Born To Ride News

Hines and Krawiec Qualify Harley V-Rods for Pro Stock Motorcycle Eliminations

JOLIET, Ill. (June 6, 2010) – Screamin’ Eagle^®/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines moved into second place in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season points following the United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway. Hines advanced to the second round of eliminations aboard a Harley-Davidson^® Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod^®. The event was won by LE Tonglet on his Suzuki.

Hines qualified seventh for the event with an elapsed time (ET) of 6.980 seconds. His Screamin’ Eagle teammate, Ed Krawiec, qualified ninth with a 6.999-second pass. Valvoline Suzuki rider Craig Treble led all qualifiers with a time of 6.932 seconds.

In the opening round of Sunday eliminations, Krawiec’s 0.084-second reaction time and 6.960 ET was not enough to beat Coffman Tank Trucks Buell rider Angie Smith, who used a 0.001-second reaction time and 6.961 ET to take the win.

Hines opened Sunday eliminations with a win over Racers Edge Suzuki rider Michael Phillips. Hines lost in round two to Lucas Oils Buell rider Hector Arana.

“I think we need to find a better tune-up,” said Hines. “The bikes are working well on the starting line, but we have fuel delivery issues. The good news is that I beat Phillips and Matt Smith went out early, so I gained on the riders around me in the points race.”

Hines moved from third to second place in season points as Al-Anabi Racing Buell rider Smith, who was in second place coming into the event, lost in round one. Following six rounds of the 17-race 2010 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule, Arana leads in points with 558. Hines is second with 423 points, followed by Smith with 406, Krawiec with 354, and Phillips in fifth place with 360 points.  

The next Pro Stock Motorcycle event on the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule is the United Association NHRA SuperNationals, June 10-13, at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J.

Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin’ Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin’ Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.

The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools, Dunlop and S100.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Introduces “Dr. Ray’s Tip of the Day” Offers Daily Prescriptions for Better Riding

IRVINE, Calif., June 7, 2010 – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s resident doctor of best riding practices is now providing daily doses of tactics and techniques on the Web with “Dr. Ray’s Tip of the Day.”

Dr. Raymond J. Ochs, director of training systems for MSF, offers MSF’s followers on Twitter (msf__usa) and MSF website visitors (www.msf-usa.org) knowledge taken from 47 years of experience and decades of research in motorcycle safety to help keep them safe 365 days a year.

From big-picture views on mental preparation and basic riding techniques to detailed suggestions on issues such as night visibility and helmet fitting, “Dr. Ray’s Tip of the Day” will cover a range of topics. Ochs believes that the short, simple statements posted each day will benefit all riders, especially those who have never taken a safety course. However, they are no substitute for proper training such as MSF’s RiderCourseSM series.

“When it comes to motorcycling, it’s best to be a lifelong learner,” said Ochs. “Every rider can benefit from expanding their knowledge or being reminded of practical riding techniques and safety precautions, no matter their skill level. As we say here at MSF, the more you know the better it gets.”

With a doctorate in educational psychology and a master’s degree in health and safety, including more than 35 years of experience in education, training, and leadership functions, Ochs became an MSF-certified instructor in 1973 and a chief instructor in 1980. He has conducted motorcycle safety training programs and presented papers and presentations on safe riding throughout the U.S., Germany and Japan.

Ochs joined the MSF in 2002 and currently develops and maintains national curriculum and training functions related to the MSF Rider Education and Training System, which provides instructional techniques for more than 9,500 MSF-Certified RiderCoachesSM nationwide. A lifelong learner himself, Ochs regularly studies ongoing theory and practice in order to apply state-of-the-art concepts to MSF’s education and training programs. He is also an avid motorcyclist and has owned 10 bikes, including the Gold Wing he rides frequently, logging thousands of miles on two wheels every year.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider education and training, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer programs for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

Award presented at AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Racing, the amateur-racing department of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), is pleased to announce that this year’s AMA Fast Brain Award will include an extra incentive for the young dirt-track stars competing at the 2010 AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships: an educational scholarship for the award winner.
 
Funded by AMA members, including AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Werner, AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson, 2009 AMA GNC Twins Champion Jared Mees, 2010 AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championship Honoree Bryan Smith and dirt-track fan Shawn Ralls, the AMA Fast Brain Award and educational scholarship recognizes a young racer whose skill on the track is rivaled by his or her skill in the classroom. The scholarship currently stands at $1,500, and donations are still being accepted.
 
“Although we all have dreams of winning on the track and enjoying the financial rewards of a racing career, for the vast majority of today’s young racers, professional success will be found or lost in the classroom, not in the field of competition,” said Werner, who will also be a special guest at this year’s AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, as well as a member of the award selection committee. “As such, I’m proud to honor one of today’s outstanding young role models who recognizes the importance of laying a solid foundation of academic excellence. I’d also welcome others who feel the same to contribute and help this fund grow.”
 
Those who wish to contribute to the AMA Fast Brain Award should contact Tamra Jones at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1235.
 
The award winner’s selection will be based on performance at the weeklong AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, held on July 17-23 in Du Quoin, Ill., as well as official school transcripts supplied at the time of application. Riders must apply by July 9 to be considered for the award, which will be announced in Du Quoin.
 
“It’s tough to make a living in motorcycle racing, so hopefully kids will realize that you have to do well in school, no matter where you intend to go professionally,” said Mees, who is backed this year by Rogers Lake Racing, Montgomeryville Cycle Center, Lucas Oil, RockysOnline.com, Digger Helm, Rod Lake, Twisted Beverage Company and Blue Spring Harley-Davidson.
 
Smith, who races for the Monster Energy Werner Springsteen Racing Kawasaki Team, added that strong grades are also critical for the few who do find professional success on the track.
 
“There are a lot of guys who make decent livings at motorcycle racing and also have college degrees, and that wouldn’t happen without a good education,” Smith said. “Even if you make it as a pro, you can’t overestimate the value of a good education. After all, there’s always life after racing, and you need to be prepared for that, as well.”
 
More information about the AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships and instructions for applying for the Fast Brain Award can be found at AMARacing.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.