BIKER LIVES MATTER held their first Accident Scene Management Course: The Bystander Assistant Program, “A Crash Course For The Motorcyclist,” at the American Legion Post 81 in Melbourne, Florida.

 Diane “DMAC” McLennan Accident Scene Managements Florida Lead Instructor taught the class. She is available to organize a class anywhere in Florida. If you are interested in having one in your area email contact@bikerlivesmatter.com and leave your contact information and a message. 

 I should mention that the Accident Scene Management Courses are considered the leading International Motorcycle Trauma Training Organization. For more information on them, go to https://roadguardians.org/

 Having the course at the American Legion was a perfect place, not only because they are set up for this type of training session, but they have facilities all over the country. There is also a part of the organization named the Legion Riders. Three members of that group took this class and now will be better able to help other riders in case of an accident. They will also be able to explain the course to other Legion posts.  Obviously, the more people who take this course the better chance of keeping more people alive.

Prior to the class starting, Coffee and Donuts were available and bottled water during the class.

First order of business included Rogue, the founder of Biker Lives Matter, (me) thanking everyone for attending and asking that they take what they learn in this class and share it with others so more people can become educated on what to do to help their fellow riders.

Though this class was specific to motorcycles the majority of what was taught would apply to any accident.

The Bystander Assistance Program is designed to reduce injuries and fatalities to motorcyclist through education. This includes securing the accident scene, so no further injury occurs.

It uses common sense and adult principals of learning to teach essential skills that connect the motorcyclist to the Emergency Medical System (EMS). The more information the EMS has the better they are prepared to handle the situation.

Prevent Further Injury

Assess The Situation

Contact The EMS

Treat The Injured With Life Sustaining Care

The topics of this class were limited to management of a crash scene. Other more advanced classes are available as well.

The afternoon portion of the class had hands on demonstrations on how to treat and protect the injured and to keep them alive until the EMTs arrive.

All of those completing the class received class materials, a certificate of completion, cloth sew-on patch and a Trauma Pack

There are many safety items that can be used and Dee displayed and discussed them with attendees.

Accident Scene Management recommends that you carry Adequate supplies. Special Thanks to Motorcycle Riding Attorney Brad Sinclair who Donated Trauma Packs to those who completed the course.  

 

 

TYLER O’HARA CAPTURES 2022 MOTOAMERICA MISSION KING OF THE BAGGERS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING AND S&S CYCLE

Riding the Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger, O’Hara’s Consistency Through the Seven-Round MotoAmerica Series Carries Indian Motorcycle Over Rival Harley-Davidson to Reclaim Coveted Crown

Minneapolis, MN. (September 14, 2022) – This past weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Tyler O’Hara battled through rain-soaked conditions to finish second in the Main Event, earning the necessary points to capture the 2022 Mission King of the Baggers (KOTB) Championship for Indian Motorcycle Racing and S&S® Cycle. This is the second KOTB Championship in three years for O’Hara and the Indian Motorcycle Racing-S&S team in the increasingly popular MotoAmerican bagger-racing class.

O’Hara’s 2022 Championship run was a picture of consistency throughout the seven-round series. The Petaluma, Calif. native captured five podium finishes over seven rounds; including a victory at the Daytona Speedway season opener, along with two fourth-place finishes aboard his ever-reliable Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger. This year’s Championship came at the expense of Harley-Davidson Screaming Eagle rider Travis Wyman, who entered the series’ final round with a three-point lead in the Championship point race, only to see his hopes literally slip away when he crashed midway through the second lap while frantically chasing O’Hara through the rain soaked circuit in New Jersey.

It was an afternoon rainstorm that spoiled the best-laid plans for points leader Wyman and served up a golden opportunity for O’Hara and teammate Jeremy McWilliams, who both thrive in wet conditions. Starting from the fourth and fifth positions respectively, O’Hara and McWilliams jumped out to a fast start, overtaking Wyman and Vance-Hines Harley Davidson rider James Rispoli and moving into second and third position respectively coming out of turn one. This allowed McWilliams to slow the pace for the field behind him, including Wyman, and create breathing room for O’Hara who consistently maintained pace behind race leader Kyle Wyman.

With an added level of urgency thanks to McWilliams’ stifling efforts, the younger Wyman made an aggressive outside pass on McWilliams and immediately began aggressively pushing to close the gap with O‘Hara, ultimately low-siding and sliding into the infield late into the second lap. Although he was able to get back on his bike and continue the race, Wyman fell to the back of the pack, while O’Hara stayed close behind the older Wyman brother, holding his second-place position to the finish and capturing his second KOTB Championship.

“Even though it’s one rider that earns the Championship, this was a situation where the support from Jeremy and our ability to work together made all the difference, and I could not be more grateful for his support and the tireless work of my entire Indian Motorcycle-S&S team,” said O’Hara. “Every member of this team sacrificed so much of themselves over this past year and to stand on that podium and celebrate this Championship with them is a testament to our commitment and nothing short of a dream come true. I’m so proud to reclaim the crown and the number-one plate for such an incredible and talented group of guys who put their hearts and souls into this season.”

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McWilliams, a veteran road racer of Moto GP fame, joined the Indian Motorcycle-S&S factory team at the start of the 2022 season. Along with a virtually unmatched level of experience and skill that resulted in a Round Two victory at Daytona and fourth-place finish overall, McWilliams brought an invaluable wealth of knowledge to the team. His technical input and collaboration with Indian Motorcycle-S&S engineers and mechanics throughout the season allowed the team to continually evolve, refine and improve the Indian Challenger, optimizing set ups specific to track conditions at each and every round.

“Jeremy’s expertise and experience, combined with Tyler’s skill and competitive fire is something truly special,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service and Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “When you back those two guys up with the expertise, commitment and heart of this entire Indian Motorcycle-S&S crew, you come away with a Championship. On behalf of everyone at Indian Motorcycle, I could not be prouder of our team and what we’ve accomplished this season.”

Ultimately, it’s the commitment of the entire team, including the engineers and mechanics behind the riders, that makes the difference between winning or losing a championship. This was no better evidenced then by the consistency of O’Hara and his Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger throughout the entire season. Not only did O’Hara’s #29 bike finish every race during the season without fail, it never finished lower than fourth place.

“This Championship is the result of the sacrifices and commitment made by each and every member of our team – so many days on the road away from their families and sleepless nights working to ensure our bikes were dialed-in for Tyler and Jeremy,” said Jeff Bailey, S&S Cycle Crew Chief. “Every member of our crew played a critical role, making unique sacrifices and sharing in the highs and lows we experienced together throughout the season, and that’s truly what makes this Championship so gratifying. I could not be prouder of this group of incredible individuals.”

Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s King of the Bagger efforts include Mission® Foods, S&S®, Medallia, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.

To learn more about each race team, visit SSCycle.com, RolandSands.com, Saddlemen.com and LloydzGarage.com.
For information about Indian Motorcycle, visit IndianMotorcycle.com, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® : Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

ABOUT S&S® CYCLE : S&S® Cycle was born from a passion for racing and has spent over six decades building performance for the powersports market. Their unwavering focus on quality, reliability and top shelf power has made S&S® Cycle the absolute leader in high performance on the street and track.

ABOUT MISSION® FOODS : MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit www.missionfoods.com

Harley-Davidson, LiveWire and AEA-Bridges Impact Corp Announce Closing of Business Combination

• LiveWire raises approximately $334m in gross proceeds
• LiveWire becomes the first EV motorcycle company to list on the NYSE
• Trading beings on September 27th under the new ticker “LVWR” on the New York Stock Exchange

MILWAUKEE, NEW YORK and LONDON (September 27, 2022)  —
Harley-Davidson, Inc. (“Harley-Davidson”) (NYSE: HOG), the world’s most desirable motorcycle company, and AEA-Bridges Impact Corp. (“ABIC”) (NYSE: IMPX), a special purpose acquisition company with a dedicated sustainability focus, sponsored by executives of AEA Investors and Bridges Fund Management, today announced the completion of their previously announced business combination under which LiveWire EV, LLC (the “Company”), Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle division, combined with ABIC, to create a new public company.

The business combination was officially approved at an extraordinary general meeting by ABIC stockholders on September 16, 2022. Upon completion of the business combination, the combined public company will operate as LiveWire Group, Inc. (“LiveWire”) and its common stock and warrants will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbols “LVWR” and “LVWR WS,” respectively today, September 27, 2022.

Through this combination, LiveWire will become the first and only EV motorcycle company in the U.S. to list on the NYSE.

“This transaction represents a proud and exciting milestone for LiveWire towards its ambition to become the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, and Chairman and CEO of LiveWire. “We believe LiveWire is well positioned to define the two-wheel EV market, and we’re excited about the future – in celebration of our listing today, we’re pleased to open reservations for the production version of the S2 Del Mar for the U.S. market.”

LiveWire will be ringing the opening bell at the NYSE today, to celebrate LiveWire’s public listing

Soulful by design, LiveWire is transforming the everyday into urban adventure and beyond. Building a future for riders differentiated by look, sound, and feel. LiveWire is leading the electrification of motorcycling by means of design, software and experience. Backed by 119-years of engineering and manufacturing heritage but with the agility of a start-up, LiveWire is well positioned to define the future of two-wheel EV.

About LiveWire
LiveWire is the future in the making for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond. Drawing on its DNA as an agile disruptor from the lineage of Harley-Davidson and capitalizing on a decade of learnings in the EV sector, LiveWire’s ambition is to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world. With a dedicated focus on EV, LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and to invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling. LiveWire benefits from Harley-Davidson’s engineering expertise, manufacturing footprint, supply chain infrastructure, and global logistics capabilities. Innovating by design and attracting industry-leading talent, LiveWire is headquartered virtually, with initial hubs in Silicon Valley, CA (LiveWire Labs) and Milwaukee, WI. www.livewire.com

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About Harley-Davidson : Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. www.harley-davidson.com

Advisors : J.P. Morgan Securities LLC served as financial advisor to Harley-Davidson, and Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal counsel to Harley-Davidson. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC served as financial advisor and capital markets advisor to ABIC. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. served as capital markets advisor to ABIC. Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to ABIC.

Forward-Looking Statements Legend
This communication may contain a number of “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning LiveWire’s possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, debt levels, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities and the effects of regulation, including whether the business combination between the Company and ABIC (the “Business Combination”) will generate returns for shareholders. These forward-looking statements are based on Harley-Davidson’s or LiveWire’s management’s current expectations, estimates, projections and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. When used in this communication, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside Harley-Davidson’s or LiveWire’s management’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors include, but are not limited to: (a) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of LiveWire to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (b) costs related to the Business Combination; (c) changes in applicable laws or regulations, including legal or regulatory developments (including, without limitation, accounting considerations) which could result in the need for LiveWire to restate its historical financial statements and negatively impact the trading price of LiveWire’s securities; (d) the possibility that Harley-Davidson and LiveWire may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (e) Harley-Davidson’s ability to execute its business plans and strategies, including The Hardwire; (f) LiveWire’s estimates of expenses and profitability and (g) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of LiveWire, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Harley-Davidson or LiveWire. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Harley-Davidson and LiveWire assume no obligation and, except as required by law, do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither Harley-Davidson nor LiveWire gives any assurance that LiveWire will achieve its expectations.

Barry said these shots don’t need a story. He’s right!

On your darkest day, these shots will bring back warm memories, longing, a broad smile, tender thoughts, beauty, touch, Nirvana and pure heaven right here on earth.

— Bandit

* * * *

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Beautiful Racing Weather at Norwalk

event: NHDRO’s Midwest Fall Nationals presented by Liguori Drag Racing
when: September 16-18, 2022
where: Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, USA
NHDRO’s Midwest Fall Nationals presented by Liguori Drag Racing finished off the Midwest’s largest motorcycle drag racing series’ season in true NHDRO style—family, festive, high stakes fun at unquestionably one of the top-tier tracks in the world: Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

Norwalk was the final event of a 2022 NHDRO season that saw three race days at each and every event, maximizing racer paybacks for their travel dollar in a time of high expenses for all travellers. Champions were determined in all classes following two full points races on Saturday and Sunday, plus the usual NHDRO Friday night shootouts.

Schnitz Racing Top Gas and Shootout
There are no bigger advocates for Summit Motorsports Park than Cleveland’s Adams family, so it is only fitting that Craig and Kevin Adams had so much success at the NHDRO race—including sweeping both Schnitz Racing Top Gas points races.

Craig and his wheelie bar dragbike faced tough competition in Saturday’s final against no-bar racer David Beshara—winner on both days of the recent Edgewater event.

But Craig’s .018 light vs. Beshara’s .047 laid a table that Beshara couldn’t clear, despite running dead-on 8.20 with a 9, and Adams was able to win with an 8.22 at 28 miles per hour less than Beshara.

“Faced some really tough racers, lucky to come out with the win,” said Craig. “Had to race my brother second round in a really tight race.

“Thanks to Dad, Gary Godwin, Kevin, Gavin, Niki and Brian Welch, the Short family, Ligouri Racing, my wife Jill, and Eatmyink for the great coverage as always.”

Mike Puglia was Saturday’s number one qualifier.

The roles were reversed in Sunday’s final, with Craig’s brother Kevin riding a no-bar Suzuki Hayabusa against dragbike racer Bradley Shellhaas—also a member of a racing family.

This time around, both racers had awesome lights, with Shellhaas’ .019 only .001 behind Adams. Bradley broke out by .002 while Kevin ran 8.203 on the 8.20 index—what a race!

“What an awesome weekend with family and friends!” said Kevin. “To be able to race at the best track in the country and what I consider the best motorcycle sanction out there, NHDRO!

“Friday started out slow, losing a tight race in Top Gas Shootout, but got to test our brand new bike on motor and was very successful.

“Saturday, again lost a tight race to my brother in Top Gas, but the good news was he went on and won and I ended up runner-up in Super Comp.

“And for Sunday, wow, what a day to be able to get to the finals of Super Comp and Top Gas and end up winning both against very tough competitors, and made it to the semifinals in Street ET and lost another close race.

“I want to thank Greg and Maria Kubach for being great friends and giving me such awesome bikes to race, Joe Marasco, my dad, my wife Brianna Adams, and my sons Connor and Gavin for all their help and support.”

Friday’s Schnitz Racing Top Gas Shootout winner was Doug Fisher, who bypassed a race at his home track 131 Motorsports Park in Michigan to come race with NHDRO at Norwalk.

Wheelie bar racer Fisher beat no-bar racer Michael D’Addio in the Shootout final. “The bike went 8.202 out of the trailer,” said Fisher, who also went to two semifinals.

“Thanks Richard Gadson for the tuning and pit help. David Beshara said ‘You hired a tuner.’ I replied ‘He’s fam.’

“Thanks also to Donna Fisher for going and Alexis Baker for the great food and support.

“The long rollout got us Saturday and Sunday.”

Defending and once again Schnitz Racing Top Gas champ Jeremy Teasley came up winless in the class on this particular weekend, but retains his championship regardless.

“My plan was to do better in Top Gas, but I ended up with the Super Comp win—just as good but not as many points as I wanted,” said Teasley. “I knew Jeremy England was right behind me in Top Gas, but still squeezed out the championship at the end.

“Want to thank Brian and Niki Welch for the awesome event, can’t wait till next year.”

Sunday Top Gas number one qualifier Ceslie Shellhaas ended up feeling fortunate that her progress through the field was stopped midday.

“I made my Top Gas bye run and lost the right wheelie bar panel,” said Ceslie. “Ran second round of Pro ET and won. Then came up for third round of Pro ET and the bike died twice after my burnout, so I backed out and went back.

“We made some adjustments and the bike started just fine. I went ahead and took the left panel off before heading up for Top Gas second round. I got a rag and started to wipe the bars down and when I got to the side I had just removed, the bottom bar was completely broken. And then after checking the other side again it was starting to crack along the same spot.”

So in retrospect, it was a good thing that the panel fell off, that her bike died in Pro ET, and that she took the other panel off and discovered the crack. Hitting those broken bars in Top Gas might have proven disastrous.

MTC Super Comp 8.90 index
As Kevin Adams has already mentioned, he won Sunday’s MTC Super Comp 8.90 index, beating Greg “Magnet” Mallett in the final. Kevin (also the number one qualifier) nailed a perfect .000 light that left Mallett dazed to an .084. Kevin ran .040 slower than Greg and still won.

Adams runner-upped on Saturday to Jeremy Teasley. Jeremy’s .010 light put .032 on Kevin at the get-go, and Teasley was able to take the win with an 8.96 at only 150 mph to Adams’ 8.95 at 155.

The Super Comp and Pro ET championships were won by Joe Klemme, who also won Saturday’s MPS Pro ET race. “This late in the season and in my career, I was still trying some new things at the starting line and on the track,” said Klemme. “Some of those things helped and some didn’t, but if you don’t try new things you will be just like everyone else.

“My win in Pro ET on Saturday and semifinal finishes in Super Comp on both days was, as always, a total team KPM Racing effort. I would like to thank my teammates Tom Klemme (also Joe’s brother), Tim Genung, and John Mealy for all their help at the shop and on the track. Also thanks to KPM and Ed and Bradley Grothus at Grothus Dragbikes for their continued support.

“Our team’s success this weekend secured the championships in Pro ET and Super Comp. I would like to dedicate these two championships to my late sister Judy Grothus and uncle Roger Klemme, who we lost recently.”

MPS Racing Pro ET
As mentioned above, Joe Klemme won the MPS Pro ET championship and Saturday’s race. Pete Chongris runner-upped, his .035 light no match for Klemme’s .009. Chongris ran closer to his 8.95 his dial-in, but Klemme was close enough to his own 9.28.

Kyle Dolamore won an “all-Dolomite” final on Sunday against his cousin Steven Dolamore. Kyle put .033 on Steven at the tree to pretty well settle this one, as Steven broke out by more in the double breakout race.

“Me and my cousin both actually lost first round and didn’t wanna buy back ’cause we were both frustrated about us messing up the race, and my father talked us into buying back,” reported Kyle. “As I’m putting the body on the bike to head to the lanes, I remember looking at my brother and going ‘I’m about to wear some people and everybody is in trouble and better stay outta my way cause I’m winning this damn race now.’”

And true enough, he did. “This win was special to me because exactly six years ago I won my first race, and that was the Division 3 bracket finals, so winning again on that same day six years later and it being my second win ever was just something special! Along with it being my first ever win at my home track on a dragbike!

“One of the coolest things was finally winning with my grandparents Terry and Hedi Dolamore at the track. My grandfather is the one who got all of us into racing, so finally getting him in my winner circle photo has been a goal of mine since I started racing. And doing it in the fashion of it being an all-family final and the first time we ever did that just put the cherry on top!

“Just want to thank my family for everything they have done and always supporting me, especially my dad Tony for always making sure I have the best equipment possible and always wanting the best for me even if it means he gives up his bike for me to ride that weekend, and my mom Traci. Also like to thank my brother (Michael Maday) and my sister (Morgan Dolamore, recently married so Morgan Moore) and my cousin Steven for always reminding me that I’m a ‘Bad Dude,’ as they say.

“Also wanna give a shoutout to the Bader family for always giving us an amazing track to race at and just the best in the business facility-wise! Also thanks to the Adams family for always being there to lend a helping hand or advice or even a motorcycle at times!”

M2.Shocks 8.70 Quick Street
We’ve read about brothers and cousins winning races at Norwalk, but Marty White is a one-man wrecking ball. Already the defending M2.Shocks 8.70 Quick Street champion, White repeated that title along with the Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET championship.

White won Sunday’s Quick Street final at the expense of Eric Yost in a double breakout. White’s .031 advantage at the tree laid the table for his 8.696 to beat Yost’s 8.692.

“I couldn’t be more appreciative for my family and friends for supporting me and the whole AWR Cycles team,” said White. “Brian, Niki and the whole Welch family for giving us the opportunity to have so much dang fun, and Tim Hailey for capturing every precious moment! The racing action photos are awesome and the candids with family and friends melt my heart.

“The season was amazing for the whole team. Too many milestones to even mention. To win six races and back-to-back championships in two classes in a two season span is surreal to say the least!

“The old Katana rides like a Cadillac. I’m honored to be associated with AWR Cycles, NHDRO, Page Racing, JTR, the best photographer around, and many others. Keep safe, keep chasing your dreams, and make sure Eatmyink captures it all!”

Saturday winner Jaden Hall put .022 on runner-up Rashad Rowe at the tree, taking the win despite being nearly a hundredth slower on track.

Phil Tinsley and Tom Cooper were number one qualifiers.

Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET
As already mentioned, double championship winner Marty White also won the Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET title, sealing the deal with Saturday’s race win over Owen Burdick. Marty’s .029 starting line advantage proved impossible for Burdick to overcome on this particular day.

Burdick runner-upped again on Sunday, this time against Sean Neizmik. Sean didn’t post an impressive number at the starting line—a .127 to Burdick’s much better .038. But his ZX14 ran dead on his 8.97 with a 9, while Burdick’s 9.27 fell way short of his 9.11 dial-in.

“I really appreciate all the hard work Brian and his family put in to making the NHDRO venues a pleasure to race at,” said Neizmik. “I want to thank the Lord, thank my family, and really enjoy having the opportunity to compete against such a talented group of racers.”

Advanced Sleeve Dirty 30 9.30 and Friday’s Delay Box Shootout

Despite Tom Klemme’s two Advanced Sleeve Dirty 30 9.30 finals at Norwalk—winning one—it was Drew Nearhoof that won the championship.

“I’d like to thank a few people,” said Nearhoof. “My papa and uncle Fran looking down from above and keeping me safe. My uncle Dick and father who have let me store my dragbike, pitbikes, & streetbikes at the family automotive repair shop throughout the years. My uncle Kevin (Nasca) who always keeps things light at our pit spot.

“Blood runs thicker than water in our family and this championship would not have been possible without these men blazing the path for me.”

Klemme won on Saturday despite giving up the tree to runner-up Marshall Hutchinson .041 to 018. It was a double breakout, with Hutchinson’s 9.27 more offensive than Klemme’s 9.28.

“I can’t have success without a dedicated team and great pit help,” said Klemme, also Saturday’s number one qualifier. His brother Joe qualified number one on Sunday. “Zero mistakes made by my pit man John Mealy, but I made a few.”

Like going -.004 red against his brother Joe—who was trying to lose on purpose—in Street ET. Tom was trying for the bye the next round but lost the bye he already had.

“I’m still recovering from a sprained wrist and I don’t feel like I’m racing at 100%. I’m happy and fortunate to do as well as I did.”

Which included a win in Friday’s Delay Box Shootout. Tom beat David Beshara in the final.

Tom also did his job at the starting line in Sunday’s Dirty 30 final, posting an .027 to Justin Blackford’s .053. But Klemme was .005 quicker than Blackford when he didn’t want to be—at the finish of the double breakout race.

“This past weekend was an absolute blast at Summit Motorsports Park!” said Blackford. “This is my second year coming out to NHDRO events and it’s always something I look forward to.

“This season, my number one goal was to bring home a Big Check and get my first ever event win. Being able to make it happen on the last day of the last event in front of friends and family, and a lot of the people that helped me get to this point, was an awesome experience and something I’ll never forget!”

Friday Night Shootouts
Friday night is Shootout time at NHDRO, and Norwalk’s weather couldn’t have been more perfect—for all three days and nights, actually.

Buffalo, New York’s Owen Burdick may have come up short Saturday and Sunday in Street ET, but Friday was his as he won the No-Box Shootout, taking the final over Rylan Rowe.

“It was my first time at an NHDRO race and first time racing at Norwalk,” said Burdick. “This is my first full year on my new bike (‘08 Suzuki GSXR1000), so a lot of firsts. I had a great experience all weekend at the races. Great people and the event was run very well. Hats off to Brian and his family.

“As for the racing part, I felt great and the bike was deadly. Decent lights helped, and a little luck as well. The bike was very consistent for me, which made picking my dial-in time not hard at all. And a smooth, fast, and sticky track helped too. I was asked to split the money before the final round, but that won’t ever happen. Go big and fast or go home.”

The old man still has it. Crow Teasley won the Road Course Shootout, beating Chris Tucker in the final. “I just want to thank Joe Marasco for letting me ride the bike, and Brian and Niki for a great event. Had a blast.”

There was also a special Shop Wars Shootout, with speed shops competing against each other in various classes. Jeremy Teasley Racing (JTR) won Road Course and Top Gas Shootouts, while Joe Marasco’s Maximum Street Performance (MSP) won Heavyweight and Grudge. The tiebreaker was two runner-up finishes for JTR and only one for MSP, as the Testa Engines team runner-upped in Top Gas.

“It was a perfect weekend,” said Teasley. “Came in the race not knowing who to put where in the Shop Shootout, but we came together and figured it out to win by one point. MSP put up a great fight.”

VooDoo Grudge
Kevin Dennis isn’t just the Midwest’s greatest insurance agent, nor is he just the sponsor of Street ET. Kevin is also a hardcore racer, and made a big leap at Norwalk. Long time bracket racer Dennis showed up with a new VooDoo Grudge build and promptly won two big races against the most hallowed family in the Grudge biz—the Teasley’s.

Dennis and his “Full Coverage” shot out of the hole like a cannonball for the first race win against Crow Teasley on “Valhalla.” From there it was a race to get the bikes back around to run them again before the track went dark at midnight. But make it back they did, with Dennis sweating profusely from the hustle. It was all worth it, as he took the second one also.

“Really came to the race just to test it out and work on the tune-up, as the bike only had three passes in it prior,” said Dennis. “Once it ran a good number, I decided to let Brian find us a race. It’s always a little nerve racking when you see that you are racing anyone with the name Teasley on their leathers.

“First race was really close, actually. Had to ask Crow who won. When they wanted to rerun, I was pretty surprised since it was so late at night.

“The second race I knew he was going to try to put a light on me hard, but luckily he redlit and on that pass I made my fastest pass ever on any bike.

“It was a ton of fun and I’m sure Crow already has plans for his revenge! Was a great night of racing and the staff at Norwalk prepped the entire track for us at the end of the night. Overall great experience and a great payday.”

There were lots of great grudge races and bikes, including Jeremy Teasley stinging the nighttime air on “Bad Draw.” NHDRO’s Brian Welch picked up a win on “Big Greasy”

Shutdown Area
Friday’s Gamblers’ Race was won by Austin Poole with Rob Neizmik the final round runner-up.

Saturday’s Gamblers’ Race was won by Jeremy Himes over final round runner-up Tony “Toni! Toné!” Roberson.

Richard Gadson got some testing in on his James Johnson-owned, “Stop Soldier Suicide,” Monster 4 valve, George Babor motor, Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle.

The event was visited by the international meeting of the Gunfighters Motorcycle Club. Comprised entirely of law enforcement officers, members from all over the world were represented at the event and four of them took to the track on the bikes they rode in on.

Ashley Shellhaas beat Keith Joyce in Saturday’s scooter race, and Les Stimac’s HighRisk Motorsports along with Eric “Vansboy” Yost picked up the tab for every child on the property to get some of Norwalk’s famous pound of ice cream.

Brian and Niki Welch love taking their NHDRO family out for the most fun to be had at the best tracks in the Midwest. “Thanks to everyone for a great season,” said the Welch’s.

NHDRO thanks M2.Shocks , Kevin Dennis Insurance , MPS Racing , Liguori Drag Racing , Schnitz Racing , Voodoo Custom Motorcycle Components , Vanson Leathers , MTC Engineering , Advanced Sleeve , Rock Auto, High Risk Motorsports , Page Racing and APE .

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Get to the racing events in style with 5-Ball Racing Jak Shirts, Vests, Hal Robinson print tee-shirts and Bedrolls. Designed by lifelong bikers for bikers, you won’t find these unique gear anywhere else. Click to Visit 5-Ball Racing Shop.

All the Players Step Forward
By Kent Weeks and Tom Young with photos by RFR and Sil

EDITOR’S NOTE: This gets more bizarre by the week, or year, maybe decade. We published Part 1 not long ago, but perhaps this is part 1. Although, if you read the first episode, you will encounter the long back story behind a brother, a veteran who had a chopper dream through many stages and years. Then there’s the story behind the builders, models and photographers involved in this process. It’s all good, fun, and Chopper Nirvana. Enjoy.
–Bandit

Click here to read this delightful Photo Feature on Custom Build Chopper

Are you curious to know more about this bike and the successful builders involved?
Well here is a start….
You gotta see the first story for some of the details Tom mentioned in this story….
Click Here for the Part 1

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Want to see lot more on custom building your own Choppers and Bobbers ? Check out the BIKE FEATURES Page only on Bikernet.com

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/bike_features.aspx

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This gets more bizarre by the week, or year, maybe decade. We published Part 1 not long ago, but perhaps this is part 1. Although, if you read the first episode, you will encounter the long back story behind a brother, a veteran who had a chopper dream through many stages and years. Then there’s the story behind the builders, models and photographers involved in this process. It’s all good, fun, sexy and Chopper Nirvana. Enjoy.

–Bandit

Harvey came to me by way of John Peek, who runs Full Throttle motorcycle shop in Houston, (one of the most successful, top-gas bike racers in Texas). Harvey recently moved back to this area and didn’t have anyone to help with the custom metal work he wanted to have done. John knew I was a certified Heli-Arc welder doing steering-neck and rake-and-trail modifications on choppers and had designed a custom steering neck which had internal steering stops. Harvey had several ideas for the bike he wanted built for himself: It was going to be a chopper, which was a vision from his early days. . . an iconic, California custom, rigid-frame Harley-Davidson chopper!

When Kent Weeks and I met Harvey he brought us a pair of fatbob gas tanks, a funky old hex oil tank and some other parts that didn’t seem to go together, including a rear fender which in no way resembled the style I had envisioned for the rest of the bike.

To get the look I wanted in the rear fender of Harvey’s little red chopper, we cut slices into the sides of a flat fender, re-radiused it to the tire and then welded the cuts in place. Next, Kent and I welded ¼ inch round bar-stock onto the outer edge to give it ‘the look,’ and used my usual bar-stock supports to hold the fender over the wheel.

Originally Kent and I mounted the twin tanks, installed flush mount gas caps and set them up with coil pockets. The pockets allowed us to hide the coils from sight. The coils would mount to the frame with cut outs in the gas tanks one on either side. A trick I had used and passed on to Kent and some of the other guys I’ve worked with over the years.

Harvey brought an engine, too, which we were forced to use for a short period of time. Unfortunately, it was an early version 100-inch RevTech Evo: not really what I’d pick for the heart of a classic American chopper! I told him “Harvey, it takes as much time and effort to hang an ugly part as it does a good-looking part, so why don’t you let me help you pick out the parts needed to make a chopper you’ll be really proud to own and ride.”

He said, “Well, I got these parts cheap, and I can’t sell them on the internet because nobody wants them. So, I thought I’d just use them for a funky chopper made from old, used parts.”

I told him, “That doesn’t sound like a good idea to me. If you’re going overseas to fight for our freedom, so we can keep on riding our bikes, drinking beer and shooting pool, I’ll build you a custom chopper you can be proud of . NO CHARGE!”

By the time that promise was made I was already getting away from bike building and focusing more on specialty welding in the oil-field industry. Harvey’s bike, however, was a great project very near-and-dear to my heart. It was a project that aroused a genuine passion in me, because it was being designed and built for a true and deserving friend!

I built several custom choppers in my day, including one for myself back in the mid-‘70s while living in Southern California. I developed an intense passion for bike building from being around jockey-shift, rigid-frame choppers. I was an accomplished TIG welder, and my experiences in California along with the first chopper I built for myself, strongly influenced the style I incorporated into Harvey’s bike, but I’ll tell you about MY bike another time.

For Harvey’s bike we found a’69 Pan/Shovel FLH running bike and sold everything but the motor and tranny (we later discovered the ’69 was built the same year Harvey graduated high school). We had the motor rebuilt by Hal Cort, who ran a mechanic shop, had a pro-fuel, nitro-burning drag bike and earned a #1 plate in AHDRA sanctioned races.

In order to give this bike the look of the original West Coast style choppers, with their engraved timing covers and rocker boxes, I enlisted the well-known talents of a pin-striper named John, aka ‘Lunch Box’, who was old school when it came to engraving and was the only one I knew of who did that type of work. On close inspection, you’ll notice that the raised effect of the floral design is actually achieved by removing the metal from around the design. This technique makes the design stand out and gives it a raised look. It is expensive and requires more work and planning than most people imagine, but it is so much more impressive and if you ask me, it is well worth the time, effort and expense it required!

Instead of having an inner primary, I fashioned a custom primary support out of a ¾-inch round bar-stock, the back side of which I shaved flat to go around the alternator side of the motor to the transmission. Man, that was a lot of work but worth the look!

For the front tire I wanted more of a narrow fender, so Kent and I found a bicycle fender that was the width needed to just cover the top of the front tire. We incorporated the usual bar-stock, fender supports to hold it in place.

It was time to fit the new gas tank to the frame of this bike. We cut new pockets in a Sporty tank and fitted the right side with a single coil and we used the left side for electronics. Rubber mounted on the bottom, we relocated the petcock, new flush mount gas cap and a little skirting on the sides trimmed with ¼ round stock to carry on the look.

(If you look closely, you can find Kent’s ‘devil tail’ worked into the metal above the motor mount when he went in to revise some things during the final build).

See the first story for some of the details Tom mentioned in this story: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Little_Red_Story_Part_1.aspx

The gas tank was now in place, and my work on this chopper was nearing completion. All I had to do now was build a seat and design a custom tool box. I used an English wheel to get the shape I wanted out of a piece of aluminum with a ¼-inch piece of bar-stock welded around the edge to give it a nice rolled look. I had his seat pan chrome plated and then the edge finished with cross-stitched leather: it was real long on looks but short on comfort! (LOL) I had designed a custom toolbox that was hand-crafted out of 4-inch diameter aluminum tubing, cut in half. Both halves were hinged together, covered with leather inside-and-out, and mounted to the lower triple tree. It turned out great, and honestly looked more like a jewelry box than a tool box!

The original paint work was handled by an old friend Wayne and decorated with bare metal style flames and pin striping by another longtime friend of ours Joe Cartoolow.

The custom-made rotors on this bike were designed and built by James Hall of Deep Cut Rotors out of Colorado.

That’s my part of the story of this ‘Little Red Bike’ except for this final note: Some 15 years of my life, and lots of love, went into building this bike for Harvey, and developed into a true friendship with him and his wife, Maki, which has lasted 30 years!

–Tom Young

And now for the Girls and Kent Weeks’ Notions:

For me one of the best parts of this photo session was getting everyone together because I have known most of the people involved for several years. The First Time RFR and Sil got together for a photo shoot was shortly after I opened my own shop in the old location sometime in 2002 and involved the Black Beauty. Tom felt I was turning his fab shop into a bike shop, so I started Lucky Devil Metal Works down the street.

The mechanical restoration and first assembly for the shake down on black beauty was done by Jet at Full Throttle (one of my many mentors). I had done most of the metal work on this one while working with Tom at American Heli-arc. While she was out for paint, I moved so she ended up being the first final assembly in my new shop.

I made a point not to burn bridges, so every now and then I still keep up with Jet and Robert our former painter. We still collaborate on various projects.

With Little red I did not do all the metal work. Tom and the guys did a great job with the some, and it was nearly impossible to see where I stopped and they picked it up. I’ll let Tom fill ya in on some of the original build, I wasn’t involved with that part of the project. I did watch it come together and become quite a show stopper during a chop off event down in Galveston Tx. I ended up hosting the show and had to keep me and my clients from competing. Tom and the guys put together a trophy for me anyway–good times!

With this photo project we thought it would be fun to get RFR to take some photos of Sil operating the camera. She has a lot of talents and does everything from photo shop work to working on both sides of the camera so this was a great opportunity to show off some skills and work with RFR again.

https://www.facebook.com/SilKayPhotography

Finding models,

I still do a little metalwork for other shops every now and then and I recently worked with an old friend and Harley tech on a little odd ball Ironhead. Shane, the client in common happens to run a fright factory (purgatory scream park) so I reached out to see if he might know anyone who’d like to shoot with Sil.

Fortunately, he was able to help out with that, one of his fright guys Craven Sic (Fx artist, body painter, horror model and actor extraordinaire)

Well, he just so happened to be engaged to the wonderful “Leslie Van Lovelace” who just happened to be a well-seasoned accomplished model.

   Leslie introduced us to her fantastic friend “Adea Love” who is also a talented model and fun to work with ( Instagram@adea.love )

They are both members of the Houston Luscious Ladies, a philanthropy Pin up group where with their other members share the love of pinup, cool stuff, custom cars, motorcycles and helping others (I’m not sure it gets any better than that).

http://www.thelusciousladies.com/houston

The shoot went down fine, aside from the fact that true-to-form I was late hahaha. I was doing some break-in service and a couple adjustments on Little Red before the shoot and decided to just ride her down to Tom’s shop, a good ride both ways! Though, as with any full build or custom restoration, there are still some minor adjustments to be made and a bit more break-in to do, but she sure is doing well and with the 6-n-4 and the modern starting/charging systems there are no worries about getting where you want to go and getting back!

Tom knows quite a few people who are into custom bikes and classic cars from working metal and welding for a few decades (and having a true hot rod heart), so he also called up some friends to bring a few cars by for the models to climb on and we got some good shots of Tom’s ‘58 Chevy, while we were at it (and it helped keep everyone busy until I got there haha!)

Ty Thomas (a local car builder, grey car 333 ) and Tom Massimin owns the GTO and the ’32 ford ( Tom Young and the guys @ American Heli Arc did some work on the ’32 )

Tom’s oldest Son Alex has become quite a talented guitar player and was lucky enough to find a good group to work with “Zellous hearts.” They practice in the shop a bit, so he and his band mate Cheyenne stopped by to see how things were going so we got her to show off some of her fire breathing skills.

I rarely get out of the shop, almost all projects get bigger in some way and often times, I give away my free time to try and help someone or to keep things moving with short and long term projects. Needless to say, once again I was overdue for a field trip, and it was good to see everyone in one place. I had a great ride back up to magnolia and even a better time hangin’ out with Good Golly Mrs. Holly when I got home!!

Good golly, Mrs.Holly…

Sources:

Lucky Devil Custom Motorcycles

Lucious Ladies

Full Throttle Custom Motorcycles

Scream Park

By Edwin Berry, September 13, 2022
Seth Borenstein, AP Science Writer, produced his climate truth. He references a prediction in the 2012 special report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),

“A changing climate leads to changes in the frequency, intensity, spatial extent, duration, and timing of extreme weather and climate events, and can result in unprecedented extreme weather and climate events.”

Then, he presents the usual extensive list of weather-caused damages since 2012.
He says this IPCC report is the warning and forecast “by top United Nations climate scientists more than 10 years ago.”

He quotes Michael Oppenheimer of Princeton University.

— Edwin X Berry, PhD, Theoretical Physics

Read the original article by clicking here.

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Click here to Read this week’s Thursday News, only on Bikernet.com

Hey,

I sense the weather changing in South Dakota. The first day of Fall was yesterday. Brothers all over are heading south to Arizona. Some of us will hang out in the Black hills for the winter and the Almanac says it’s going to be a tough one.

I’m looking forward to the snow, learning to operate our recently serviced snow blower and getting creative, when we can’t go outside.

In the meantime, ride fast and free forever.
–Bandit

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by Bandit with photos by Weed

This bike was built in classic form by Steve Hannah a 20-year Paughco employee and lifetime biker. The Redhead and I hauled ass to Carson City, Nevada with the briefcase, purchased, loaded and blasted back to the Black Hills of South Dakota.

I usually mess with any purchase unless it’s a restored antique. But this puppy was well built, classic and had chopper class.

Click to Read this Tech Article on a classic chopper only on Bikernet.com

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Gear up with cool leathers and unique ballistic nylon vest at 5-Ball Racing Shop. Click & Get Going!!!