XDA Drag Racing Dominates July (2024)
This past weekend, Maryland International Raceway roared to life with the 24th annual WPGC Bike Fest, where the XDA showcased the apex of motorcycle drag racing. The event was a true festival of speed and entertainment, featuring electrifying live music hosted by DJ Flexx, a dynamic Baggers vs. Slingshots Sound Off, an impressive custom bike show, a fierce sound competition, a bustling vendor midway, and a sizzling hot bikini contest.
The track was ablaze with excitement as over 600 entries battled it out on MIR’s famed quarter-mile strip. Racers came prepared for intense competition, taking full advantage of the refreshingly cooler July weather. With packed fields and a myriad of activities happening both on and off the track, the event delivered non-stop action and unforgettable moments all weekend long.
Orient Express Racing Pro Street
Winner – Jason Dunigan
Runner-up – Rodney Williford
The 650+ horsepower Orient Express Racing Pro Street class was full of excitement, as the cooler temperatures were expected to yield impressive performance numbers. Justin Shakir held the number one qualifying spot with a blistering 6.394 at 234.29 mph for a day, but Rodney Williford came out in round three of qualifying to shatter his dreams and snatch the top spot with an insane 6.363.
Qualifying was fierce, with three racers climbing the ranks on the Orient Express Pro Street GOAT List. Jamie Lopes shaved a hair off his time, running a 6.490 to edge out his previous 6.491. Aruba’s own Jayson Geerman stepped up his game, running a 6.521, an improvement from his earlier 6.569. Making his XDA Pro Street debut, Andrew Ritchey on his Turbo Hayabusa broke into the GOAT list with a 7.065, and he’s already planning big moves for the next event.
The field was blazing fast, with all six-second bikes and the top half running in the fifties or better. The buzz was electric Saturday night as teams prepped their machines for Sunday’s showdown.
Rodney Williford was a man on fire, cutting through the competition like a hot knife through butter. He kicked off round one by taking out Chris Moore with a 6.455. In round two, Darion Payne fell to Williford’s 6.391. The semi-final saw Mark Rendeluk fall to a 6.407, pushing Williford into his third final of the season.
On the other side of the ladder was Jason Dunigan. His teammates and travel companions had taken wins in grudge the night before, and he wasn’t about to be left behind. Dunigan dispatched Ricky Wood in round one with a 6.427, then took out Jeremy Teasley in round two with a 6.419. Consistency was key in the semi-final, where Dunigan ran a 6.45 to knock out David Fondon, setting up another epic face-off against Williford.
As the day’s temperature dropped, the intensity only grew hotter. The last time Dunigan and Williford faced off in a final, Dunigan came out on top. DME Racing’s team tuner Andy Sawyer had a tough call to make. He had two tune-ups ready: one labeled ‘safe’ and the other ‘Hold-on.’ Trusting his gut, Sawyer went with the ‘safe’ option.
When the bulbs flashed, Williford took the tree with a .027 reaction time to Dunigan’s .066. Williford’s front end started to lift in a wheelie, while Dunigan’s smooth start got him out in front. Williford quickly regained control, but Dunigan was still out in front. At about 100’ out, Dunigan’s front end started to rise, but he stayed steady and undeterred to manage his wheelie like a pro. He didn’t miss a beat, staying 100% in the throttle and keeping Williford at bay.
Williford was closing the gap, but Dunigan crossed the finish line first, running a 6.505 over Williford’s 6.676, sealing the win and delivering his team their third victory of the weekend. The starting line erupted with cheers, as anyone who earns a win over Williford has accomplished a significant feat!
DME Racing Real Street
Winner – Rickey Gadson
Runner-up – Dystany Spurlock
The DME Racing Real Street class witnessed a historic moment as Dystany Spurlock became its first female number-one qualifier, securing the top spot with an impressive 7.442-second run. This performance set her on an exciting path to the final round.
Her number-one qualifying position earned her a bye in the first round, allowing her to advance without contest. In round two, she outran Caleb Holt with a display of speed and precision. Round three saw a bit of luck on her side as Mark Hylton encountered mechanical issues and couldn’t get out of the waterbox, sending Spurlock to her first-ever Real Street final. Remarkably, this was only Spurlock’s second event, making her performance even more impressive.
In the final, she faced the reigning class champion, Rickey Gadson. Gadson, who had yet to win an event this year, was determined to claim victory, setting the stage for an electrifying final showdown. When the starting bulbs dropped, Gadson took the starting line advantage with a .031-second reaction time compared to Spurlock’s .080. Both riders battled to keep the front end down as they launched down the track.
Spurlock led Gadson to the finish line, appearing poised to clinch her first win. However, in a thrilling finish, Gadson used his starting line advantage to catch Spurlock just in time, crossing the finish line first with a 7.493-second run against Spurlock’s quicker 7.464. The margin was incredibly tight, showcasing the intense competition and skill of both riders.
The final was an exhilarating spectacle for the crowd, highlighting Spurlock’s breakthrough performance and Gadson’s relentless drive to secure his first win of the season. Fans were left in awe of the dramatic finish and the promising future of DME Racing Real Street competition.
HTP Performance Super Stock
Winner – Jeremy Teasley
Runner-up – Jimmy Leach
In HTP Performance Super Stock, Jeremy Teasley continued to assert his dominance, with Jimmy Leach and Mike Davis in hot pursuit. Teasley, Leach, and Davis hold the top three spots in the points standings, respectively. For this event, Teasley secured the number one qualifying position with an 8.886-second run, followed closely by Mike Davis at 8.903 and Jimmy Leach at 8.930.
The competition was fierce, with all three riders showcasing relentless determination. The semi-final round was a highlight, as it brought these top competitors face to face. Jimmy Leach earned a bye to the finals, while Jeremy Teasley faced off against Mike Davis. Teasley emerged victorious, posting an impressive 8.861-second run against Davis’s 8.941, setting the stage for an exciting final round.
In the final showdown, Teasley took an early advantage with a reaction time of .129 seconds, compared to Leach’s .177. As they raced their stock bikes down the quarter-mile, Teasley demonstrated masterful control and speed. Despite Leach’s best efforts to close the gap, Teasley maintained his lead, crossing the finish line first with an 8.831-second run to Leach’s 8.964. This victory marked Teasley’s third consecutive win, further solidifying his position as the rider to beat in the HTP Performance Super Stock class.
Teasley’s performance was a testament to his skill and consistency, while Leach and Davis’s relentless pursuit underscored the high level of competition in the class. Fans can look forward to more thrilling battles as the season progresses and these top riders continue to push their limits.
Booted Bulls
Winner – Frankie Stotz / Reddi-Wip
Runner-up – Derek Sobiech / Night Stalker
Frankie Stotz and Derek Sobiech continued their epic showdown for Boosted supremacy, squaring off in the final round for the third consecutive race. Stotz, aboard DME Racing’s ‘Reddi-Wip,’ took a first-round win over ‘Fentynal’ and secured an earned bye to face off against Sobiech in the final. Sobiech powered through wins against ‘Minion’ and ‘Big Country’ to earn his spot in the finals.
As the final race kicked off, it looked like both riders launched off the line simultaneously, promising a thrilling showdown. But the ‘Night Stalker’ played it cautiously while Stotz unleashed all the power he had, rocketing to another victory and maintaining his undefeated streak this season.
Stotz aboard the DME Racing liter bike dominance on the track is turning heads, proving that when it comes to Boosted battles, he’s the one to beat. Sobiech’s persistence and skill ensure that each matchup is a high-octane spectacle, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. This rivalry is heating up, and everyone’s watching to see who’ll come out on top next time.
Nitrous Bulls
Winner – David Fondon / High Roller
Runner-up – Antonio Patton / Big Dirty
In Nitrous Bulls, the class got a fresh new entry with David Fondon riding HTP’s ‘High Roller’. Fondon scored the first-round bye in the Chip Draw that fast-tracked him straight to the final. Meanwhile, Antonio Patton on ‘Big Dirty’ was out there hustling, taking down Jeremy Teasley on ‘American Express’ in round one, showing he meant business.
Come final time, it was Fondon versus Patton, and the anticipation was electric. But just as things were about to heat up, Patton jumped the gun and went red on the light, handing Fondon the win without needing any nitrous magic. Fondon’s win on ‘High Roller’ was smooth and clean.
The crowd felt the intensity and excitement as these riders pushed their limits. Fondon’s debut with ‘High Roller’ and Patton’s fierce competition made for a thrilling event, setting the stage for more high-stakes battles in the Nitrous Bulls class. This win marks a strong start for Fondon, and you can bet there’s more action to come.
3 Sixty 5 Monster Bulls
Winner – Michael Daddio / Overtime
Runner-up – Crow Teasley / Unhinged
In the 3 Sixty 5 Monster Bulls class, the competition was on fire! Crow Teasley made a bold move, taking out point leader Brandon Tyree in round two on ‘Unhinged.’ This crucial win allowed Teasley to snag the top spot in the points standings. Teasley’s momentum continued as he defeated ‘Leather Face’ before landing himself in the final round.
On the other side of the ladder, the spotlight was on the shiny new grudge racer, Michael Daddio, riding ‘Over Time.’ This event marked Daddio’s third grudge race and his second time competing in the 3 Sixty 5 Monster Bulls class. Daddio showcased his prowess by taking down ‘Son of Sam’ and ‘One Trip,’ and earning a bye in the semi-final to secure his first final-round appearance in XDA history.
The final round was set to be a showdown for the ages. Veteran racer Teasley was the crowd favorite, especially after his win at last month’s Superbike Showdown. However, DME Racing’s newly built machine, piloted by Daddio, was ready to make a statement. When the bulbs dropped, both riders released their clutches, eager to battle it out. Both bikes stumbled and lost traction off the line, but Daddio recovered quicker, regaining his grip and powering down the track.
Daddio’s swift recovery allowed him to cross the finish line first, securing a spectacular victory and earning a spot in the winner’s circle alongside his teammate Frankie Stotz. The crowd erupted as Daddio celebrated his first final-round win in the 3 Sixty 5 Monster Bulls class, marking a significant milestone in his racing career.
This race not only highlighted the intense competition and skill within the 3 Sixty 5 Monster Bulls class but also underscored the unpredictability and excitement that keeps fans coming back for more. With Teasley and Daddio both proving their mettle, the stage is set for even more thrilling battles in the future.
Tommie’s Motorsports DMV Bulls
Winner – Nick Hamlett / Miss Behavin
Runner-up – Alex Kupetz / Monkey Business
In Tommie’s Motorsports DMV Bulls, Nick Hamlett, riding ‘Miss Behavin,’ snatched the points lead after ‘Shy Glizzy’ took out the former points leader, Dez Cue, in round two of eliminations. Hamlett battled fiercely, winning three rounds to make it to his second final of the season. He claimed victories over ‘AM Performance,’ ‘Bounty Hunter,’ and ‘Shy Glizzy.’
In the final, he faced off against Alex Kupetz on ‘Monkey Business.’ Kupetz had been on a tear, taking wins over ‘NWA,’ ‘Gray Matter,’ and ‘Moon Knight,’ marking his first final-round appearance.
With one rider hungry for his first trip to the winner’s circle and another looking to solidify his points lead, the tension was electric as they lit up the pre-stage bulbs. When the lights dropped, both bikes rocketed off the line, making smooth, clean passes. But Kupetz was monkeying around a bit too much as Hamlett pulled away, making it impossible for Kupetz to catch up. Hamlett crossed the finish line first, taking his first win of the season and cementing his lead in the points standings.
The crowd went wild as Hamlett celebrated his victory, showing that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the DMV Bulls class. This race not only highlighted the fierce competition but also the high stakes and passion that drive these racers to push their limits. With more races to come, the battle for dominance is far from over, and fans can expect even more thrilling showdowns.
All Motor Bulls
Winner – La Payne / Dark Knight
Runner-up – David Fondon / Bad Bitch
The All Motor Bulls points leader, David Fondon, riding ‘Bad Bitch,’ was out for redemption after taking a loss last month to La Payne on ‘Dark Knight.’ Determined to get back on top, Fondon secured wins over ‘All In’ and ‘Da Informant,’ earning another final round. Meanwhile, Payne was lurking in the shadows, taking down ‘No Name’ and ‘Da Setup’ to set the stage for a rematch with Fondon.
In the final, the tension was thick as the bulbs dropped. Payne shot off the line and instantly took the lead over Fondon. Fondon, not one to back down, gained momentum and was closing in fast. But in grudge racing, the track is only 660 feet, and every inch counts. Despite Fondon’s valiant effort, Payne held his ground and crossed the finish line first, securing his second win in a row.
Payne’s back-to-back victories have put him in a prime position to challenge Fondon for the points lead. The crowd was hyped, witnessing another epic clash between these two fierce competitors. With the stakes getting higher, Fondon and Payne are set to keep pushing each other to the limit, making for some of the most thrilling races in the All Motor Bulls class.
The rivalry is heating up, and fans can’t wait to see who will come out on top in the next showdown. Will Fondon reclaim his throne, or will Payne continue his streak and snatch the points lead? One thing’s for sure – this battle is far from over.
Vance & Hines 4.60
Winner – Kenny Cornell
Runner-up – Eran Pielert
The Vance and Hines 4.60 Index class featured a competitive field during Bike Fest, with thirty-six racers vying for spots in the thirty-two bike lineup. Reigning class champion Ronald Procopio secured the top qualifying position with a blistering 4.601-second run. Procopio seemed poised for another victorious outing, advancing steadily through the rounds. However, in a surprising turn of events during the semi-final round, mechanical issues on the starting line forced him to back out of the beams, conceding victory to Eran Pielert and ending his run.
Pielert, who had qualified fifth with a solid 4.607-second run, capitalized on his opportunity and continued his winning streak into the finals. There, he faced Kenny Cornell, who had been cutting competitive lights and was prepared for a fierce final round battle. Cornell’s sharp reaction times had been a key factor in his journey to the finals, and he maintained his form with a competitive .011 reaction time when the bulbs dropped.
However, the final round took an unexpected turn when Pielert, eager for victory, went red with a -.018 reaction time, handing Cornell the win by default. Despite the anticlimactic finish, the competition throughout the event showcased the high level of skill and determination among the racers.
Cornell’s victory was a testament to his consistency and readiness to seize the moment, while Pielert’s journey to the final highlighted his resilience and competitive spirit. The event underscored the unpredictable nature of racing, where split-second decisions and minor errors can dramatically alter the outcome.
Winner – Dustin Lee
Runner-up – Nick Noble
Nick Noble led the 1 Stop Speed 5.60 qualifying on Saturday with an impressive 5.603-second run, outpacing thirty-one other competitors. His strong performance continued on Sunday during eliminations, where he secured four consecutive wins to earn his spot in the final round. In the final, he faced off against the 2022 class champion, Dustin Lee, a formidable competitor known for his consistent and powerful performances.
As the final race approached, the tension was palpable. Both riders were eager to claim victory, and the competition promised to be fierce. When the starting bulbs dropped, Noble seized an early advantage with a reaction time of .025 seconds, compared to Lee’s .039 seconds. However, Lee, demonstrating why he is a champion, surged down the track with remarkable speed and precision.
Despite Noble’s strong start, Lee’s relentless pace allowed him to cross the finish line first, clocking a 5.602-second run. Lee’s victory margin was a slim .024 seconds over Noble’s 5.640-second run, showcasing the high level of competition and the razor-thin differences that can determine the outcome in this sport. This win marks Lee’s first of the season, and it’s expected to be the start of many more victories to come as he reasserts his dominance in the class.
Noble’s performance throughout the weekend, from leading the qualifiers to battling through the eliminations, highlights his skill and tenacity. Meanwhile, Lee’s triumphant return to the winner’s circle serves as a reminder of his prowess and the exciting season ahead for both competitors and fans.
Mickey Thompson Tires Top Sportsman
Winner – Shawn Rainey
Runner-up – Art Lawrence
The Mickey Thompson Tires Top Sportsman event showcased one of the quickest fields in history, drawing intense competition and high expectations. Mac McAdams clinched the number one qualifying spot with an impressive 7.512-second run. However, his journey was cut short in a surprising twist during round two. McAdams, in a bid to secure his place in the next round, jumped the gun and went red, handing the win to Mark Schwalm and eliminating himself from the competition.
As the event progressed, the focus shifted to Shawn Rainey and Art Lawrence, who both demonstrated exceptional skill and determination to earn their spots in the final round. Rainey, known for his consistency and precision, dialed in at 8.05 seconds and executed a near-perfect reaction time of .004 seconds. His opponent, Lawrence, dialed in at a quicker 7.70 seconds and achieved a solid .025 reaction time, setting the stage for an electrifying final race.
Rainey’s stellar reaction time gave him the advantage as they sped down the track, Lawrence began closing the gap, pushing his machine to overtake Rainey. It wasn’t enough to surpass Rainey’s lead despite Lawrence’s best efforts and performance. Rainey crossed the finish line with a narrow margin of victory of .035 seconds, clocking an 8.061-second run over Lawrence’s 7.725.
MPS Racing Pro ET
Winner – Ben Knight
Runner-up – Jeffery Santin
Over 120 racers entered Sunday’s MPS Racing Pro ET class, eager to test their skills and vie for the $5,000 payday. Class points leader Jeffrey Santin and Ben Knight each won seven rounds of competition to secure their spots in the final round. Santin came into the event leading the class by only one point, making every round win on Sunday crucial for him.
In the final showdown, Santin dialed in at 8.29 seconds and cut a .025 reaction time, while Knight dialed in at 8.57 seconds and achieved a perfect .000 reaction time. As they raced to the finish line, neither rider was willing to back off the throttle, resulting in both breaking out as they crossed the finish line beams. Knight clinched the win with a margin of victory of .02 seconds, posting an 8.564 over Santin’s 8.279 run.
VooDoo Components Bracket Bash
Winner – Nick Christmas
Runner-up – Nick Hamlett
The Saturday VooDoo Component Bracket Bash saw over 100 entries competing for the $3,000 payout. 2022 event winner Nick Hamlett was in prime form Saturday night, securing a win in the DMV Bulls and aiming for a double victory. Unfortunately, mechanical issues prevented Hamlett from reaching the final round to face Nick Christmas.
Christmas, however, had a fortuitous run. He received an earned bye in round six and advanced to the finals without effort when his semi-final competitor, Sam Sanders, couldn’t get his bike to start. Christmas was prepared to showcase his skills and earn his victory but instead capitalized on his competitors’ unexpected misfortunes.
Brock’s Performance Street ET
Winner – Daniel Stribling
Runner-up – Kotty Van Vleck
Sunday’s action in the Brock’s Performance Street ET class delivered edge-of-the-seat excitement, with competitors racing close to their dials and putting on a spectacular show for the crowd. Daniel Stribling and Kotty Van Vleck each powered through six rounds to dominate their sides of the ladder, setting the stage for an exhilarating final showdown.
In the final race, Stribling dialed in at 10.18, while Van Vleck aimed for an 8.72. Stribling took off first with a solid .063 reaction time. In a dramatic twist, Van Vleck cut his worst light of the day, going red with a -.017 reaction time, which handed the victory to Stribling before he even crossed the finish line.
Hard Times Parts & Service Gambler’s Race
Winner – Mark Schwalm
Runner-up – Kevin Twardowski
Friday night at the WPGC Bike Fest saw thrilling action during the Hard Times Parts & Service Gambler’s Race, where Pennsylvania racers Mark Schwalm and Kevin Twardowski dominated the field through five intense rounds. The stage was set for a showdown to see who would earn bragging rights at the next Maple Grove Raceway bike night.
Schwalm, with an 8.71 dial, took off from the tree first, gaining an early lead over Twardowski’s 8.49 dial. Schwalm’s sharp .024 reaction time gave him a slight edge over Twardowski’s .062. As both racers powered down the track, neither was willing to back off, resulting in both crossing the finish line with breakout runs. Schwalm emerged victorious, clinching the win light with a margin of victory of just 0.03 seconds, running an 8.680 against Twardowski’s 8.452.
The XDA will return to Virginia Motorsports Park for the FuelTech Bike Bash on August 23-25, 2024. Over 600 Professional, Sportsman, and Grudge motorcycle racers will compete, battling it out for over $90,000 in cash purses. Make plans now!
Visit www.XDAracing.com for event information, class rules, schedule, and more.
The post XDA Drag Racing Dominates July (2024) appeared first on Drag Racing List.
