NHRA Pro Stock Bikes Come To Sears Point

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) - Fans will be treated to more than just four-wheel racing excitement at the 15th annual NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals, Aug. 2-4, as Pro Stock Motorcycles will make their debut on the world famous quarter-mile drag strip at Sears Point Raceway.

"Motorcycle racing is an enduring part of Sears Point's history and ongoing schedule, but until now, that racing has been limited to our road course.  The bike enthusiasts of Northern California have been a strong and loyal part of our fan base and we are delighted to offer them this added feature as we unveil our new drag racing facility," said Steve Page, president and general manager at Sears Point Raceway.

This thrilling and competitive class features riders rocketing down the quarter-mile at more than 185 mph in just over seven seconds.  Manufacturers include Suzuki, Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson, and the bikes feature more than 300 horsepower and accelerate from 0-100 mph in two seconds.

This will mark the only visit to Northern California for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category.

"We're pleased to have the opportunity to introduce our thrilling Pro Stock Motorcycle category to the great fans at Sears Point Raceway in 2002," said NHRA President Tom Compton. "I'm certain these 190-mph two-wheelers will add some drama and excitement to our very important West Coast swing. Northern California's biker community is one of the biggest in the nation and we're glad to be able to give them some of the best motorcycle racing anywhere, NHRA style."   

One of the stars of the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, Angelle Savoie, is also the most victorious female driver in NHRA history.  On her Team Winston Suzuki, Savoie has outdistanced Shirley Muldowney's total of 18 wins and became only the second woman, after Muldowney, to win a Winston championship in a professional category.    

Antron Brown is another leader in this class, with a Suzuki owned by Troy Vincent, a defensive back with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.  Brown is the Pro Stock Motorcycle elapsed-time record holder with a blazing 7.103-second pass.  He has a diverse background in motorcycle racing, including 10 years of competition in AMA motocross.  

"I think it's really cool that we finally get to come out to Northern California.  All the riders are very excited about coming because we've always wanted to race at Sonoma.  Fans have asked me why we don't come out to Northern California, so I'm looking forward to racing in front of all the motorcycle fans up there," said Brown, who is currently second in points to Savoie in the NHRA heading into this weekend's Winston Finals in Pomona.

The NHRA will find a refurbished quarter-mile when they return to Sears Point Raceway in August, complete with a repaved drag strip and 660-foot concrete launch pad. The improvements, combined with the fact that Sears Point Raceway is at sea level, should make the strip one of the fastest in the country.

"With the new drag strip and the launch pad, this should be a pretty fast track for us," said Steve Johnson, who rides a Suzuki for K&N Filters. "I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do speed-wise on this quarter-mile."


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