WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., September 15, 2003-AHDRA arrived to mostly pleasant weather conditions for the Latus Motors Harley-Davidson Northwest Nationals in Woodburn, OR on September 6th and 7th but gloomy weather rolled in on Sunday afternoon forcing AHDRA racers to scramble for the final round as clouds darkened and the winds increased. AHDRA track announcer, Aaron Greene made the call for final round contestants as officials prepared to run them as them as they came with rain just minutes away. All contestants answered the fast and furious final round call with the exception of the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harleys, the most anticipated match-up of the day.

It was just moments earlier that Doug Vancil and Ron Houniet had won their semi final rounds after a seesaw contest for the quickest and fastest numbers of the day. Houniet advanced to the final with a 6.679 at 206.13mph while Vancil advanced with a 6.645 at 200.13mph. It was imminent the pair would meet in the final for a "Battle of Champions". (Houniet is the reigning champion of the AHDRA Top Fuel category and Vancil is a two-time IHRA champion with a firm grip on the 2003 AHDRA championship). AHDRA allows one hour between Pro rounds, but with the weather moving in rapidly, the crews were faced with only minutes before returning to the lanes. They gave it a good shot and once they reached the starting line, sprinkles had left their mark on the track and the pair returned to the pits as the rain took over.

Houniet, the #1 qualifier of the weekend and #3 qualifier Vancil shared the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley prize purse and were awarded point's up to the final round. Both were obviously disappointed along with the fans standing by for what would have surely been a side -by -side finish.

The weather did not interfere with Steve Dorn's accomplishments at Woodburn Dragstrip in Kresto Pro Drag competition. Although the Oregon rider was hoping for a seven straight AHDRA win at his hometown track, another Oregon favorite, John McMillin ended that streak with a win over California's Chris Kirby after Dorn broke in the semi finals. Dorn did however come away with three national records including a 7.273 in the 1/4- mile and 1/8th mile records of 4.623 at 157.37mph.

Other highlights included hometown victories for Cliff Dwy of Madras, OR in the Joker Machine Pro Modified class and Steve Stute of Gladstone, OR in Rivera-Primo Street Pro.

The ladies were predominant in the winner's circle after wins in several categories. Kristine Becker of Everett, WA came away with a win in JIMS Pro Fuel competition while Susie Wevodau (Harrisburg, PA) won in Nonpareil Super Sport. Tania Thompson of Petaloma, CA was the Performance Corner Super Eliminator winner.