August 12, 2008 – (Salem, OR) - For the second consecutive year, Salem Harley-Davidson will sponsor the All Harley Drag Racing Association’s (AHDRA) Northwest Nationals of the Screamin’ Eagle National Championship Series on August 23 and 24 at the Woodburn Dragstrip. More than 250 motorcyclists from around the nation have already registered to compete in the drag racing competition, the only Northwest stop the national series will make in 2008.

Spectators will see nationally ranked Harley-Davidson motorcyclists clash on the quarter-mile track in 16 racing classes. Racers compete against one another head-to-head, whittling the field down one competitor at a time.

Salem Harley-Davidson is the event’s primary sponsor. Included in the agenda is a pre-race “Nitro Party,” held at the dealership Thursday evening before the racing begins. They also help organize the Northwest Nationals for AHDRA.

Salem Harley-Davidson General Manager Clif Fodge said, “We are very fortunate to have the Woodburn Dragstrip so close to our own dealership. It’s a great connection for us with many of the region’s grass roots Harley riders and it gives them a chance to see world-class motorcycle racing right here in our own backyard.

The races are not all fun and games for Salem Harley-Davidson. The dealership plans to use its presence at the event to raise awareness and support for its charitable efforts benefiting Portland’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. For this event, Salem Harley-Davidson will be donating 10% of all sales of General Merchandise to the hospital.

Additionally, Salem Harley-Davidson will sponsor Salem-resident Derek Nonnamaker to race in the Super Gas division. In 2006, Nonnamaker took first place in the V-Rod Destroyer class at the Northwest Nationals. That year, he finished fifth in the nation and second in the western division. Since then, Nonnamaker has scaled back his national efforts to pursue only regional drag racing. He works as a technician in the service department at Salem Harley-Davidson.

Gates open at 8:30 a.m. on August 23, and the drag racing for Sportsman classes begins at 9 a.m. Pro classes begin the qualifying races at 11 a.m. Saturday’s races narrow the field to 16 racers in each class.

Elimination rounds on August 24 for Sportsman classes get underway at 9 a.m., and the Pros take the track at 12:30 p.m.

Admission is $50 for the weekend and $30 for a single-day pass. H.O.G. members receive a $5 discount at the gate. Children 11 and under are admitted free. Discount tickets are available Salem Harley-Davidson and discount coupons are available at many Bi-Mart locations. Admission includes full access to the pits.

For more information on the Salem Harley-Davidson Northwest Nationals on August 23 and 24, contact 336-924-2095 or visit www.ahdra.com. For more information on the Woodburn Racing Track, contact 503-982-4461 or visit www.woodburndragstrip.com.