The 2018 motorcycle drag racing southeastern season kicks off with Christopher Mark’s annual Mardi Gras Explosion, held once again in Cajun country at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, Louisiana.
The action gets under way on Friday, February 23 with a hand-clutch shootout and an eighth mile street tire race. Friday and Saturday the 24th will both see more Grudge races than Bourbon Street has beads. Saturday adds Bagger Street Bike, Harley vs. Imports bracket races, AMRA rules Open Gas race, Harley 10.20 index, V-Twin Outlaw Heads-Up Shootout, Louisiana Street Tire Shootout, a Turbo Heads-Up Shootout, and a $1000 entry, winner-take-all Flat Slick Shootout. If it’s got two wheels, the Mardi Gras Explosion has a class for it.
Expect major local ballers like Michael and Malcom Phillips, Steve Brindle, Keith Salles Kenner’s Cycle Dynamics krewe and more. Last year saw Money Mike Thurman make the short trip over from Texas to race, Lance Hines hustling to dish out some pain, and NHRA champ Jerry Savoie on hand to check out all the action.
Special added attraction this year is LE Tonglet shaking down the purple Nitrofish Pro Stock Suzuki with brother GT and dad Gary.
Track-prep king Tyler Crossnoe will be on hand keeping No Problem tight all weekend. Bates Leathers will be there measuring for the world’s best custom leathers, and shock guru Marcus McBain will be set up to custom tune his top-of-the-line M2.shocks. Bike Paparazzi, Track Outlaws, and Eatmyink.com will be on hand to capture all the action.
And since it’s Louisiana, you know it will be also be festival of cookouts and one-of-a-kind local grub. But never forget—No Problem has a bar right in the tower!
Hearts will be heavy, though, as Saturday is also the funeral for Louisiana bike master Barry Wallace’s two sons Ricardo and Corin, killed in a tragic car accident. Christopher Mark and the staff at No Problem dedicate the race in their honor.
