During Daytona Bike Week 2023 standout Top Fuel Motorcycle drag racer Dave Vantine of Hamilton, N.Y. received a very meaningful honor as he was added to the prestigious Daytona 200 monument, behind the Hilton Hotel along Atlantic Ave, shoreside.
Dozens of racing legends from all different genres of motorcycle competition are enshrined there, including Vantine’s match race partner and teammate Larry “Spiderman” McBride.
Vantine began motorcycle drag racing in 1987 on a Yamaha FJ 1100 and continued to climb the ranks throughout the years. After a very successful run in the Pro Mod class, Vantine made the daunting jump to Top Fuel around 2011 and has become one of the most successful nitro racers ever in a very short period of time.
His career best marks of 5.71 at 257 mph have him ranked as the fourth quickest drag bike racer of all-time, and the second quickest American racer. He’s also the second quickest and fastest currently active rider.
Vantine’s team, including longtime supporters Genie Muldoon and Jim Alt surprised the fearless “Yellow Bullet” pilot with a nomination as part of his 60th birthday present.
Check out the dedication below
Please join us in congratulating Dave Vantine on this exceptional honor.
This kicks off an exciting 2023 where Vantine and McBride will compete three times in the NHRA, potentially at more races to be announced soon, and a season where Vantine hoped to debut his brand new state-of-the-art motorcycle.
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