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AMA: Prostar Action Returns to National Trail Raceway

17 April 1999

Hebron, Ohio - The most-extreme division of motorsports, The AMA/Prostar Motorcycle Drag Racing series, returns to National Trail Raceway on April 24-25.

The AMA/Prostar Fast By Gast Nationals is the third stop on their 1999 national event tour, and will feature over 500 motorcycles in eleven categories of competition - ranging from 200-MPH turbocharged, nitrous-fed, Funnybikes, to showroom-stock 600cc SuperSports.

National Trail will also be the first stop for the five-race Schnitz Racing Streetbike Shootout series, which features wild street-legal motorcycles using bolt on modifications - such as turbochargers and nitrous oxide systems. Competitors must use all street safety equipment and lighting, must retain a functional charging system, use a street legal rear tire, and do not use a wheelie bar. To prove their streetability, they also must complete a ten-mile road course.

Last season, Keith Dennis (Memphis, Tenn.) set the elapsed time national record for the street class at 8.15-seconds, while Kent Stotz (Chicago) holds the speed mark at just over 180 MPH.

The quickest class to be run at this event, Funnybike, is headed up by Keith Lynn (Wabash, IN), who has shown a strong resurgence recently - taking second place at the season opener, and winning the last event in Atlanta. He has run consistently in the 6.8-second zone, and holds a thirty five point lead over three-time champ, Gary Clark.

Team Kawasaki is currently ahead in championship points in both the 600 SuperSport and Pro Superbike categories, with Rickey Gadson (Sicklerville, NJ) fresh off his win in the Superbike category, aboard his 750cc Kawasaki Ninja. His teammate, Chip Ellis (Columbia, SC) is also fresh off a win with his 600cc SuperSport entry, and is currently 25 points ahead of Gadson who also rides in the SuperSport class.

Gadson will compete at National Trail aboard four separate bikes. In the Pro Modified class, he will be riding his new Team Kawasaki/Mr. Turbo ZX-11. He will be debuting his all-new Kawasaki ZX-9, prepared by Mr. Turbo, for the Streetbike Shootout series, and he will be riding his Team Kawasaki factory entries in the Superbike and 600 SuperSport classes.

Team Kawasaki currently is four for four in 1999 in the 600cc class, with Gadson and Ellis winning both Prostar National Events, and teammate Marty Ladwig (San Antonio, Tex.) winning both Prostar West series events.

National Trail Raceway is located in Hebron, off Interstate 70. Exit Granville Road (route 37) and go north to U.S. 40 (National Road) and turn left. Proceed one mile, the track will be on the right.

Tickets are $20 each day, or $35 both days. Juniors, ages 2-12, $5 each day. Children, ages 2 and under, free when accompanied by a paid adult. Pit pass included in general admission price. AMA Members and groups, $15 each day with membership card.

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.