|
WINSTON-SALEM, NC, September 30, 2004—Fans wait for it like they wait for nothing else. The phone lines have been buzzing for weeks as everyone plots to be first in line, loaded with firewood and all the fixings for the mad rush to the perfect camping spot.
They're staking their claim for the ground-pounding excitement that always follows when AHDRA rolls into Rockingham, NC, with nitro-powered speed and Harley-filled thrills.
Known as "The Rock," the famed dragway is high on the list of favorites for racers and fans alike.
"It's an icon in the drag racing sport," said AHDRA President Craig Tharpe. "The fans love the facility and especially enjoy the on-site camping available at Rockingham Dragway. Overall it's a good time for everyone.
"For racers, perhaps it's the 'fast track' reputation that draws them," Tharpe added. "But it's also the next to the last race of the season, and the points chase is at the do-or-die mark. Some class championships could be decided by one round or even one point."
In addition to the ample supply of racing, fans have access to the pits for an up- close look at the machines and the racers who pilot them. A huge array of vendors will be on hand with popular biker wear and trinkets. Master bike builder Kendall Johnson will also be on site with several of his best works of art and to sign autographs. Saturday night, live entertainment featuring the "Smyle Band" kicks off at 8:00 p.m.
AHDRA again welcomes Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts and the Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association to Rockingham, with appreciation for their ongoing support, as well as the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) for an official H.O.G. Pit Stop. In addition to a $5 H.O.G. discount at the gate, members with a valid card in hand will receive a free Harley Owners Group pin when attending.
Over 300 competitors are expected to take the track in the 14 classes of competition offered up in AHDRA's 2004 Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts Championship Series, including 220 mph Nitro Harleys, modified gas bikes, V-Rods, street bikes, and more.
The television cameras from Master Entertainment Production will be on hand to capture all the action for broadcast on "The Outdoor Channel" later in the year.
Racing gets under way on Saturday with qualifying at 9:00 a.m. On Sunday, sportsman eliminations begin at 9:00 a.m. and Pro Eliminations fire up at 12:30 p.m.
On Friday, gates will open at 2:00 p.m. for racers, vendors, and spectators purchasing weekend passes. A test-and-tune session will be held from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Gates open Saturday at 7:00 a.m. and Sunday at 8:00 a.m.
Admission is $40 for the weekend and $25 for a single-day pass. There is an additional $10 spectator camping fee on Friday.
Children 11 and under are admitted free, as are active military and reserve personnel.
Discount tickets are available at many Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers, including Ray Price Harley-Davidson (Raleigh, NC), Cape Fear Harley-Davidson (Fayetteville, NC), Blue Ridge Harley-Davidson (Hickory, NC), and Cox's Harley-Davidson (Asheboro, NC).
| 
