Wed, 7 Nov 2001, 04:07 PM NHRA Adds Sears Point Raceway to 2002 Pro Stock Motorcycle Schedule

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

GLENDORA, Calif. -- The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has added the FRAM-Autolite Nationals at Sears Point Raceway to its 14-race Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule for 2002, Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president of racing operations, announced today.

In addition, the schedule will feature stops at all of the tracks that featured the two-wheel category in 2001. The bike season will begin with its traditional March opener at Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Fla. (March 14-17), and conclude with the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Pomona (Calif.) Raceway (Nov. 7-10). In between, there will be stops at Houston, Atlanta, Englishtown, N.J., Joliet, Ill., Columbus, Ohio, Madison, Ill., Denver, Sonoma, Calif., Brainerd, Minn., Indianapolis, Reading, Pa. and Las Vegas.

Bikes will compete at Sears Point Raceway for the first time in NHRA history, and the event will be a critical race for those pursuing NHRA Drag Racing Series championship points.

"We're pleased to have the opportunity to introduce our thrilling Pro Stock Motorcycle category to the great fans at Sears Point Raceway in 2002," said NHRA President Tom Compton. "I'm certain these 190-mph two-wheelers will add some drama and excitement to our very important West Coast Swing. Northern California's biker community is one of the biggest in the nation and we're glad to be able to give them some of the best motorcycle racing anywhere, NHRA style."

Said Steve Page, president and general manager of Sears Point Raceway: "Motorcycle racing is an enduring part of Sears Point's history and ongoing schedule, but until now, that racing has been limited to our road course. The bike enthusiasts of Northern California have been a strong and loyal part of our fan base and we are delighted to offer them this added feature as we unveil our new drag racing facility."

Pro Stock Motorcycle became a professional category at NHRA events at the beginning of the 1990 season. Approved models for the popular category include 1992-model year or newer stock-appearing, carbureted, gasoline-burning machines.

Since 1990 there have been only four Pro Stock Motorcycle champions: Dave Schultz (1991, '93, '94, '96); John Myers (1990, '92, '95); Matt Hines (1997-1999); and Angelle Savoie (2000).

2002 NHRA PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE SCHEDULE

33rd annual Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals, Gainesville, Fla.        March 14-17
15th annual O'Reilly Nationals, Houston                             April 11-14
22nd annual NHRA Southern Nationals, Commerce, Ga.                  May 2-5
33rd annual Matco Tools SuperNationals, Englishtown, N.J.           May 16-19
Fifth annual NHRA Route 66 Nationals, Joliet, Ill.                  May 3- June 2
38th annual Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals, Columbus, Ohio       June 13-16
Sixth annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals, Madison, Ill.          June 27-30
23rd annual Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals, Denver                 July 18-21
15th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals, Sonoma, Calif.            Aug. 2-4
21st annual Colonel's Truck Accessories Nationals, Brainerd, Minn.  Aug. 15-18
48th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis                  Aug. 28-Sept. 2
18th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals, Reading, Pa.                   Sept. 12-15
Second annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Las Vegas           Oct. 24-27
38th annual Automobile Club NHRA Finals, Pomona, Calif.             Nov. 7-10