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230 MILE-PER-HOUR NATIONAL RECORD HOLDER,
TAK SHIGEMATSU, LOOKING FOR THE THREE-PEAT
THIS WEEKEND AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY
Winston-Salem, NC, August 4, 2008 - The All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) rolls into town this weekend for the Rush Thunder In the Valley Nationals Presented by Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson at Bristol Dragway.
It is unlikely anyone will travel as far to compete at this weekend's event than Tak Shigematsu who will come from Ehime, Japan to experience the adrenaline of Nitro Harley racing while he seeks to win the Top Fuel title for the third consecutive year at Bristol Dragway.
In 2006, he took the win light with a 6.44 at over 215mph. In 2007, he took his victory in dramatic fashion when the left half of his handlebars snapped off (at over 178mph) and he was forced to hang on to the front fork to stabilize the bike before dragging his feet to get the nitro-powered machine stopped at the end of the track.
Shigematsu has already taken the Top Fuel category sport by storm in 2008 with a new national record at over 230mph in the quarter mile. He also earned the national E.T. record number in Pro Fuel competition with a 6.52 in the quarter mile.
For the Japan rider (also referred to as "Crazy Tak") to capture that third win, he will have to get by the current national points leader, Mark Conner of St. Louis, MO and the Top Fuel defending national champion, Doug Vancil who is currently in 2nd place in the national standings. Both will compete this weekend at Bristol Dragway. Vancil, of Albuquerque, NM currently holds the record for the quickest Nitro Harley pass in AHDRA competition at 6.23 in the quarter mile.
Shigematsu says that he loves Bristol Dragway. "Bristol is great", he said in an earlier interview. "I plan to have new handlebars this year", he added with a grin.
Fans can expect to see plenty of fast action on the quarter- mile strip with three nitro classes, modified gas bikes, street bikes and more. AHDRA offers sixteen classes of competition with over $60,000 up for grabs.
In addition to the racing action, a huge array of vendors will be on site at Bristol Dragway along with the Official H.O.G. Pit Stop. Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members will be treated to a free H.O.G. pin and refreshments with paid admission.
Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson will kick off pre-race activities at the dealership on Thursday, (4-7pm) at the AHDRA Nitro Party with live entertainment, race bike displays, plenty of food and more. The dealership is located just minutes from the track at 3518 Bristol Highway in Johnson City, TN.
Racing action gets underway on Saturday with qualifying at 9:00am.
On Sunday, Sportsman eliminations begin at 9:00am and the Pros take the track at 12:30pm.
Admission to the Rush Thunder in the Valley Nationals presented by Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson is $50 for the weekend and $30 for single-day admission. Children 11 and under are admitted free and free admission is offered to active and reserve military personnel with proper identification. H.O.G. Members receive a $5 discount at the gate with a valid H.O.G. card.
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