Mission King Of The Baggers

KOTB - Expanded to Eight Race Weekends for 2024

MotoAmerica has released what it describes as a "tentative" 2024 eight-class MotoAmerica Championship schedule, including 20 Superbike races held over nine rounds and two additional Mission King Of The Baggers races - the Daytona 200 and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - expanding the series to eight race weekends for 2024.

MotoAmerica will again begin its season with its Supersport class competing in the non-points-paying Daytona 200, with the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship, Twins Cup and Mission Super Hooligan National Championship kicking off their seasons with the start of those three championships. 

Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli

In other KOTB news, Harley has confirmed Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli as Screamin' Eagle factory racing team riders in the 2024 series.

Kyle Wyman won seven races during the 2023 King Of The Baggers season and finished third in the season championship. Kyle is the winningest racer in MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers history, with 12 total race wins in the 24 events since the start of the series in the 2021 season, plus the 2021 season championship to his credit.

Kyle Wyman

Replacing 2023 H-D factory rider Travis Wyman, and having ridden for Vance & Hines H-D in 2023, James Rispoli won two KOTB races, plus he scored five second place finishes and three third place finishes for second overall in the championship. 

James Rispoli

Rispoli, who was signed to a one-year contract with the factory team, has a long history of racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles dating back to racing an XR750 as a teenager, and earning the nickname "Hogspoli" after winning the AFT Production Twins championship on a Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R in 2020. He also won back-to-back AMA Pro Racing Supersport championships in 2011-2012. 

News Briefs

At the end of September, the U.S. Congress House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce held a legislative hearing to discuss several bills within its jurisdiction. One of which was the REPAIR Act - one of the MRF's key legislative priorities. 

The MRF believes the ability for consumers and aftermarket shops to have access to the parts, tools and information needed to repair products is critical to the motorcycling community. 

AIMExpo (Las Vegas, February 6-8, 2024) has partnered with Motorcycle & Powersports News for the education sessions on the Expo's 'Disruptive Thinking'. The collaboration will feature three focused tracks: Training and Talent, F&I/PG&A, and Marketing. "Symposium-inspired sessions to address issues at the forefront of our industry, including economic changes and forecasts, government relations, new-rider initiatives, and more." Additionally, classroom-style content will deliver actionable takeaways for dealers and retailers. Expo features will include E-Bike Demo Tracks, Industry Party Powered by Turn 14 Distribution, New Product Central, 4-Wheel Showcase, 2-Wheel Custom Showcase, a Dealer Tech Zone powered by Transax Digital Retail and the MIC Business Center. Register at www.aimexpousa.com 

Handbuilt Motorcycle Show - Revival Cycles has announced April 12-14 for the 2024 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show at Austin Texas;  www.revivalcycles.com 

Designed "to be a true grassroots entry into the motorcycle world," the KTM SX-E 2 provides "the ideal platform for young riders to find their feet - and throttles - as young racers." 

The all-new model "rolls up to the starting line as a real-world intermediary package, bridging the gap between mini-cycle and motorcycle, complete with modern, striking graphics, top-quality materials and high-end components.

FOX Factory Performance Vehicle Development (PVD) has introduced an all-new Harley-Davidson Ford F-250 Super-Duty. "Each truck is perfectly crafted to embody top-of-the-line performance, custom appearances, luxurious interior components and premium safety features." 

Features include a custom 5" lift system from BDS Suspension in conjunction with FOX Adventure Series shocks, H-D edition 22" black and milled wheels, power running boards, a carpet rug bed liner and tonneau cover with embedded H-D. The redesigned center console includes a personalized serial number plate. There are Bar and Shield logo billet pedals and H-D logo carpet floor mats. 

Available in Europe in 2023, American Honda has confirmed availability of the 2024 XL750 Transalp for the U.S. market, with models having started getting to showrooms in October. Originally introduced in 1986 as a 500 cc, the Transalp went out of the Honda range in 2013. MRSP in USA is $9,999.00.  

Bigtwin Bikeshow & Expo - One of Europe's longest established custom bike shows, the Bigtwin Custom Bike Show and Expo will be held again near Utrecht in the Netherlands on November 3-5; www.bigtwin.nl

The Motorcyclist Advisory Council is being re-established. After nearly two years of delay, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the initial steps to establish the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC). In November of 2021, Congress passed, and President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Included in the law was reformation of the MAC. The Council will coordinate with and advise the Secretary of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator on transportation issues of concern to motorcyclists, including motorcycle and motorcyclist safety, barrier and road design, construction, and maintenance practices; and the architecture and implementation of intelligent transportation system technologies.

Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com

Harley-Davidson

Pan America vs. The Tiger

The world just got a lot tougher place for Harley-Davidson with the launch of three new entrants into the crowded ADV market.

Way more convincing than the prior iterations, Triumph's 2024 Tiger ADV lineup - the 900 GT, 900 GT Pro and 900 Rally Pro - come after BMW's new flagship ADV offer - the massively updated GS 1300 - already raised the bar for 2024.

Honda's XL750 Transalp brand comeback

That is without factoring in upgraded Suzuki V-Stroms (two 800 cc models for USA in 2024); the increasing success of the Yamaha Tracers and, especially, their fast-expanding Ténéré lineup; plus, a hugely hyped U.S. market entry for Honda's XL750 Transalp brand comeback - at a remarkable domestic US $10k sticker price.

Tiger 900 Rally Pro

If Harley does finally have plans (sooner or later) to add to the 1250 cc Pan America lineup in 2024 and beyond, with the expected mid-capacity versions of the modular Revolution Max V-twin platform, then they will need them to be a compelling offer if they are to reach beyond the traditional 'Bar 'n Shield' brand footprint and take the battle to the mainstream 'metrics'.

This all comes after Harley's Q3 financial data revealed an alarming reality for the Pan America - namely that, although their spring/summer production suspension may have had a lot to do with it, the fact is that after only a couple of years in the ADV market, their reported unit sales are in decline already.  

Tiger 900 GT

Although retail data is not broken down by model segment, shipments are. Harley's data report Adventure Touring segment shipments as being 8,743 units for the nine months to September 2022, but down to 4,445 units for the first nine months of 2023. For Q3, 2022 saw 2,058 units shipped against just 1,243 units shipped for Q3 of 2023.

Haas Moto Museum

Haas Moto Museum - 'The Motorcycle'

Featuring more than 350 top-class images of some of the most interesting custom motorcycle and restoration projects of recent years, 'The Motorcycle' published by Weldon Owen International, "celebrates and showcases these beautiful machines as the pieces of fine art that they are."

The Haas Moto Museum in Dallas, Texas, houses a unique world-class collection that spans the history of motorcycles across 13 decades. From early prototype models that featured a gas tank simply strapped onto a bicycle to today's radically new designs that push the limits of imagination and technology - more than 230 motorcycles are chronicled.

"Whether the unnamed stars of classic movies such as Akira and Easy Rider or the object of devotion in the lives of riders and collectors, the motorcycle has been a symbol of freedom throughout pop culture. 'The Motorcycle' celebrates these iconic machines in this beautifully curated monography with sleek images and accompanying essays from the world-class Haas Moto Museum."

In addition to showing the evolution of motorcycles from 1899 to present day, this official museum monograph features 60 custom motorcycles - many of which were commissioned for the collection - from prize-winning builders from around the world including Mitsuhiro Kiyonaga, Maxwell Hazan, Jay Donovan, Cristian Sosa and Craig Rodsmith.     

The book was created in memory of Haas Moto Museum’s legendary founder, Bobby Haas. In the book’s forward, Haas Moto Museum co-founder and Director Stacey Mayfield writes: 

"This book pays tribute to a museum like no other, a diverse collection thoughtfully curated by a man like no other. Although Bobby was taken from us too soon, he is very much a part of this book. The words you will read about each of the motorcycles were written by him and stand proudly next to each bike in the museum. As you peruse the pages, I hope that you can feel Bobby’s spirit guiding you through the museum. It is strong and it is loud." 

www.weldonowen.com

Drag Specialties

Drag Specialties Additions

Front Axle Kit

Machined from chrome-moly steel, this Drag Specialties front axle kit includes axle and spacers with bright chrome finish on the axle and hardware. The kit is for '18-'23 FXFB/FXFBS, '18-'19, '23 FXBR w/ABS only, '18-'20 FXBRS w/ABS only and '18-'21 FLSB/FLSL models. 

Mechanical Clutch Lever Assemblies

Available in a chrome or matte black finish, these Drag Specialties mechanical clutch lever assemblies feature an aluminum construction and are compatible with OEM or equivalent switch housings on '18-'23 Softail models.

Inner Clutch Hub

Drag Specialties' improved inner clutch hub is a direct replacement for the stock design. It has a reinforced insert for improved durability. Available for '18-'23 Softail models as a bolt-on replacement for stock clutch hub OEM #37000239. It works with all the OEM clutch components. 

ABS Rear Brake Lines

These Drag Specialties standard-length stainless steel rear brake lines feature black vinyl-coated braided lines with chrome steel fittings. Each meets DOT specifications: available for '14-'23 FLHT/FLHR/FLHX/FLTR models with ABS. 

The master cylinder to ABS controller line replaces OEM #41800012, and the caliper to ABS controller line uses a standard brake light switch and replaces OEM #41800541.

'Freedom' Touring Seat

The new 'Freedom' Touring seat by Drag Seats features a 5 3/4" tall driver support with "unique styling" and is covered in solar-reflective leather to keep the seating area cool in direct sunlight. Effective by as much as 25 degrees F, with high-quality automotive-grade vinyl on the sides. The seating area is contoured for maximum comfort and is made narrow up front for better leg clearance.

"This seat also works with our EZ Glide frame-mounted receiver mechanism to accept EZ Glide backrests. It will also work with H-D and OEM frame-mounted backrest mechanisms and backrest pads." The seat is available for '09-'23 FLHT/FLHR/ FLHX/FLHTC/FLHTCU/FLHTCUTG/FLTRX/FLTRU/FLTRK/FLRT models (except 23 FLHXSE/FLTRXSE). All mounting hardware is included.

DRAG SPECIALTIES 

www.dragspecialties.com

Corbin Saddles

Corbin - Two Saddles for 2023 CVO Models

Hollister, California based Corbin Saddles has added two new seat models designed exclusively for the 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycle - a model-specific interpretation of Corbin's 'Wall' and a Dual Touring saddle.

Mike Corbin said that "the new CVO is about the hottest thing out there right now, and this looks like the direction all the Harley Touring bikes are heading. These are our first two saddles for these models, but we have others in development.

"The sleek, ergonomic design of the 'Wall' provides solo riding style and comfort. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, it features our patented Comfort Cell foam technology, ensuring a superior level of comfort even on long rides - the 'Wall' saddle's unique design complements the CVO's aesthetic."

Corbin went to say that the Dual Touring saddle is engineered for riders who prioritize comfort and two-up capability - "offering unparalleled comfort and support. It's designed to work with Harley-Davidson's detachable accessories, so you can add a trunk or sissy bar. Naturally, we provide a range of sissy bar and trunk pads to complete the custom look." 

Both designs include genuine leather seating and a wide range of color and material options at no extra charge. Both saddles offer the option of electric heated seating and Corbin's adjustable rider backrest that installs or removes with a single bolt - available in a wide range of styles. 

CORBIN SADDLES 

www.corbin.com

Hawg Halters (HHI)

Rear Radial Brake Kit

Hawg Halters (HHI) continues to expand its new 6-piston radial brake caliper line with the addition of a new FLH/FLT rear brake kit.

Featuring a precision CNC-machined 6061 billet aluminum 6-piston differential bore caliper "for optimum performance and style, this dual bridge construction caliper is designed for rigidity and meant for action." It now comes with the latest DP performance brake pads for street or competition use.

These HHI calipers are designed for the popular 108 mm x 22.5 mm mounting and fit most 5 mm thick, 11.8 rear aftermarket brake rotors (only). This new rear radial brake kit fits 2009 and up FLH/FLT applications with a 25 mm axle.

The HHI rear radial brake caliper kit comes complete with DP pads, grade 8 hardware, and a one-piece billet bracket in machine, Black, Aztec Red, Inca Gold and Chrome finishes.

HAWG HALTERS INC. 

www.hawghalters.com

JIMS

Shaky Shift Pedal?

When Harley-Davidson launched the Milwaukee-Eight powertrain, the inner primary shifter shaft bushing was redesigned to a thin wall bushing. Although this is a design improvement, over time, this bushing will wear, causing free play in the shifter shaft. 

Ultimately, the shaft, lever and pedal vibrate when in use causing a rattle noise and loose shifter. The shifter shaft bushing cannot be pressed through to remove it - requiring this JIMS specialty tool. 

This new JIMS tool is designed to remove the old bushing with a unique knurled driver and receiver cup without removing the inner or outer primary. A new installation driver is included in the kit to correctly install a new shifter shaft bushing to the proper depth. 

Once complete, the shift lever will function like new again. Removing this bushing without a proper tool is challenging due to the bushing's thin wall design, which could result in costly damage to the inner primary. Removing the bushing with this new tool makes the replacement process easy and quick. "This tool is a must for any mechanic servicing aging Harley-Davidson touring models." 

JIMS 

www.jimsusa.com

S&S Cycle

S&S - Stud Kits, Piston Cooling Jets and CVO Cam Phaser Tool

New S&S tools and accessories from the Viola, Wisconsin headquartered home of "Proven Performance" include this piston cooling jet kit for M-8 engines.

"This is an exceptional piston cooling jet," says S&S' Jon Montgomery. "As they evenly cool both intake and exhaust sides of the pistons, the jets create a cooler engine with more power and better durability.

Piston cooling jet kit for M-8 engines

"The revised spray locations mean more effective cooling and the shortened nozzle increases the rod clearance.

"The patent-pending, dual-spraying kit is a 'must-have' and is sold with everything needed for install, including hardware and gaskets. It is crafted from strong, lightweight 6061-T6 heat-coated billet aluminum and anodized in S&S blue."

Also seen here, because big bores, big compressions and big throttles take their toll on hard parts - including the all-important 4140 chrome moly head studs and head bolts.

Cylinder stud kits

The studs are oil quenched and tempered to 39-44 HRC, 180,000 psi tensile strength with rounded - rather than flat - thread roots to improve fatigue resistance. The positive-stop shoulder allows for consistent installed height.

The head bolts are made in 8640 heat-treated steel and said to deliver a 14% increase in strength over stock 200,000 psi ultimate tensile strength.

Finished with a durable oxide coating, they have formed threads, a cold formed head, 9/16" 12-point head with integral washer and are compatible with both MLS and graphite head gaskets. They ship in 8-pack kits of either studs and bolts, or studs, for 2017-2013 M-8 models. 

Cam phaser tool for 2023 VVT engine CVO models

Finally, this new cam phaser tool for 2023 VVT engine CVO models has many improvements, but there is at least one major drawback - changing anything in the cam chest with Variable Valve Timing requires a special tool. 

This new S&S cam phaser tool holds the cam phaser assembly in place to allow you to pull the spool valve bolt and get access to the cam plate, oil pump, and, of course, the cam. If you’re planning to do any work inside the cam chest on one of these new H-D CVO models, you’re going to want to get one of these new tools!

S&S CYCLE INC. 

www.sscycle.com

Zodiac International

Zodiac International Additions

Arlen Ness 'Method' Risers for Road Glide

These 'Method' bagger kickback risers give 10" (25.4 cm) rise with a 1 1/2" (3.8 cm) kickback to provide the proper mix of comfort and control. The innovative design relocates factory gauges to the riser top clamp, which ensures a clear view of the navigation screen and gauges. The integrated hidden wire design keeps the handlebar section clean. Accepts handlebars with 1" clamping areas.

Black Stainless Steel M-8 Cam Cover Screw Kits

Stainless steel screws with matte black powder-coated heads for the finishing touch on black engines. "We recommend installing them using an anti-seize compound such as ZPN 770508. Hex socket cap screws are also known as Allen heads."

Detachable Sissy Bars For Touring

These sissy bars install and remove within seconds. Order required docking point kit and optional sissy bar pad separately.

Radical Radius for Indian Thunderstroke

Complete exhaust system with exclusive performance collector for maximum horsepower, plus torque and billet end caps. Features include one-piece full length heat shields to prevent chipping, rust and peeling between sections; large 2 1/2" 16-gauge heavy duty 220-degree blue proof; complete with mounting hardware and brackets and "unmatched sound and performance".

It fits forward and mid controls. Installation requires removal of the passenger peg, so consequently cannot be used with a pillion.

Autosol Anodized Aluminum Polish

World-famous and internationally awarded cleaning and care product for all metallic surfaces. The fine grade polishing particles achieve an optimum cleaning result on all types of anodized aluminum. Contamination and rust can be easily removed in a single operation. 

Due to the balanced formulation of the active ingredients, surface protection is applied to the metals in addition to excellent cleaning to a brilliant high gloss. 

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV 

www.zodiac.nl

2024 Progressive American Flat Track season

AFT 2024 Provisional Schedule - 16 Rounds Planned 

AMA Pro Racing has announced the preliminary schedule for the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season. 

The AMA commented that "the 16-round slate features an ideal balance on multiple fronts, including in terms of style, legacy, novelty, geography and pacing." 

"In 2023, the series introduced a more compressed schedule with an evolving emphasis on each of the sport’s four disciplines, encouraging alternating runs of form and championship comebacks. The result was one of the most compelling and electric Grand National Championship title fights on record. The ‘24 schedule builds on that blueprint while having a flavor all of its own."

Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing, is quoted as saying: “The 2023 schedule brought Progressive AFT back to major metropolitan markets and motorcycle rallies, while also introducing new venues and event promoters that helped us bring the sport to first-time fans from coast-to-coast.

“As we look forward to 2024, the next phase of our growth strategy for the sport is based on cultivating long-lasting relationships with promoter partners and securing multi-year agreements around successful events. In addition to bringing consistency to the annual calendar for the series, this approach will allow promoters to establish date equity in their events, cultivating growth and engagement in the fanbase year after year.”

The season will play out during prime motorcycle riding season, once again opening with a Daytona Bike Week doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway in early March and once again concluding in early September. 

"The first half of the year provides little time to catch one’s breath with five all-action Short Tracks set to be waged over the first six races. The middle of the campaign then shifts into Half-Mile mode, while a pair of late season TTs and Miles will factor heavily in determining the title fights."

The 2024 schedule not only "pays homage to the championship’s storied legacy by featuring high-profile rounds at its most iconic venues, such as the Labor Day weekend doubleheader at the legendary Springfield Mile and the iconic 77th Peoria TT, but it also introduces fresh, first-time experiences with brand-new events, including the Silver Dollar Short Track in Chico, California."

Other highlights include the DuQuoin Mile, which cast its magic once again last season by delivering a race that saw four premier-class riders representing three different manufacturers battle to the checkered flag, as well as the return of the Texas Half-Mile at Texas Motor Speedway, which will take place alongside the Goodguys 14th LMC Truck Spring Lone Star Nationals Car Show.

The planned 16 rounds, with two of them still to be determined, will be two less rounds than for the 2023 season. The yet to be announced events include an all-new TT and the return to a fan-favorite Half-Mile for a spectacular 2024 season finale. 

www.americanflattrack.com

AMRA and AHDRA/AMA Jim McClure All-Harley World Finals

32nd Annual Jim McClure Memorial All-Harley World Finals 

This report was prepared by Tim Hailey. Enjoy everything there is to read, see and watch about motorcycle drag racing and more at https://www.eatmyink.com

Presented by MTC Engineering, the PennGrade1 AMRA and AHDRA/AMA Jim McClure All-Harley World Finals at Rockingham Dragway, North Carolina, USA, (October 27-29, 2023) delivered a fitting memorial to "Da Judge"…

Rockingham Dragway's Jim McClure All-Harley World Finals presented by MTC Engineering and Law Tigers of North Carolina was - by the estimation of everyone who was there - the biggest Harley-Davidson drag race in decades. 

Ryan Peery

Whether you're counting bikes, entries, records, spectators, impact on the local economy - this event added up. The championship finale for both the PennGrade1 AMRA and AHDRA/AMA motorcycle drag racing series showed that American V-Twin drag racing sport and the enthusiastic scene it generates is alive and growing - something that would make the late Jim "Da Judge" McClure beam his legendary smile.

'an incredible 40 nitro bikes'

The event featured an incredible 40 nitro bikes "putting fire in the hole and taking the tree." Nitro V-Twin racing is literally and figuratively blowing up.

Defending AMRA Top Fuel champ Ryan Peery qualified number one at 'The Rock' with a 6.39 at 217 miles per hour. Spring AHDRA Rockingham race winner Tim Kerrigan was second with a 6.42 at 213, and defending AHDRA champion Tracy Kile was third with a 6.44 at only 188! 

The Top Fuel eliminations were a brutal slug match. Kile was spun and done in E1 against multi-time NHRA champ Tii Tharpe on his Spevco Jay Turner Racing bike. Kerrigan slipped past Tharpe's teammate John "JT" Toth and Jordan Peterson raced past Ricky "Sharkey" House. Peery's opponent broke in the waterbox and then Ryan's bike broke abruptly at launch - and the top qualifier was done for the day.

Armon Furr

Jordan Peterson

"The rods had enough and said 'I'm outta here!'" reported Peery. "Luckily they lasted just long enough to get the round win and lock up the championship." Actually, both AHDRA and AMRA championships.

Peterson and his Romine Brothers built-and-tuned, Steve Horne-owned, beautiful former Doug Vancil bike was on an improvement arc on raceday, running a 6.46 at 208 in the semifinal alongside a lane left vacant by Peery's no-show in the semi. That left him with lane choice against Tharpe in the final after Tii's 6.47 at 205 beat Kerrigan.

The JTR team had Tharpe's bike fully loaded for the final and the Spevco boss ran a 6.39 at 215. But that .159 light though ... Tii gave up .121 to Peterson at the tree and came up .004 short of catching the red and black bike he fought with in the NHRA wars a few years ago. It was second generation Nitro Harley drag racer Peterson's first Top Fuel win.

North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Famer Jay Turner is the one the locals all come to see, but Turner focused on his role as team manager and trying to solve the riddle of his massively powerful ProCharged Top Fuel bike.

Sam White

Jonny Ard

Nitro Funnybike also saw a second-generation Nitro Harley drag racer take the win. Armon Furr is the son of the legendary South Carolina racer Bill Furr, and the family magic came through. 

'Peery takes AHDRA and AMRA championships'

Peery was also the number one qualifier in Nitro Funnybike with a 6.59 at 210. But Peery slowed in the semis and defending AMRA champion Jim Doyle got around him to meet Furr in the final. 

Furr came to the line with lane choice, but Doyle's consistency outran him. Again, the tree was the story as that redeye back at the starting line in Doyle's lane signaled the -.010 foul that cost him the race. Peery secured the AMRA championship.

Veteran racer Sam White scored a sweep in Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel, qualifying number one, winning the race, and the championship in both series. White and final round opponent Rocky Jackson left the line within 1/1000ths of each other, with White legging it out with a 7.31 at 170 against Rocky's 7.57 at 169.

GMS Racing Engines Outlaw Street saw a heated, record-shattering battle amongst these gasoline and power-adder no-bar badasses. Andy Simon Sr. started the assault with a 7.64 at 188.36 on his turbo Bagger in testing. Gregg Dahl pushed the bar way farther with a 7.57 on his nitrous-huffer to lead qualifying. But it was Dahl's teammate Mike Motto who won the race and the AHDRA championship with a .009 light and 7.80 lap in the final against Dahl, who shredded his drive belt at the 330.

Mike Motto

Brian Conley

Zipper's Performance Pro Bagger saw Indiana's Jeremy Williamson run the class's first 7 second pass with a 7.98 at 172 in qualifying on his sleek turbo Bagger. But Williamson redlit in E2. Number two qualifier Rick Hunnicutt took his semifinal but broke in the process. That left number five qualifier Scott Tomsu as the last man standing for the unopposed win.

Tomsu runner-upped to Bowling Green winner Jimmy Mailkranz in Thundermax Street Bagger. Mailkranz qualified number one with a 9.33 at 145 and won the final despite giving up .106 to Tomsu at the tree. His 9.42 at 142 was able to drive around Tomsu's 9.86 at 135.

Brian Conley Jr. and the iconic "JT's Auto" bike continued their domination of Hot Street, winning the class for at least the second straight year. Conley qualified number one with a 9.09 at 146 and took a very good final round race against veteran racer Joe Perry. Brian took the tree by .057 and ran a 9.14 vs. Perry's 9.17.

Zippers Performance Pro Modified boiled down to the reigning champions of the two series - AMRA's Billy Doherty and AHDRA's John Price. Billy Doherty qualified number one and Price number two. And that's how it went in the final, too, with Doherty taking the tree .124 to .296, and the stripe 9.49 to 8.70.

Pingel/Axtell Cylinders Modified went to number one qualifier (9.18 at 143) Gary Douglass. He and runner-up Casey Smith both had great reaction times, with Gary an .013 and Casey .018. Gary's 9.26 kept him out in front of Smith's 9.32.

Billy Doherty

Gary Douglass

The Benchmark Excavating Top Eliminator 9.30 final was a battle between Harley index titans - last year's winner David Doremus vs. number one qualifier Ken Strauss. Strauss punched first with a .030 light to Doremus' .057. Strauss somehow let that advantage slip away and lost a double breakout, 9.29 to 9.27 finish. 

Strauss then played out his revenge on multi-time champ Donnie Huffman in the Vreeland's Harley-Davidson Super Gas 9.90 final. Only .003 separated these two index studs at the tree and Strauss ran closer to the number with a 9.97 to Huffman's 10.12. Number one qualifier Kash Laughman lost in round one.

Number one qualifier Joe Petersen beat John Shotts in the BK Electric Super Pro 10.30 final, gaining a scant .004 advantage at the tree, but still pushing Shotts to break out with a 10.28. 

Universal Fleet & Tire Pro Eliminator 10.90 boiled down to a 'battle of the Larrys' - Maynhart vs. Stevens. Stevens took the tree by .010, but Maynhart ran .020 closer to the index to take the win on his V-Rod Destroyer. Number one qualifier Willie George lost in round four.

Terry Mason took the tree by .012 and went dead-on with a 1 to take the Thundermax Street Eliminator 11.50 final over Loren Potter, who broke out. Number one qualifier Racin' Ray Robinson lost to Mason in round 3.

Law Tigers Eliminator came down to a battle of 13 second Harleys, with Talon Harper taking the final over Calloway Ledford. Neither rider set the tree on fire, but Harper's .282 had the advantage on Ledford's .313. Harper ran a 13.52 on his 13.28 dial-in, while Ledford was 13.71/13.35. 

Harper's son Blake won Junior Junior Dragbikes and Damian Patino won Junior Senior, both at the expense of the Hines brothers in the finals.

Jon "Jonny Flattop" Ard won Saturday's Trophy class final with an .030 light and 11.25 on his 11.12 dial. Runner-up Sean Clarke was .142 at the tree and posted an 11.27 on his 11.15 dial.

And that's a wrap for 2023. AMRA's Greg Baugh and John "JT" Toth and AHDRA's Bill and Chrissy Rowe wish everyone a safe and happy off-season and look forward to welcoming the whole, growing Harley-Davidson drag racing family back to the track in '24.

AHDRA and AMRA thank Vreeland's Harley-Davidson, PennGrade1 Oil, MTC Engineering, Hawaya Racing, Pingel Enterprise, GMS Racing Engines, Zipper's Performance, Axtell Cylinders, Horsepower Inc., Vanson Leathers, Universal Fleet & Tire, V-Twin Powersports, Daryl Coffin Motorsports, BK Electric and Thunder Max.