This year’s race will be particularly nostalgic. AMA/Prostar will host an All-Star Reunion inspired by the recent deaths of drag racing pioneers Ken Tipton, Greg Guarinello, and Mo Parsons. Several retired racers will be in attendance with vintage drag bikes and memorabilia. “I think that this is a really great idea,” McBride said. “We can’t forget about all the great people we have lost over the years. Atco is a perfect place to reminisce.”
Throughout the weekend McBride, who holds the world record for the quickest and fastest drag bike at 5.80 at 245 mph, has an opportunity to create some history of his own. McBride stands a very legitimate chance of clocking Atco Raceway’s first five second motorcycle pass. “From what I hear the new surface is as smooth as a billiard table, so it’s definitely a possibility,” McBride said. “We’re going to give it our best shot.” McBride has won five of the six races contested this season, and has been in every final this year with teammate and defending class champion Jimmy “Hulk” Brantley, who will also be a threat to record Atco’s first five.
Since its inception the race has been run under the nameplate of various organizations, including the now defunct DRAGBIKE and IDBA leagues. Atco is where AMA/Prostar all began with its very first race for the championship in 1989. The AMA/Prostar US Nationals is recognized as the longest running nationally sanctioned drag bike race in the country.