Caulk lost her life while testing a Nitro Funnybike this past Sunday in Texas. The very personable and popular racer was widely mourned on social media and will be greatly missed in Louisiana as her fellow competitors race in her honor.
The thundering Johnny Mancuso’s Circle M Ranch Top Fuel bikes will do battle for the first time since Rockingham in October. Chris Stewart Racing’s Jordan Peterson is expected to be joined by Finland’s Samu Kemppainen—if his mount is fully repaired from his vicious Rockingham crash.
2024 winner Rickey “Sharkey” House is expected, as is 2025 rookie sensation Paul Anderson.
Bad Apple Racing’s Jimmy “Mac” McMillan and Cameron “Flash” Gunter will race while team boss Tracy Kile focusses on tuning and turning wrenches.
The Armon Furr Nitro Funnybikes of former champ Jim Doyle and class newcomer Ken “Stubby” Hultman will do battle with anyone who comes to race.
Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel features the largest nitro field, with “Bad Apple Mary” Dangrow on hand to defend her championship.
Hot Rod Carlisle expects to challenge on Harriet Ann and Michael Blair’s bike, and former champ Sam White wants his crown back.
Al Balice, Curt Sexton, Jim “Bad Influence” Martin, Loren Potter, John Jenkins, Jay Beasley, Kyle Rogers, Walter Halonski and more will all be on hand.
Gas Harleys will fill the lanes to race Zipper’s Performance Pro Bagger, Thundermax Street Bagger, Pro Outlaw, Axtell Cylinders Hot Street, Zipper’s Performance Modified, Top Eliminator 9.30, Huffman Performance Super Gas 9.90, BK Electric Super Pro 10.30, Thundermax Street Eliminator 11.50, Pro Eliminator 10.90, and Baker Drivetrain Eliminator.
Everyone will be racing with heavy hearts. Join us as we honor one of our own. Test and tune is Friday from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. Qualifying starts at noon on Saturday, with eliminations at noon on Sunday.
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