The PDRA, Professional Drag Racers Association, is technically a new organization, but a quick glance over the classes, schedule and rules reveals the American version of the ADRL was basically given a new acronym while the parties involved iron out some legal issues.
While much is the same from last year, a rule change was recently announced for Pro Extreme Motorcycle which has caused a bit of an uproar and a hot debate. Racers are no longer able to utilize auto shifters.
It’s a polarizing issue.
A handful of competitors who utilize the technology are threatening to race elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Scott McKinney, who as a team owner has won the last two season championships with his son Eric riding, applauded the PDRA’s decision.
Longtime engine builder and tuner Dan Wagner and highly-accomplished racer Bill Vose are two in favor of auto shift. McKinney thinks keeping it simple will greatly benefit the class.
The five-speed Pro Extreme Motorcycles shift four times in just 660 feet. Racers are shifting into third at about the time they reach the 60-foot block.
“The hardest part is quickly hitting the shift to second gear,” McKinney said. “A lot of times if a guy is behind he will make a mistake and short-shift to try to catch up.”
McKinney wants to see that margin for driver error remain.
April 4-5 : Rockingham Dragway (Rockingham, NC) May 9-10 : South Georgia Motorsports Park (Valdosta, GA) May 23-24 : Memphis International Raceway (Millington, TN) June 27-28 : U.S. 131 Motorsports Park (Martin, Michigan) July 25-26 : Virginia Motorsports Park (Richmond, VA) Aug. 15-16 : Osage Casino Tulsa Raceway Park (Tulsa, OK) September 5-6 : Rockingham Dragway (Rockingham, NC) October 10-11 : Virginia Motorsports Park (Richmond, VA)
Where do you stand on the issue? Should auto shifters be allowed? Leave a comment.