AHDRA Pro Fuel

Hawaya Backing AHDRA Pro Fuel and Nitro Funnybike

AHDRA Pro Fuel racers will have some extra financial security this year (Tim Hailey reports), and Nitro Funnybike racers will have a class sponsor - all courtesy of Johnny Vickers and Hawaya Racing.
Pro Fuel (formerly called Pro Dragster) racers will know before their trailers hit the road that they will be racing for a guaranteed purse, regardless of how many competitors show up in the class.

"Something that I'm pretty adamant about, because I've raced all my life too, is to see that the Pro Fuel racers know what to expect," said Vickers. "Hey, there might be only two here, only four there, but it costs the racers just as much money, just as much time off, and they are going to have just as much stuff break as if there's eight or twelve bikes.
"The racers that show up have done their part, and I'm gonna do my part to see that they're rewarded. So, if two bikes show up, one of them's gonna be the winner, and they're gonna get the full $1,200 winner's purse."
Runner-up is guaranteed $600, with $300 for semi-finalists and $200 for quarter-finalists, based on five or more entries.

"When Bill Rowe announced he was buying AHDRA, I said 'Well, put Hawaya on the carburetor class.' So that was a fast deal and a done deal and boom, we're off and running.
"It makes sense for us to go back now and offer more support for the AHDRA. We're trying to help grow the sport and help the racers as well."
That help will also extend to Nitro Funnybike, formerly called Pro Fuel. Vickers and Rowe both feel that until class participation develops, Nitro Funnybike is better off run with a purse scaled to the number of entries. But having a major sponsor like Hawaya shows that both are committed to building the class to a solid future.
The AHDRA all-American motorcycle drag racing series kicks off its second season under the stewardship of Rowe on April 17-18 at Atlanta Dragway, followed by May 22-23 at Cecil County Dragway, June 4-6 at Rockingham Dragway, June 19-20 at National Trail Raceway, August 8-10 at Sturgis, September 17-18 at South Carolina Motorsports Park (eighth mile), October 1-3 at Summit Motorsports Park (Norwalk), and November 6-7 at Gainesville Raceway, with a regional event April 30-May 1 at Darlington Dragway.

Classes are Top Fuel, Hawaya Racing Nitro Funnybike, Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel, GMS Racing Pro Open, Zipper's Performance Pro Modified, Modified, Law Tigers Pro Bagger, Horsepower Inc. Hot Street, Outlaw Street, 9.30 index, Vreeland's Harley-Davidson 9.90, 10:30 index, Universal Fleet & Tire 10.90, 11.50 index, T-Man Performance Bagger Eliminator, Mad Monkey Motorsports Eliminator, and Trophy.
This report was prepared by Tim Hailey. See and watch more motorcycle drag racing at https://www.eatmyink.com.
www.raceahdra.com

HardDrive

HardDrive Driving Growth

Boise, Idaho based HardDrive, the V-twin parts and accessories division of Western Power Sports (WPS), says it has added more than 1,500 new parts to its 2021 catalog, with a new distribution deal being announced with NAMZ /Badlands and exclusives such as Ken's Factory, Kodlin USA and Nomadic.
Further additions include DK Customs, Hard Street saddlebag organizers, Lectron (originators of the slide carb design), and Motorscan diagnostic tools, with many other vendors stepping-up and deepening their inventory availability as HardDrive continues its growth.
Krys Brown, the new Director of V-Twin Product for HardDrive, told AMD that "NAMZ is the industry leader in motorcycle electrics, providing connectors and terminals from 1971 through to today. For anyone restoring a metric, vintage, repairing an AMF, rebuilding a 1990s pro street or building a 2014 and up CAN bus Bagger, the job is simply a lot harder without using NAMZ products.
"Starting in 1990, Badlands modules were the 'originals', and their patented technology continues to be the best choice with modules like the all-in-one run, brake and turn with load equalizer modules, standalone load equalizers, self-canceling and sequential flashing modules - all backed up by the NAMZ/Badlands lifetime warranty."
WPS/HardDrive completed a new 245,000 sq ft warehouse at Midway, Georgia, in January last year - as an upgrade to its former Memphis, Tennessee facility. The company also completed expansions at its California facility and Idaho headquarters warehouse - taking its six strong distribution center network in the United States (which also includes Texas and Pennsylvania) to over 1 million sq ft in total.
www.hdtwin.com

Cometic Gasket, Inc.

Cometic Gasket, Inc. Continues As Official Gasket of Progressive AFT

Progressive AFT has confirmed that Concord, Ohio based Cometic Gasket will serve as the Official Gasket of Progressive American Flat Track for a seventh successive season.
"A worldwide leader in gaskets and engine-sealing solutions, Cometic is a proven performer under pressure. Since 1989, Cometic has been deeply involved in motorsports, excelling in a number of the most challenging series in existence, including Progressive AFT, GNCC and NASCAR."

"Progressive American Flat Track and a good number of our competitors enjoy support from Cometic Gasket," said Michael Lock, CEO of Progressive AFT. "Cometic's gasket applications are a high-quality product and a much-valued component of engine preparation in our race paddock."
Originally operating out of a 1,500 sq ft facility, Cometic has grown into a global power over the past three decades. While still a wholly family owned and operated business, Cometic is now housed in a 70,000 sq ft, leading edge R&D and manufacturing center "where advanced materials and proprietary manufacturing processes ensure superior performance across a wide range of engine sizes and types."

Cometic 4.250" big bore M-8 MLS (Multi-Layer Steel) head gaskets do not require the heads to be welded and resurfaced. They also fit the coolant cooled head with no modifications and are available in all the custom thicknesses in stock bore 3.937" to 4.250".

 

 

Cometic's Founder and CEO Bob Gorman (who recently announced his acquisition of Klotz Lubricants) said that "American Flat Track is the pinnacle of flat track motorcycle racing around the world, and Cometic is eager to renew its partnership. Cometic has supported AFT as a series, its riders and much of the paddock for many years. We pride ourselves in building a gasket that not only performs in the most demanding environments, but provides a performance advantage that our customers can rely on.
"There's no doubt that AFT is the perfect proving ground for gasket technology. We can't wait to see the green flag wave on a new season."
www.cometic.com

Motion Pro

Motion Pro Renews AFT Partnership

Sacramento, California based specialist Motion Pro has renewed its AFT sponsorship as the Official Tools and Cables brand of Progressive AFT.
A long-time and valued partner of the series, Motion Pro was founded in 1984 by 6-day ISDT gold medalist Chris Carter. Motion Pro designs innovative tools and products that help maintain and repair motorcycles. 

 

"From top tier racers to casual weekend riders, Motion Pro products are designed to help keep you riding, and limit time spent in the garage," said Progressive AFT CEO Michael Lock. "Motion Pro works closely with champion riders and professional mechanics all over the world to continue improving the company's products and deliver an outstanding customer experience that makes it easier for enthusiasts to do what they love."
"Progressive American Flat Track highly values Motion Pro's support for the Series and the sport of flat track in general. Its products are used widely in our pro paddock and the extended program for 2021 covers all three class championships, demonstrating its deep roots in the sport."
Once again in 2021, Motion Pro will offer a unique, social media based contingency program for Progressive American Flat Track competitors. Following a successful initial season in 2020 with the AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class, the $25,000 program has been expanded to also include Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle and AFT Singles this season. In addition, Motion Pro is directly sponsoring a number of top tier riders in each class.
"We're proud to expand our commitment to AFT competitors," said Motion Pro founder and President Chris Carter. "We've been pleased to support and foster many of our riders' progress from minis to the pros, and the 2021 program reflects Motion Pro's longstanding and deep investment in dirt track."
www.motionpro.com

S&S Cycle

AFT Names S&S Presenting Sponsor of SuperTwins

Progressive American Flat Track has announced that S&S Cycle has further increased its involvement for 2021 and will serve as both the presenting sponsor for the world's most prestigious two-wheeled dirt track class and as the Official Exhaust of Progressive AFT.
Reintroduced to much fanfare in 2020, the premier class of Progressive American Flat Track will be officially known as Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle in 2021. The announcement solidifies S&S's central role in the sport, having also recently played a vital part in the revolutionary rise of Indian Motorcycle and Royal Enfield inside the paddock.

"Progressive American Flat Track welcomes S&S's renewed commitment to the sport," said Michael Lock, CEO of Progressive AFT. "They have become a key partner during recent years and both their commercial investment and their impact as a competitor and support resource in the race paddock has become an integral part of the show."
In 2016, S&S added flat track to its race pedigree with the development of the FTR750 and has since put it on the podium at every event. Its efforts on the racetrack are channeled directly into its R&D program and ultimately to the street. S&S Cycle offers engine components, exhaust and fuel systems, engine upgrade kits, and complete engines for a variety of V-twin makes and models as well as performance parts for the latest Royal Enfield machines.
Race fans will be able to purchase select S&S apparel at Progressive AFT Merchandise stands this season.
"S&S is excited to expand our support for Progressive AFT," said David Zemla, Marketing VP at S&S. "We enter the 2021 season as presenting sponsor of Mission SuperTwins and are backing it up with a $76,500 contingency program for the class. We will also continue to campaign the Indian Wrecking Crew in AFT's premier class and are looking forward to getting back on the track and in front of the fans."
www.sscycle.com

Vance & Hines

Vance & Hines - Presenting Sponsor of AFT Production Twins

Progressive American Flat Track and Vance & Hines have agreed an expanded support program for riders in AFT's Production Twins Class. Vance & Hines will take the role of presenting sponsor and significantly increase its contingency payments in what will now be branded AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines.

With the combined efforts of Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines, competitors riding an XG750R in the AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class are now eligible for their piece of a $7,125 per-race contingency package, tallying an impressive $138,625 in total awards for 2021.
Race winners will score $4,000, with cash prizing through 5th place at all 17 races. Additionally, the combined championship bonus that is available for XG750R riders now totals $17,500 for the 2021 AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines season.
"This partnership creates an even deeper connection for Vance & Hines with both Harley-Davidson and AFT," said Vance & Hines President Mike Kennedy. "Most importantly, it's an expansion of our support for Production Twins class riders. We'll be at every race with technical support and are happy that this program helps riders meet the financial demands of racing."
To qualify for the full amount of available Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines contingency awards, riders must compete aboard a Harley-Davidson XG750R, run an eligible Vance & Hines exhaust system, a Vance & Hines decal on their race bike and have a Vance & Hines patch on their racing leathers.
www.vanceandhines.com

Twin Power

Twin Power 'Shocker' Gel Batteries - "Innovative Design and Affordable Prices"

Twin Power (Tucker Powersports) has introduced new nanogel technology batteries for V-twin and cruiser markets. These new 'Shocker' gel batteries join Twin Power's existing lines of traditional batteries in its 2021 product range.
Twin Power and Biker's Choice Brand Manager James Simonelli says: "Innovative design and an affordable price are what the motorcycle replacement battery market is all about, and these new 'Shocker' nanogel batteries deliver on both."

Also known as VRLA batteries (Valve Regulated Lead Acid), Simonelli explained that "there are numerous advantages to 'Shocker' gel cell batteries - as a design concept they could have been invented especially for motorcycles. The extra thick plates and sealed packaging for the battery cells allow the units to be leak-free, maintenance-free and vibration resistant.
"In addition, riders love the increased cycle life, resistance to sulfation (chemical changes to the battery when it does not receive a full charge), wide operating temperature range and superior cold weather performance. Because of their design, gel cell batteries can be mounted at any angle, which is great for custom bike designers and builders."   
On the inside, the Shocker gel battery's nanogel technology significantly improves performance - increasing the available power from a battery and decreasing the time required to recharge it.
The surface of the electrode is coated nanoparticles. This increases the surface area of the electrode, thereby allowing more current to flow between the electrode and the chemicals inside the battery. This technique increases the efficiency of the battery while reducing the weight.
The shelf life of a battery is increased by using nanomaterials to separate liquids in the battery from the solid electrodes when there is no draw on the battery. This separation prevents the low-level discharge that occurs in a conventional battery.
"On the outside, Twin Power included unique flush-mount battery terminals which provide consistent amperage transfer and eliminate the arcing and corrosion that can affect a traditional-style battery terminal. Shocker batteries feature a robust ABS case with a matte black finish. A unique blue top identifies the gel series batteries."
Twin Power used an independent lab to test the Shocker gel battery line-up for high-rate discharge, ten-hour discharge, vibration, short circuit and cold cranking amps.   
"We've tested the hell out of these batteries in the lab and on the road, and we love their performance," said Simonelli. "This is a true innovation in battery performance for motorcycles and we are really excited to be bringing it to the market. With nanogel technology and an affordable price, the Shocker Gel won't let you down."
Fitments are available in all popular 14, 20 and 32 amp configurations.

TUCKER V-TWIN
www.tucker.com/v-twin
www.twinpower-usa.com

Ton Pels

Ton Pels
Robin Bradley reports on the death of a friend and innovator …

Widely and correctively credited with effectively creating the V-twin parts and accessory industry in Europe, Ton was a former authorized Harley dealer who had a glittering Drag Race career, winning multiple European Super Twins Top Fuel Championships and setting records that still stand to this day.
The story of the Zodiac business goes back to 1969 in the United States - ultimately becoming Zodiac Enterprises Ltd., whose 'ZEL' product numbers adorned millions of blister packs for decades.

Ton opened his own motorcycle shop in 1974 (Promotor), and after a period as an authorized dealer for a then still AMF owned Harley-Davidson, closed it in 1979 and went instead to work for a Dutch owned aftermarket parts and accessory business.
Eventually Ton partnered with the owners of Zodiac and opened a 2,000 sq ft warehouse in the Netherlands, with the first of a sequence of growth-driven expansions seeing him drop anchor in Mijdrecht - where Zodiac International, as it became, is still headquartered today.
In the early 1980s there were very few Harley-specific businesses in Europe - there were no Harley P&A specific distributors, and even most of the custom shops who saw themselves as Harley specialists worked on any bike that came their way.
With a combination of own brand parts designs and third-party contracts, with most of the leading U.S. brands at one stage or another, Ton really blazed a trail.
The fist Zodiac catalog appeared early in the development of the business - in 1982 - and around that time Ton and his always supportive and equally hard-working wife Marianne exhibited at IFMA for the first time, the then large trade fair in Cologne, Germany - the precursor to today's INTERMOT.
Zodiac was the first of the custom P&A businesses in Europe to do so. Although they may not have realized it as such at the time, Ton and Marianne had embarked on a career that saw them pioneer many of the hallmarks of aftermarket parts and accessory distribution that, 40 years later, we now take for granted.
Ton was the first to get his catalog translated, with it eventually appearing in multiple languages, with sales supported by a multilingual international network of dedicated sales agents - the first such network in Europe. Investments in information technology for ordering, inventory control and order handling saw Zodiac stay ahead of its burgeoning list of competitors in Europe.
It is easy to forget now, but at a time when even Windows was a gleam in Bill Gate's eye, never mind the brave new post dial-up world of digital communications, such steps really were a 'Biggie' back then. It didn't hurt that when he did so, Ton's son Vincent came into the business after a successful IT career at IBM!
Customer appreciation became a cornerstone of the Zodiac model. The company's annual dealer shows quickly became popular and are a now legendary event that brought the proto European Harley-Davidson aftermarket together for weekends of communal V-twin celebration and indulgence on an often industrial scale!

Having built bikes (and drag bikes) himself, Ton was an early adopter where complete custom bike builds and, eventually, product-matched and fully styled kits were concerned. Ton was a champion of the work of the emerging custom bike building community and parts design and manufacturing business sectors in Europe.
Ton Pels dedicated the best years of his working and personal life to laying down the foundations on which the custom parts and accessory market in Europe is still based today. He walked the walk through his racing and engineering prowess, as well as talking the talk, and it is no exaggeration to say that he did much to create a market from which hundreds, if not thousands, have been able to build careers, livelihoods and businesses of their own - including me.
Ton's early adoption of the opportunities I was trying to build for the industry he was building, his friendship, his mentoring among the vendor community in the United States especially, and his loyalty to and long-term backing for my ideas - including those that didn't get very far sometimes - have much to do with the reason why you are able to read this eulogy to 'The Godfather' today.
Above all else though, Ton was a loving husband and father, and our thoughts and best wishes are with Ton's wife Marianne, his family, including his son Vincent, who has followed in Ton's footprints as the present GM for Zodiac, past and present Zodiac International employees, and all those who, like me, are proud to have known him and been able to regard him as their friend.