he Board of Directors of the Motorcycle Industry Council has approved the formation of an American V-Twin committee. The key issues that the committee will explore were identified in a preliminary strategy session at the MIC’s executive offices in Irvine, CA. in October.
     These issues include Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emissions standards; sound limits; local, state, federal, and international regulatory standards; registration and licensing; insurance; wholesale/retail financing; marketing/statistical needs; and communications. More than two-dozen American V-Twin companies, including OE manufacturers, distributors, aftermarket parts and component parts manufacturers, and other entities serving the American V-Twin market, attended the October meeting.
     A number of individuals with connections to Drag Specialties were instrumental in the formation of this new committee. Fred Fox, Chairman of the Board of LeMans Corporation (the parent company of Drag Specialties) played a key role in helping bring interested parties to the table as the idea for such a committee was being formed. Other leaders of the effort included Brett Smith of S&S Cycle, Grady Pfeiffer of GH Marketing and Ted Sands of Performance Machine.
     The next step for the committee will be to hold its first open forum meeting January 31, 2005 at the V-Twin Expo at Cincinnati, Ohio. All interested parties are encouraged to attend, including non-members of the MIC.

rag Specialties sales rep Bob Sporka sent us this photo from the Steel Pony Express rally in New Orleans last fall. According to Sporka, the Drag Specialties “DSPD” FatBook bike featured on the cover of the September/October issue of Drag Specialties Magazine was a real hit with members of the New Orleans Police Dept. that were working the “Rally Detail” at that event. One of the special features on the machine was a box of donuts in a glass case.
Photo by Bob Sporka


Photos by Don Emde

wenty-one-year-old Andrew Hines became the youngest champion in NHRA history in November, winning the 2004 Pro Stock Bike championship aboard a Vance & Hines/Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson.
     After coming within a whisker of clinching the title a week prior, all he had to do at the season finale in Pomona, California was qualify for the 16-rider finals. He did so, but it was not without some drama. During one of his qualifying rounds, he broke a rear chain which whipped at his left foot and leg and also ripped apart the bodywork of his race bike. Hines was uninjured, but the team had to steal parts off of their show bike to get Hines back on the track for what would be his title-clinching run later that day.
     When it came to the final rounds, Hines came up against his teammate GT Tonglet and it was Tonglet with a narrow victory and putting the new champion’s bike on the truck. Tonglet was also eliminated in a later round and the overall race win went to the Army-sponsored Suzuki of Angelle Savoie.
     Andrew Hines now joins his brother Matt (a three-time champion) as an NHRA National Champion. Now retired from competition, Matt Hines served as crew chief in 2004 for Andrew. They are the sons of Byron Hines, who manages the current race program for Vance & Hines. Byron also tuned the race bikes for his partner Terry Vance during their championship-winning years.


Vance & Hines held a celebration in November at its headquarters in Santa Fe, Springs, CA. to celebrate their historic NHRA Pro Stock Bike title. Ann Paluso and Scott Miller were on hand from Harley-Davidson, Inc. and to show the company’s appreciation of Hines’ achievement, they presented him with a new Harley-Davidson V-Rod motorcycle. Paluso said the company’s goal for 2005 is to repeat as class champion as well as getting the first-ever sub-7-second drag race run in the class.

unlop Motorcycle Tires, in conjunction with its joint venture partner, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, has announced that tires supplied for the 2005 AMA Flat Track Championship will be re-branded to carry the Dunlop name.
     Goodyear entered into a long-term agreement with the AMA in 2002 to become the “Official Tire of the AMA Flat Track Championship.” The agreement provides the flexibility to designate the brand name and a decision has been taken to install the Dunlop name. Thus, Dunlop will plan to include Flat Track racing in its marketing and advertising plans for 2005 and forward.
     “Dunlop’s dominance in motorcycle racing is clearly established in the U.S. and this opportunity to capitalize on the synergy of the two companies made this an easy decision,” stated Stu Grant, general manager of global race tires for Goodyear.
     From a technical and manufacturing point of view, development and production will remain the responsibility of Goodyear. No changes are seen for the upcoming 2005 season in construction or compound as a result of this branding change.
     As for distribution, tires will continue to be available through the existing Goodyear channel only. In order to provide a smooth transition to the Dunlop brand, Goodyear will work closely with its distributors, AMA Pro Racing and Flat Track competitors, to ensure that all existing Goodyear branded products are depleted. To help facilitate this, Dunlop branded tires will not be available until later in the 2005 season, at which time both brands will be allowed to compete until the Goodyear supply is no longer available.
     “We are very excited about the opportunity to get involved with the AMA Flat Track Championship,” said Mike Buckley, vice president for Dunlop’s Motorcycle Division. “Having the opportunity to incorporate the sport of Flat Track into our marketing and advertising plans is something we’re looking forward to, and we’re glad to help promote and assist in the growth of the sport and its amazing athletes.”
     For more information, please visit www.dunlopmotorcycle.com.

Squared Motorsports, Inc, owned by George Smith and George Bryce, only broke onto the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Pro Stock motorcycle scene in 2004. When the season ended at Pomona in November, G Squared Motorsports had already chalked up one win with its all-new S&S-powered Buell V-Twin, a rare feat for a totally new team.
     For George Bryce it was a unique season. “It was the most unusual year in my career thus far,” said Bryce. “George Smith and I had the goal to make an S&S-powered V-Twin competitive after 26 years of me racing Suzukis and Kawasakis.”
     Because the new G Squared/S&S-powered Buell V-Twin had not even made its first practice run and wasn’t ready, G2 started the season with rider Angie McBride on a Suzuki. She later left the team and was replaced by Fred Collis.
     With the development of the S&S V-Twin continuing, Collis drove the Suzuki at Houston, Atlanta and Chicago. Finally, the new machine was ready for its debut at the Columbus, Ohio National. Collis qualified 2nd fastest and followed that up with the 8th fastest qualifying time at Englishtown, NJ.
     The NHRA mandated a 40-pound weight increase following the Englishtown event that effected both the G Squared team as well as the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson V-Rods of Andrew Hines and GT Tonglet.
     “The additional 40-pounds that the NHRA imposed on our bike and the Harley V-Rods has changed the equation,” said George Smith at the time. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s Smith headed S&S teams which set numerous records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. “The S&S Cycle engine guys are already at work on providing additional power for the V-Twin so that we can come back even stronger.”
     G Squared and S&S Cycle went back to the drawing board missing the Denver, Sonoma, Brainerd and Memphis rounds. The team returned to action at the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis with rookie rider Chip Ellis now in the saddle. At the get-go, Ellis qualified in the number one spot, becoming the first Pro Stock Bike rider to qualify in the top spot in his first NHRA race.


The G Squared Motorsports Team.
From left: Chip Ellis, George Smith, George Bryce and Ken Johnson.


Chip Ellis launches off the line on the G2/S&S Buell

     Then came Las Vegas. At the quarter-mile track at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Ellis missed the top spot by one thousandth of a second, winding up 2nd fastest. He then defeated Chip Hunter, Antron Brown, Shawn Gann and Angelle Savoie en route to his first winner’s circle.
     George Bryce summed up the 2004 season, saying: “This S&S Cycle V-Twin project has been a long time coming. George Smith and I have been working non-stop the past two years with S&S Cycle to develop a competitive Pro Stock Bike program for NHRA racing. It was great for our efforts to finally bear some fruit and finish strong this season. It would not have been possible without my partner, the combined efforts of the G Squared Racing team and the fine folks at S&S Cycle.”
     George Smith added: “Next year will be our first opportunity to campaign the G Squared/S&S Buell for a full season and I’m really excited to see what this team can accomplish.”

Thanks to Mickey Schultz and Ruth Olsen of G Squared Motorsports for their assistance. Editor

 


      Harley-Davidson, Inc. announced in December that Jeffrey L. Bleustein, 65, has decided to retire as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 30, 2005. Mr. Bleustein will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Board announced that his successor as CEO will be James L. Ziemer, 54, currently Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
     Mr. Bleustein’s three decades at Harley-Davidson have been notable for both his personal attainments and the Company’s success. In 1981 a group of 13 executives purchased Harley-Davidson from AMF. As one of the 13, Mr. Bleustein helped the Company regain market share, and by 1987 Harley-Davidson recaptured its position as the leading heavyweight motorcycle manufacturer in the United States. In 1988 Mr. Bleustein became Senior Vice President, in 1990 he was promoted to Executive Vice President, and in 1993 to President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1997 he became President and Chief Executive Officer, and in 1998 he assumed his current role as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
     “In each of the seven years under Jeff’s leadership as Chief Executive Officer, Harley- Davidson has achieved record revenues and earnings,” said Richard I. Beattie, a Director of Harley-Davidson. “And most importantly for the stockholders, their equity value has increased almost 400 percent. Those are superb results. Jeff is a superb leader who masterfully oversaw and balanced customer, dealer, supplier, employee, shareholder and community interests.”
     Performance Machine, Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of Hooligan and Vader design rear wheels. The affected wheels were manufactured and sold in 2003 and 2004. The voluntary recall is limited to these two designs and only affects the rear wheels. 
     “Although we are known for stylish products, quality and safety are our primary focus” stated VP of Sales and Marketing, Ted Sands. “We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but are stepping up to the plate and correcting a situation we feel is unsafe”
     The voluntary recall has already been communicated to Performance Machine dealers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An official recall notice has been mailed out. Hooligan and Vader wheels made since October 2004 are not included in the recall. If you suspect your Hooligan or Vader rear wheel may be included in this recall, please contact Performance Machine at 800-479-4037.
     Due to the limited number of affected wheels, Performance Machine does not expect to see any disruption in production or shipments.



on’t miss the Independent Cycle/Legend Air 2005 product premier party at the 20th Century Theater in “Oakley Square” at the corner of Madison Rd. and Markbright. Phone number is 513-731-8000. This is reportedly six miles from the expo center at 3021 Madison Rd. The party starts at 8:00 pm and admission is free with Expo I.D.

      Drag Specialties will be hosting an “Industry Party” for Drag Specialties dealers and vendors Sunday night, January 30th at the Westin Hotel.

     Arlen and Cory Ness will be signing autographs at the Arlen Ness booth Saturday and Sunday. Specific signing times were not available at press time.

     Check out the Supertrapp booth for details on how a dealer can win a Paul Yaffee Original “super bike” in 2005. The promotion is open to all U.S. dealers of Supertrapp V-Twin exhaust systems.


     Avon Tyres moved to a new office/warehouse in mid-December. The new facility will accommodate more tires, provide quicker, more efficient shipping, and allow growth for the future. Their new address is 6911-A 216th Street S.W., Lynnwood, WA 98036-7348. Phone 1-800-624-7470, FAX 1-425-771-4246 and e-mails will remain the same.


     American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Travel & Tours has announced its annual getaway package to Daytona Bike Week — the motorcycling world’s most sought-after destination — March 7-12,2005, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
     The AMA Travel & Tours Daytona Bike Week excursion offers enthusiasts an insider’s view of one of American motorcycling’s biggest events. The package includes a full week of accommodations at a beach-front resort hotel in the Main Street district, plus passes to a selection of AMA Pro Racing events — from flat track to AMA Supercross and, of course, the legendary Daytona 200. In addition, AMA Travel & Tours guests will enjoy exclusive pit and paddock tours, technical discussions with AMA Pro Racing officials, and opportunities to meet top racers. All guests will be treated to a special Bike Week barbecue, and will receive commemorative items from the AMA.
     But racing is just one reason for Daytona Bike Week’s popularity. Many enthusiasts are drawn to Daytona Beach’s extraordinary rolling street scene — and that’s why AMA Travel & Tours’ Daytona Bike Week guests will be based at a hotel just minutes from Main Street.
     “AMA Travel & Tours’ Daytona package takes all the stress out of enjoying Bike Week,” said Frank Covucci, Director of AMA Travel & Tours. “Our guests appreciate knowing that they’ll have quality accommodations in an ideal location — which is nearly impossible without making reservations months ahead of time — and not having to worry about keeping track of racing schedules or getting credentials.”
     AMA Travel & Tours limited last year’s Daytona Bike Week excursion to the first thirty guests, and expects the 2005 trip to fill quickly. For reservations or more information, call (800) AMA-JOIN, extension 1190.

he All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) has announced its 2005 schedule, which features one new venue. The season will kick off March 5th & 6th at Gainesville Raceway on the opening weekend of Daytona Bike Week.
     AHDRA will make a first-time stop at Gateway International Raceway in September with full sponsorship already intact for the event. The Surdyke family of Harley-Davidson dealerships will come on board to support the event in Madison, IL, neighboring the St. Louis, MO, area.
     Although the AHDRA national event will take place September 24th & 25th, AHDRA will have the opportunity to showcase the event at a one-day regional race on May 22nd thanks to the marketing efforts of the sponsor.
     Surdyke Harley-Davidson will host an annual fundraising event titled “Gypsy Rendezvous” in May. The Gypsy Rendezvous is an annual three Harley-Davidson Dealership ride. Not only is it a great time, but a party benefiting local charities— including the James S. McDonnell USO and the spouses of deployed service men and women.
     Because the event has grown to over 5,000 participants, a new site was needed to accommodate the increasing attendance. Gateway International Raceway has been named as the new location, and attendees will enjoy the same benefits the party is famed for, plus the bonus of AHDRA racing setting them up for a full weekend of Harley drag racing in September.
     More exciting details are forthcoming on the Gateway International Raceway debut. Another change in the schedule is the absence of an event at Indianapolis Raceway Park. At press time, efforts to find a market-friendly date were unsuccessful, and in the best interests of all involved it will not be on the 2005 schedule.
AHDRA will return to Sturgis, SD, in August for a non-points meet on the opening weekend of the Sturgis Bike Rally. With the exception of a busy August, the schedule reflects ample time between races to allow a more travel-convenient season. Twelve out of thirteen national events will be counted for championship titles in 2005- an increase of the eight counted in 2004.
     For more information on the 2005 Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts Championship Series, please contact 336-924-2095 or visit www.ahdra.com.

2005 AHDRA Schedule
Gainesville, FL March 5,6
Phoenix, AZ April 2,3
Dallas, TX April 23,24
Bakersfield, CA May 14,15
Atlanta, GA May 28,29
Norwalk, OH June 11,12
Seattle, WA June 25,26
Budds Creek, MD July 16,17
Sturgis, SD August 7,8
Bristol, TN August 13,14
Woodburn, OR August 27,28
St. Louis, MO September 24,25
Rockingham, NC October 15,16
Las Vegas, NV November 12,13

**Schedule subject to change

Drag Specialties Magazine
Volume 12 #1