|
2013 Racing Schedule |
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| Date | Track / Location | Event | Best ET / BEST mph of Event |
| Mar. 1-3 | Royal Purple Raceway / Houston, TX | NHRA | 6.541/247.29 |
| Apr. 12-13 | Virginia Motorsports Park / Petersburg, VA | NHRA | 6.266/221.27 |
| May 17-19 | Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park / Norwalk, OH | NHRA | |
| May 25-26 | Atlanta Dragway / Atlanta, GA | NHRA | |
| Jun. 14-16 | Bandimere Speedway / Denver, CO | NHRA | |
| Jun. 21-22 | Cordova Dragway Park / Cordova, IL | NHRA | |
| Jul. 19-21 | New England Dragway / Epping, NH | NHRA | |
| Aug. 17-18 | Pacific Raceways / Seattle, WA | NHRA | |
| Sept. 6-7 | Bristol Dragway / Bristol, TN | NHRA | |
| Oct. 12-13 | Rockingham, NC | AMRA | |
| Oct. 31-Nov. 3 | The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway / Las Vegas, NV | NHRA | |
Recent Press Releases:
The Ray Price Race Team Captures the Win at the AHDRA Cajun Nitro Nationals in Bell Rose, LA October 27 and 28
BELL ROSE, LA -- October 28, 2012 - The Ray Price Race Team finishes the 2012 AHDRA Championship Series with a win at the Cajun Nitro Nationals. After qualifying in the number three position this weekend, the team put on a great show to finish strong.
“Consistency is the key to winning”, says Ray Price, “the numbers we are seeing show that and is paying off.”
Saturday, the Akea Express, piloted by Tommy Grimes ran the following qualifying passes. Pass #1 6.679 ET @ 218.23 mph; pass #2 6.646 ET @ 218.51 mph; pass #3 6.650 ET @ 211.39 mph and pass #4 6.564 @ 211.39 mph.
The 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike takes a round one win with a 6.619 ET @ 213.64 mph vs Seamen’s 7.900 ET @ 181.67 mph.
The semi-finals proved to be a tight race, as it usually is when you pair Grimes vs Horne. The team pulled off another win, running an impressive 6.307 ET @ 221.34 mph vs D. Horne 6.382 ET @ 229.04 mph.
To wrap up the day in Bell Rose, the Ray Price Race Team runs a strong 6.459 ET @ 211.23 mph in the finals vs J. Turner 8.992 ET @ 108.69 mph.
“Although we didn’t capture a championship we are pleased to finish number two in points for the 2012 AHDRA Championship Series”, says Ray Price.
The Ray Price Race Team will run its last race of the year in Valdosta GA, competing in the Manufactures Cup Drag Racing Series, November 9, 10 and 11.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Vanson Leathers, PJ1 Products, RC Components, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Nationwide Insurance, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC – www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
The Ray Price Race Team Qualifies Number One with an Impressive 6.239ET at 215.72 mph during the AHDRA Jim McClure Nitro Nationals held in Rockingham North Carolina October 13-14
ROCKINGHAM, NC -- October 14, 2012 - With temperatures topping 75 or so degrees, the Top Fuel field was running fast and steady. In the competitive 16 bike field, the Akea Express, piloted by Tommy Grimes ran some solid passes that ultimately earned the team the number one qualifying spot. The team ran consistently fast on Saturday and continued the momentum into Sunday.
On Sunday, during round one eliminations, the 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike had a bye advancing the team to the quarter finals. The pass was clean and powerful with the Akea Express running a 6.329 ET at 212.73 mph. The Ray Price Race Team takes the win during round two when Grimes, paired with R. Stewart, runs a 6.314 ET at 213.30 mph vs Stewarts 6.619 ET at 214.72 mph.
Advancing to the semi-finals, Grimes meets up with D. Brancaccio. Unable to finish the quarter mile under full power, due to a tire spin at the hit of the throttle, the team is unable to advance to the finals.
“Unfortunately when a Top Fuel machine spins a tire at the starting line, it usually happens so quick that it’s too difficult to recover”, said Ray Price, “It was a huge disappointment after running so well all weekend.”
The Ray Price Race Team will be busy the next three weekends with competition starting this weekend at the AHDRA Cajun Nitro Nationals held in Bell Rose, LA October 27 and 28. They will then head to Las Vegas NV for some racing at the NHRA Lucas Oil Series event and then return East, ending their season in Valdosta GA, competing in the Manufactures Cup Drag Racing Series, November 9, 10 and 11.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Vanson Leathers, PJ1 Products, RC Components, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Nationwide Insurance, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC – www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
The
NUMIDIA, PA -- September 9, 2012 - September 8 and 9, the
With eleven Top Fuel Harleys competing for the eight qualifying spots, the 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike (Akea Express), piloted by Tommy Grimes, runs two solid qualifying passes in the very tight field. On Saturday, Grimes ran his best pass of the weekend with a solid 6.293 ET at 227.11 mph. As a strong storm rolls into the area, qualifying rounds are held up and eventually the race day comes to an end because of the rain with plans to get another round of qualifying in Sunday morning.
Sundays weather was a huge improvement from Saturday but proved to be a bit challenging as the sun and clouds kept swapping spots. But this didn’t stop the Akea Express from running an impressive 6.420 ET at 218.34 mph to wrap up qualifying.
Headed immediately into elimination rounds, the
Faced with a few track delays and the sun shining bright, track conditions changed after setting the tune in the pit and in the second round the Top Fuel Nitro Harley spins the tire at the 1000’ mark and is unable to move into the finals.
“That’s racing,” said
Although a disappointing finish, the team plans to give a great performance as the Akea Express /
The
Hoping for a Triple Win - The Win in
RALEIGH, NC -- August 26, 2012 - The
It’s a long haul to the Western side of
During elimination round one, Grimes runs an impressive 6.504 ET at 216.24 mph and clinches a position in the semi-finals. Jumping right into the semi’s the
Paired with Canadian Damian Cownden, Cownden redlights which gives Grimes the win but Tommy Grimes ran a very impressive pass. The Akea Express is off of the line with a 0.055 light, running a 6.522 ET at 213.87 mph.
In Woodburn
“We were faced with some transmission issues, something we just couldn’t overcome” said
Tommy Grimes qualifying rounds are as follows: Q1 6.681 ET at 210.32 mph, Q2 6.674 ET at 212.61 mph, Q3 6.712 ET at 211.96 mph and Q4 6.567 ET at 212.76 mph.
As they moved into round one eliminations, the
Look for the Akea Expess /
The
The
The
The 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike (Akea Express), piloted by Tommy Grimes, delivered a solid performance despite the fact that Tommy was fighting an injury to his left hand and he was uncertain if he would be able to race. Between this and the weather challenges, the weekend looked bleak but the team was optimistic and finished strong. With only two qualifying rounds to set the stage for the eight Top Fuel Harley field, Grimes’ landed the number one spot, running a 6.420 ET at 227.61 mph.
Saturday afternoon eliminations started and in round one, the Akea Express takes the win, running a 6.553 ET at 230.17 mph which proved to be the fastest mph pass of the weekend for all Top Fuel Harley’s.
Moving into the semi-finals, Grimes fights a mechanical issue but is able to pull off the win against Devine Pelrine who fought an even bigger issue. The bike had to be repaired in between rounds which led to a full engine replacement in order to be ready for the finals.
“The team never ceases to amaze me”, said
After a very long day and another track delay, finals began around
“Bristol Dragway is a great track and has been good to us the past couple of years”, said
The Akea /
The
The Ray Price Race Team enjoys some Canadian Hospitality during the 2012 IHRA Nitro Jam Series, 10th Annual Mopar Rocky Mountain Nitro Jam Nationals held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the weekend of July 6th, the Ray Price Race team takes a road trip to show his Canadian friends his loyalty to racing. As the team makes its way north, they found the road to be a bit bumpy, literally and figuratively.
As the 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike (Akea Express), piloted by Tommy Grimes, was prepared for a strong performance, the outcome did not prove as such. With thirteen Top Fuel Harleys competing for the eight qualifying spots, Grimes’ best qualifying pass, 6.635 ET at 215.00 mph. The Akea Express found the right lane delivering the best results however the number six qualifying position does not give the Ray Price Race Team lane choice during eliminations.
Although the last qualifying pass provided the team the best results, the team works late into the night changing the motor and preparing for a strong Sunday.
“It’s all part of it,” said Ray Price, “we work until the bike is ready to run the next day. We are professionals and we like to win and give the fans a good show.”
As the Akea Express approaches elimination round one, the team faces the left lane challenge. In the first round of eliminations the Akea Express was not able to power through the full quarter mile, spinning the tire and the team had to call it a day. Running a 8.560 ET at 108.22 mph against Mike Scott’s 6.642 ET at 202.62 mph was a disappointment but is part of racing.
“We were not able to get the bike to perform for the left lane” said Ray Price “there seemed to be a bump near the 330 ft mark in the track and we could not get the bike to run through it.”
You will find the Akea / Ray Price Racing team racing August 4th and 5th, 2012 at the Thunder in the Valley Nationals, Bristol Dragway, in Bristol, Tennessee.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Vanson Leathers, PJ1 Products, RC Components, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Nationwide Insurance, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC – www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
From a Spin to a Win
The
The 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike (Akea Express), piloted by Tommy Grimes, delivered a solid performance and a great show for the fans. The weekend started with ten Top Fuel Harleys competing for the eight qualifying spots, and after four rounds of qualifying, Grimes’ landed the number three spot, running a 6.332 ET at 219.12 mph.
On Sunday in round one eliminations, the Akea Express was paired with Damian Cownden and took the win by just a hair, running a 6.364 ET at 220.33 mph vs a 6.393 at 218.41 mph.
Moving into the semi-finals with lane choice, Grimes has another fantastic run. Despite dropping a hole near the top end, the bike powered through a 6.388 ET at 220.26 mph, moving the team into the finals.
The finals bring a scenario we’ve all seen before, Grimes vs Horne! But the scenario ends differently this time. Grimes won on a hole shot, he was out of the gate first with his 0.025 light vs 0.064 light, giving him the win against Horne’s quicker run. Grimes runs 6.347 ET at 219.44 mph vs 6.320 ET at 227.92 mph. The Akea Express holds two for two at
“We love competing against Horne, it’s always a great finals race” said
In the previous weekend, during the Ohio Bike Week Nationals in
Grimes ran some good numbers during qualifying landing the team the number two spot. In first round of eliminations Tommy Grimes was paired with Dean Comunal but after spinning the tire would not advance to the semi-finals.
The Akea /
The
Another Runner-Up for The
The 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike (Akea Express), piloted by Tommy Grimes, performs solid the entire weekend. With ten Top Fuel Harleys competing for the eight qualifying spots, Grimes’ pass right out of the gate proved to be the strongest running a 6.375 ET at 228.00 mph lands the
In the first round of eliminations Grimes powered the Akea Express to a convincing 6.358 ET at 218.23 mph to move the team into the next round. In the second round the mph (195.48) did not prove impressive but Grimes .029 light and 6.451 ET was enough to get the job done and move the team into the semi-finals. Going into the finals, Grimes will be paired with one of his toughest competitors, Douglas Horne. In the finals the team ended up racing in the right lane and spun the tire after encountering the bump around the 1/8th mile mark.
“To win against Horne, we knew we had to take a chance of spinning the tire” said
While the team hoped for a win they were very excited to be in the finals again. The Akea /
The
The
In
Saturday was a hot day at the track but that didn’t stop Grimes from pulling a solid number right out of the gate, 6.393 ET at 218.02 mph, and jumping into the number 1 qualifying spot.
On Sunday, during round 1 eliminations, the 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike was paired with R. House and advanced to the semi-finals running a 6.384 ET at 218.94 mph. In the semi-finals, both riders, Grimes and Pelrine, were quick off the light (.045 vs .048) but the Akea Express pulled ahead and there was no catching him. Grimes heads to the finals after his 6.325 ET at 221.42 mph.
“I was pleased with the performance of Grimes on the Akea Express”, said
Advancing to the finals, Grimes meets up with D. Horne once again. This was a battle to the finish and although both bikes ran 6.306 ET, each at 219 mph, Grimes finishes runner-up. Final numbers are as follows: Grimes with .028 light, 6.306 ET at 219.47 mph vs Horne’s .016 light, 6.306 ET at 219.69 mph.
“This was probably the race of the year!”, said
We are back on the track May 19th and 20th competing in Atco New
The
The
With only a few days after the last race weekend, the
Although the forecast said 80% chance of rain all day Saturday, the weekend kicked off well but didn’t last. On Saturday, the top fuel teams struggled to get all of their qualifying runs in when it began to rain after half the teams made their 3rd qualifying run. The AHDRA made a decision to rerun the entire round 3 qualifying passes Sunday morning at 10 a.m., which is typically unheard of, but the weather was not forgiving. After a 5 hour rain delay and track clean up, it was 3 p.m. before we resumed the schedule.
“Our weekend in
Going into round 3 qualifying in the number 2 position, Tommy Grimes and the Akea express was looking to improve their position but instead at the hit, the transmission out put shaft broke. This proved disappointing as the team was hoping to dial in on the track conditions after the rain cleared. This would not be a set back for the
The
“Lane choice seemed to be the key for those making it up the ladder, which we didn’t have in the semi’s”, said
Look for us May 5th and 6th as we compete at our home track in Rockingham North
The
Another Finals Showing for the
The weekend of April 13th – 15th, 2012, the
We were very excited to make it to the finals once again, two races and two finals for 2012. The Manufactures Cup Race is not like the other races we participate in because the three day event provides the opportunity for two different classes of Top Fuel Nitro drag bikes to compete in the same Top Fuel class. The supercharged injected inline four cylinder metric drag bikes and the naturally aspirated injected two cylinder Harley-Davidson bikes. Normally the two don’t complete against one another because of the greater power making capabilities of super charging vs naturally aspirated. But to help the sport and this organization, many top fuel Harley racers agreed to race along side the top fuel metric supercharged bikes.
Despite finishing as runner-up, “Tommy Grimes and the
The
The
On Sunday, Grimes continued the show delivering great consistency. In the first round Grimes brought the 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike to the line and went on to win with a 6.344 ET at 228.15 mph to move the team into the semi final round.
In the semi’s Grimes ran a 6.310 ET at 233.20 mph nearly backing up the previous 235.89 mph for a record, but enough to move the team into the finals where they would face the supercharged metric bike piloted by Larry McBride.
Running our best of the weekend in the finals, Grimes running a 6.200 ET at 231.36 mph, we finished runner-up and very proud of our performance up against the supercharged bike ridden by McBride.
The
A great show by the team at Harley-Davidson Nitro Exhibition race at the 13th Annual Summit Racing NHRA Las Vegas Nationals
The Las Vegas speedway provided the team a great environment for racing this past weekend. The team captured the number two qualifying spot in the eight bike, invitation only race. This was a special exhibition race for Harley-Davidson Nitro Harley’s at the 135h Annual Summit Racing NHRA Las Vegas Nationals on March 30 – April 1, 2012 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Four rounds of qualifying, two on Friday and two on Saturday. The first day of qualifying, Ray Price Racing’s Tommy Grimes piloted the 1,000 horsepower nitro Harley drag bike to a 6.30 ET at 222.14 mph. Day 2 secured the number two qualifying spot, when Grimes put down the power on the well prepared quarter mile track to post a 6.28 ET at 221.85 mph.
“The drag bike performed very well during qualifying and that got the team to the number two qualifying spot” said Ray Price.
The fans loved the eliminations as the Top Fuel Harley’s put on a show with close races by everyone. During the first round of Sunday’s eliminations Grimes ran a 6.378 ET at 221.60 mph to take the first round win. Round two eliminations Grimes delivered another win by running a 6.388 ET at 216.72 mph and moved the team into the finals. In the final run, the team had a great performance and a solid pass of 6.342 ET at 219.12 MPH vs. Horne’s 6.351 at 220.62 MPH, but the team lost on a hole-shot due to Horne’s .011 reaction time vs. Grimes .034 reaction time.
“I want to thank Kris Schooner, Racing Manager for Harley-Davidson for putting together this event with NHRA,” said Ray Price.
The team is excited to head to Valdosta Georgia for the Manufacture’s Cup Race, April 14th and 15th.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: PJ1 Products, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Nationwide Insurance, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
A great show by the team at Harley-Davidson Nitro Exhibition race at the 13th Annual Summit Racing NHRA Las Vegas Nationals.
The Las Vegas speedway provided the team a great environment for racing this past weekend. The team captured the number two qualifying spot in the eight bike, invitation only race. This was a special exhibition race for Harley-Davidson Nitro Harley’s at the 135h Annual Summit Racing NHRA Las Vegas Nationals on March 30 – April 1, 2012 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Four rounds of qualifying, two on Friday and two on Saturday. The first day of qualifying, Ray Price Racing’s Tommy Grimes piloted the 1,000 horsepower nitro Harley drag bike to a 6.30 ET at 222.14 mph. Day 2 secured the number two qualifying spot, when Grimes put down the power on the well prepared quarter mile track to post a 6.28 ET at 221.85 mph.
“The drag bike performed very well during qualifying and that got the team to the number two qualifying spot” said Ray Price.
The fans loved the eliminations as the Top Fuel Harley’s put on a show with close races by everyone. During the first round of Sunday’s eliminations Grimes ran a 6.378 ET at 221.60 mph to take the first round win. Round two eliminations Grimes delivered another win by running a 6.388 ET at 216.72 mph and moved the team into the finals. In the final run, the team had a great performance and a solid pass of 6.342 ET at 219.12 MPH vs. Horne’s 6.351 at 220.62 MPH, but the team lost on a hole-shot due to Horne’s .011 reaction time vs. Grimes .034 reaction time.
“I want to thank Kris Schooner, Racing Manager for Harley-Davidson for putting together this event with NHRA,” said Ray Price.
The team is excited to head to Valdosta Georgia for the Manufacturer’s Cup Race, April 14th and 15th.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: PJ1 Products, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Nationwide Insurance, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Top Fuel Harleys challenge Supercharged Metric bikes in fall Manufacturers Cup race
For
The three day event provides the opportunity for two different classes of Top Fuel Nitro drag bikes to compete; the supercharged inline metric bikes piloted by the likes of Larry “Spiderman” McBride and the V-Twin Harley-Davidson Nitro burning monsters campaigned by the legendary
Normally the four cylinder metric bikes and the two cylinder Harley-Davidson bikes do not compete against one another in the top fuel class due to the metric bikes being supercharged and the V-Twins being naturally asperated.
Tommy Grimes twisted the throttle on the
Going into Sunday’s eliminations the
In the first round Grimes brought the 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike to the line and went on to win with a 6.493 ET at 210.83 mph to move the team into the semi final round.
In the semi’s Grimes ran a 6.220 ET at 233.76 mph to move the team into the finals where they would face the lone supercharged metric bike piloted by McBride.
“During the spring Manufactures Cup here we made it to the semi’s running a real close race against McBride. The uniqueness of this race makes it exciting to compete against the supercharged bikes”, remarked Price.
Grimes made it a very close race even though the supercharged bike riden by McBride had a performance advantage over the
The Manufacturers Spring Cup is the one race where both the supercharged metric bikes and the thunderous V-Twin Harley’s can compete side-by-side while putting on an awesome show of power for the fans.
This was the final race of the 2011 season for the
The
Dropped cylinder in first round cuts short teams chances at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Despite cool temperatures and rain on Friday the track conditions were very good. This allowed the team to dial up the tune-up on the
“With such good track conditions at NHRA events we can tune the bike to run fast. That’s what it likes.” remarked Price.
First and second rounds of qualifying on Friday were cancelled due to rain. During round three of qualifying on Saturday Grimes put down a respectable 6.430 ET at 222.03
Whenever the
“The Akea Express ran so strong in qualifying and to drop a cylinder in round one is disappointing,” said
The Akea / Ray Price Racing team heads to South Georgia Motorsport Park Valdosta , GA November 11th – 13th, 2011 .
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh , NC
Stellar Performance for
Team runners up at AHDRA Nationals at Rockingham Dragway
The “Rock” as it is known in drag racing circles is the second home for the legend
Tommy Grimes was on his game during qualifying racking up some impressive numbers and records on the way to capturing the number one qualifying spot out from under the other 17 Top Fuel Nitro Harley race teams.
In the first round Grimes posted a 6.290 ET at 223.88 MPH. The pass set a new AHDRA 1/8 Mile MPH record at 211.56 MPH, but still needed to be backed up. In the second round the
This run set a new AHDRA 1/4 Mile ET Record and also set the 1/8 Mile MPH record with a 212.63 MPH and the previous record run became the back up.
Coming off a incredible day of qualifying Grimes lead the team into first round action with high hopes of capturing a win and a trip to the winners circle.
In round one of eliminations Grimes posted a 6.249 ET at 219.40 MPH to move the team into second round action. The run also backed up the previous days AHDRA 1/4 Mile ET Record. In round two Grimes ran a 6.215 ET at 222.88 MPH to move the team into the semi finals. The run also re-set the AHDRA 1/4 Mile ET Record, as well as the 1/8 Mile MPH record at 213.10 MPH.
In the semi-finals Grimes laid down an equally impressive run after piloting the 1,000 horsepower Akea Express to a 6.286 ET at 221.96 MPH putting the
“Rockingham has always been real good to the
The fans still showed their gratitude for a great show by standing and cheering on the team as they came down the return road.
“I really wanted to capture another win at the “Rock” for this team, they have worked so hard to make the
With the second place finish the team captured the number number spot in the 2011 AHDRA Scremin Eagle Championship points series.
While the 2011 AHDRA season has concluded the team will still attend two additional races. The first is the NHRA Lucas Oil divisional race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway “The Strip” on November 4-6 then turn around and head to Valdosta, Georgia for the Valdosta Manufacturers Cup race on November 11 - 13, 2011.
The
Ray Price Racing Wins Again
Team gets another win. This time at AHDRA Northwest Nationals at Woodburn, Oregon
Coming off the big win at the Nitro Harley Exhibition Race at the NHRA Lucas Oil Racing Series event the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored race team used the momentum to capurted another win at the AHDRA Northwest Nitro Nationals at Woodburn Dragstrip this past weekend.
“The whole crew should be proud of their efforts to get this team to the winners circle. We have always struggled at Woodburn but this year things finally turned in our favor.” remarked Price.
With local Top Fuel Nitro Harley racer Steve Dorn in the spotlight at his home track the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea race team quietly went about their business to masterley prepare the Akea Express. The teams efforts paid off during Saturday qualifying. In the first round Grimes put down a solid 6.524 ET at 217.97 MPH then continued to improved in the second round by posting a 6.515 ET at 226.01 MPH. After the final round of qualifying the team was qualified in the number three position and ready for Sunday’s eliminations.
During the first round of elimination on Sunday Grimes confidently moved the team into the next round by running a 6.572 ET at 219.24 MPH. In what proved to be a real close drag race in semi final round action Grimes came out the victor by crossing the finish line first with a 6.610 ET at 215.46 MPH to his opponents 6.645 ET. The fans wished for and got a storybook ending with Dorn versus Grimes in the finals. Grimes grabbed the early lead with a quick start off the tree and never looked back running a 6.627 ET at 222.11 MPH to Dorn’s 6.716 ET to cross the finish line first and capture the teams second win in as many races.
“The drag bike ran so consistent all weekend and to be in the winners circle two weekends in a row is just great.” said Ray Price.
After being on the road for the better part of August the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea race team is finally heading back to Raleigh, NC. The team’s next race is AHDRA Cajun Nitro Nationals at No Problem Raceway at Belle Rose, LA on September 17th and 18th, 2011.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC – www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
Ray Price Racing Wins at Second NHRA Nitro Harley Exhibition Race
Grimes beats Sternotti in Nitro Harley show down at Pacific Raceways
Another NHRA event. Another win. There seems to be a pattern here. Whenever the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored drag bike performs at a NHRA event the team has gone to the winners circle.
When asked to participate as part of the Nitro Harley Exhibition Race at the NHRA Lucas Oil Racing Series Division 6 Points Race at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington, it didn’t take but a minute for Ray Price to say yes. After a win at Bristol Dragway back in June for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals the team saw this as another chance to make it two in a row.
“I don’t think its pure coincidence that we run well at NHRA events. With such good track conditions we can tune the bike to run fast. That’s what it likes.” remarked Price.
Qualifying for the field of seven Top Fuel Harleys took place on Friday under ideal conditions. In the first round Grimes came out flying with a 6.386 ET at 229.47 mph. After spinning the tire in the second round, Grimes stepped it up in the third by running a 6.349 ET at 230.96 mph to capture the number two qualifying spot.
Coming off strong qualifying runs the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea race team were confident going into Saturday’s eliminations. With the 1,000 horsepower V-Twin motor tuned for a first round win Grimes twisted the throttle and posted a 6.401 ET at 230.96 mph to move into the next round. In the semi finals Grimes ran a 6.554 ET at 198.03 mph to move the team into the finals. As fate would have it Grimes faced Joey Sternotti who piloted the drag bike for Ray Price Racing in 2010. Grimes wasn’t going to give Sternotti bragging rights and made sure of it by blasting to a first place finish with an incredible 6.260 ET at 229.59 mph.
“The Akea Express ran so strong and going to the winners circle was very satisfying for the whole team.,” said Ray Price.
The Akea / Ray Price Racing team looks forward to its next race when it heads to the AHDRA Northwest Nitro Nationals at Woodburn Dragstrip just south of Portland, Oregon August 27th and 28th, 2011.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC – www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
Ray Price Racing puts on Strong Performance at AHDRA Bristol Race
Grimes in close drag race to finish line in second round of eliminations
The last trip to Bristol Dragway for the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored drag bike was back in June where they captured a win as part of the nitro Harley exhibition race at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.
This time around they were at Bristol Dragway for the AHDRA Screamin Eagle Thunder in the Valley Nationals August 6th and 7th, 2011. One of the unique aspects of this race is that Saturday qualifying starts mid-afternoon and continues into the evening under the lights.
The team started out strong with Grimes twisting the throttle to post a 6.734 ET at 219.83 MPH in the first round. Between rounds one and two the team had the misfortune of breaking a rocker arm which hampered their performance in rounds three and four.
The team went back and readied the 1,000 horsepower nitro Harley drag bike in time for Sunday’s elimination rounds. In the first round of eliminations Grimes powered the Akea Express to a convincing 6.596 ET at 223.91 MPH to move the team into the next round. In the second round Grimes faced a tough competitor going up against Douglas Horne. It was a close drag race all the way to the finish line with Horne pulling the upset by a narrow margin of 8/1,000 of a second posting a 6.497 ET to Grimes 6.579 ET respectively.
“The drag bike ran very consistant in elimination rounds after the team faced some challenges during qualifying on Saturday” said Ray Price.
The team heads west to Woodburn Dragstrip in Portland, OR for the AHDRA Northwest Nitro Nationals August 27th and 28th. On their way the team will participate in a couple of exhibition races, Race at the Rally, Sturgis, SD on August 10th and 11th and at Seattle International Racway as part of the NHRA Division Six race on August 20th and 21st.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC – www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
Ray Price Racing Faces Challenges at Atco Raceway
Mechanical problems plague team at AHDRA Northeast Nitro Nationals at Atco Raceway
After their big win, at the Nitro Harley-Davidson NHRA Exhibition Race at Bristol Dragway, the previous weekend, the Ray Price Racing team had high expectations for the AHDRA Northeast Nitro Nationals June 25th and 26th, 2011. The team was eager to get back into the AHDRA Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel Champion points chase, by repeating their success from Bristol at Atco Raceway, New Jersey’s oldest drag strip.
With a field of only seven Top Fuel Harleys registered AHDRA elected to give each team four qualifying rounds instead of the usual three. Saturday’s qualifying was off to a rough start for the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored drag bike, after blowing the 1,000 horsepower V-Twin motor in the first round. With visions of winning, the team rallied and replaced the motor in time for second round action, however further mechanical problems prevented the drag bike from putting down a good run. Again the team went back to the drawing board, working hard to prepare the motor for round three of qualifying. Three was the charm, the teams tenacity paying off when Tommy Grimes twisted the throttle to post a 6.686 ET at 218.72 MPH.
In the fourth and final round of qualifying the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored drag bike put out a cylinder at the one hundred foot mark of the quarter mile drag strip. After everything was said and done the team qualified number four going into Sunday’s elimination rounds.
During first round of elimiations mechanical problems once again plagued the drag bike. With Grimes at the throttle the bike launched hard but unfortunately the motor locked up causing the cam gear teeth to be sheered off and thus ending the day for the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored race team.
“We certainly struggled this weekend with mechanical issues,” remarked Price, “We will go back and make the necessary fixes and be ready for the next race.”
With a month until their next AHDRA race back at Bristol Dragway August 6th and 7th, 2011 the team will work to prepare the drag bike so it can once again make thunder in the valley.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC – www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
Ray Price Racing Thunders to Winners Circle
Team captures win at Harley-Davidson Nitro Exhibition race at NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
Raleigh, NC
Bristol Dragway has become the second home track for Ray Price Racing, therefore it was fitting that the team be at home on Father’s Day to capture the win and the number two qualifying spot, in front of thousands of NHRA race fans. This was a special exhibition race for Harley-Davidson Nitro Harley’s at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals on June 17 – 19, 2011 at Bristol Dragway.
Four rounds of qualifying, two on Friday and two on Saturday, were cut to three when Saturday’s fourth round was cancelled due to rain. In the first round Ray Price Racing’s Tommy Grimes piloted the 1,000 horsepower nitro Harley drag bike to a 6.38 ET at 213.30 mph. Then in the second and third rounds Grimes put down the power on the well prepared quarter mile track to post a 6.43 ET at 213.91 mph and 6.44 ET at 222.07 mph respectively.
“The drag bike ran so consistent during qualifying and that got the team to the number two qualifying spot” said Ray Price.
During the first round of Sunday’s eliminations Grimes ran a 6.53 ET at 221.34 mph to take the first round win. Grimes brought the crowd to its feet after putting down a 6.32 ET at 219.79 mph to move the team into the finals. Grimes ran another electrifying 6.32 ET at 224.32 MPH to thunder through the finish line enroute to the winners circle.
“I want to thank Kris Schooner, Racing Manager for Harley-Davidson for putting together this event with NHRA,” said Ray Price. “The whole team is elated to be here and to have won the race.”
To catch the team in action head to Atco, New Jersey for the AHDRA Northeast Nitro Nationals on June 25th and 26th, 2011.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC – www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
Ray Price Racing Rises to the Occasion Against Metric Bikes
Manufactures Spring Cup race pits Top Fuel Harleys against Supercharged Metric bikes
Raleigh, NC
Racing got underway once the low lying fog began to clear on the first day of the Manufacturers Spring Cup at South Georgia Motorsport Park in Valdosta, GA at the April 8th - 10th three day event.
The Manufacturers Spring Cup race provides the opportunity for two different classes of Top Fuel Nitro drag bikes to compete; the supercharged inline metric bikes piloted by the likes of Larry "Spiderman" McBride and the V-Twin Harley-Davidson Nitro burning monsters campaigned by the legendary Ray Price Racing team.
Normally the four cylinder metric bikes and the two cylinder Harley-Davidson bikes do not compete against one another in the top fuel class due to the metric bikes being supercharged and the V-Twins being naturally asperated. "Because of the uniqueness of the race and the fact that South Georgia Motorsport Park is such an exceptional track it is always fun to compete against the supercharged bikes", remarked Price.
During Saturday qualifying the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored drag bike put down some impressive numbers. Tommy Grimes twisted the throttle in the first round to post a 6.50 ET at 227.08 mph. In the second round Grimes ran a 6.39 ET at 217 mph which was good enough to be the top qualifyer amongst the V-Twin Harley's. Going into Sunday's eliminations the Ray Price Race team was one of six Top Fuel teams, three supercharged metric bikes and three V-Twin Harley-Davidson's, all competiting in the Top Fuel class for a chance for a spot to stand in the winners circle.
In the first round Grimes brought the 1,000 horsepower Top Fuel Nitro Harley drag bike to the line to face the supercharged metric "Redneck" Exprss of Chris Hand. Winning the round on a "holeshot" Grimes crossed the finishline with an impressive 6.35 ET at 218.34 mph.
In the next round Grimes faced Larry "Spiderman" McBride in the semifinals. Grimes made it a very close race even though the supercharged bike riden by McBride had a performance advantage over the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored V-Twin Harley. McBride won the round with a 6.271 ET at 230.44 mph but not before Grimes ran an impressive 6.39 ET at 224.43 mph.
The Manufacturers Spring Cup is the one race where both the supercharged metric bikes and the thunderous V-Twin Harley's can compete side-by-side while putting on an awesome show of power for the fans. The next race for the Akea Express is the Mid-West Nitro Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park on April 16th and 17th, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC - www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
Ray Price Racing Meets Tulsa Winds Head On
AHDRA pro teams forced to run 1/8 mile due to strong winds
Raleigh, NC - April 17th, 2011
Race teams faced cool temperatures and strong winds over the weekend at the AHDRA Screamin Eagle Mid-West Nitro Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park. Teams had to qualify in cool temperatures and then faced strong cross winds for Sunday's eliminations.
Due to safety concerns because of the strong cross winds, AHDRA and race organizers decided that the pro classes run on a eighth mile track for the eliminations.
Facing cool temperatures for qualifying on Saturday, the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored drag bike still put down some impressive numbers. Tommy Grimes ran a 6.622 ET at 225.33 mph in the quarter mile during first round of qualifying. Grimes 6.493 ET at 215.31 mph run in the second round was enough to capture the number two overall qualifying spot. In the third round Grimes ran a 6.524 ET at 219.83 mph.
Despite warmer temperatures on Sunday, AHDRA now had to deal with strong cross winds and elected to have the pro teams run a shorter eighth mile track. In the first round of eliminations Grimes put down a 5.81 ET at 139.65 mph to move the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored drag bike into the second round. Experiencing mechanical problems in the second round the Akea Express still ran a 5.423 ET at 97.85 mph but it wasn't enough to move the team into the next round of eliminations.
The team went back and found the ignition problem and then competed in the Outlaw eliminations round. Grimes won the competition with an very strong 4.25 ET at 165 mph.
In spite of the challenging climatic conditions and the unfortunate mechanical problems the team performed well and now prepares the Ray Price Harley-Davidson / Akea sponsored drag bike for its homecoming at Rockingham Dragstrip for the AHDRA Carolina Spring Nitro Nationals April 30th through May 1st, 2011.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions and Wiley X. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC - www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
Ray Price Racing takes New Sponsor to the Finals at AHDRA Opener
Ray Price debuts new sponsor Akea at AHDRA Bike Week Nationals
Raleigh, NC
After coming off an impressive win at Palm Beach International Raceway Ray Price Racing was looking to give its new sponsor Akea its second consecutive win of the 2011 race season at Orlando Speedworld on March 5th and 6th, 2011.
Akea is a community based wellness company whose moto is Live Healthier, Live Happier, Live Longer™. The name comes from the Sardinian greeting that means "May you live well for 100 years". It is well known that Ray Price lives to race and this is evident in the new website he has created to promote the Akea brand, LiveToRideLonger.com Tommy Grimes was eager to ride the Akea / Ray Price Harley-Davidson sponsored drag bike and caputre a win at his first official 2011 AHDRA race.
In the first round of qualifying the Ray Price Nitro Harley drag bike spun the tire while planting the power of the 1,000 horsepower v-twin motor to the track. During the second round of qualifying things got better with Grimes laying down a 6.670 ET at 216.90 MPH. Grimes came out in the third round and ran a 6.615 ET at 227.46 MPH to post the top mile-per-hour of the race.
After Price christened the newly sponsoned drag bike the "Akea Express", the team then got to work preparing the drag bike for Sunday's eliminations.
Sunday's first round of eliminations saw Grimes win the first round with a 6.532 ET at 211.73 MPH, then he pushed the team closer to the winners podium with a win in the semi's running 6.778 ET at 184.90 MPH. In the finals the team ended up racing in the right lane and spun the tire after encountering the bump around the 1/8th mile mark preventing the team from capturing its second win of the season. While the team hoped for a win they were very excited to make it to the finals for the second race in a row. The Akea / Ray Price Racing team looks forward to another successful event when it heads to the AHDRA Mid-West Nitro Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park April 16th and 17th, 2011.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC - www.rayprice.com www.LiveToRideLonger.com
Ray Price Racing captures first win of 2011 race season
Grimes gives team new record on way to win.
Raleigh, NC
The Ray Price Nitro Harley Race Team arrived at Palm Beach International Raceway for the February 19th and 20th, 2011 Cyclepalooza drag race with strong expectations. Ray Price Racing has dominated this two day invitational drag race for Top Fuel Nitro Harleys, with wins in both 2009 and 2010. This was Tommy Grimes first time at the event, and he was eager to make it three in a row.
Right from the get-go, Grimes didn't let up on the throttle. In the first round, Grimes came out flying with a 6.262 ET and a new Cyclepalooza event record speed of 233.36 mph. Remember it was here at PBIR back in 2009 that the team made history with the fastest side-by-side Top Fuel Harley drag race ever, running an electrifying 231.70 mph. In true Ray Price Racing fashion, the team keeps raising the mile-per-hour bar little by little. Grimes continued his quest to go quicker during the second round of qualifying posting a 6.213 ET at 222.69 MPH. In the third and final round he rode the 1,000 horsepower nitro Harley to another impressive run with a 6.290 ET at 227.54 MPH.
"We have a fast bike today. I knew Tommy had the right stuff to pilot the Ray Price Harley-Davidson sponsored drag bike after seeing him run in Vegas and Valdosta," Price said.
The first round of eliminations Grimes got the bye and then ran a single pass to coast into the second round. Grimes ran a strong 6.344 ET at 226.51 MPH during second round to move the team into the finals. In the final round both riders spun the tire with Grimes back pedaling first to the finish line taking the team to its first victory of 2011. The team is exciting to have Grimes back in the saddle and is looking forward to a rewarding 2011 race season. The Ray Price Racing team competes for the 2011 AHDRA Screamin Eagle Top Fuel Championship when it heads to Orlando Speedworld for the Bike Week Nationals on March 5th and 6th, 2011.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors for their support for the 2011 race season. They include our Primary Sponsors: Akea, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC - www.rayprice.com
Tommy Grimes returns to Ray Price Racing for 2011 race season
Grimes impressive post season record performance at Las Vegas and Valdosta, GA earns him ride with team
Raleigh, NC
The Ray Price Nitro Harley Race Team finished the 2010 AHDRA Screamin Eagle Championship Series in the number three spot. The impressive season synopsis includes visiting the winners circle twice, making it to the final round four times and capturing the number one qualifying spot 6 times.
Quickest run? Joey Sternotti posted an incredible 6.141 ET at 231.04 mph at the AMA Bike Week Nationals in Valdosta, GA. Shaving three one thousands off the time the team last ran this same track in November 2009.
In true Price fashion, racing never stops even at the conclusion of the regular season. The team accepted invitations to compete as part of a Nitro Harley race in conjunction with the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at The Strip at Las Vegas and a race at South Georgia Motorsport Park in Valdosta, GA.
After considering options for new riders in 2011, Price picked Tommy Grimes to pilot the Ray Price Nitro Harley at these two exhibition races. Even though it has been two years since Grimes had rode for Ray Price Racing, and the knowledge he would be piloting a totally new drag bike, Tommy's excitement for riding the 1,000 horsepower nitro Harley was evident.
"It was a real honor to return to Ray Price Racing and saddle up on a new ride. I couldn't wait to twist the wick on the throttle and see what this bad boy could do", said Grimes.
Grimes laid down a solid pass on his inaugural run during qualifying at The Strip at Las Vegas pulling off a respectable 6.514 ET at 215.40 mph. Grimes continued to improve, posting an impressive 6.291 ET at 210.54 MPH during the second round of eliminations, before spinning the tire in the final round. While Grimes gave a strong performance at Las Vegas, it was at Valdosta where he really showed the team he had what it takes to ride the Ray Price Nitro Harley drag bike.
Arriving at South Georgia Motorsport Park in Valdosta, GA for the second of the two exhibition races the team was eager to get the drag bike out of the box and onto the track. Grimes got on the throttle during first round of qualifying and rode the drag bike to a record 6.155 ET at 216.58 MPH!
Wanting to back up the record with another impressive run in the second round, Grimes ended up spinning the tire. Grimes backed up the first round record with a 6.169 ET at 224.36 MPH in the third round to jubiliation of the Ray Price race team. The impressive runs continued during eliminations with Grimes delivering a 6.366 ET at 230.96 mph in the first round. Second round action Grimes continued to impress posting a awe-inspiring 6.293 ET at 232.71 ET! Tasting victory after winning the first two rounds of eliminations, the drag bike spun the tire in the finals keeping the team from the winners circle.
If Tommy Grimes had anything to prove, he did it by establishing the quickest and fastest times for a naturally aspirated drag bike. The Ray Price Race team has undoubtably set the bar for the 2011 AHDRA race season and with Grimes back in the saddle this team will once again be a force on the drag strip.
The Ray Price Harley-Davidson Nitro Harley Race Team kicks off the 2011 race season at Cyclepalooza, a two-day race on February 19th and 20th at Palm Beach International Raceway.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to all their sponsors and supporters for making the 2010 race season a success. They include our Primary Sponsor: Ray Price Harley-Davidson, with special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - Raleigh, NC - www.rayprice.com
Ray Price Racing Regains Points Lead
Solid finish for race team at AHDRA Thunder-in-the-Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway
Raleigh, NC
Five weeks ago, Ray Price Racing headed back to North Carolina to contemplate how to prepare for the AHDRA Thunder-in-the-Valley Nationals at Bristol, TN. The team was still brooding over their first round knockout due to a hot slick 1//8 track at Kansas International Raceway, and the team was determined the Ray Price 1,000 horsepower nitro Harley drag bike was going to make some spectacular thunder in the valley.
Track problems again caused havoc on race day and qualifying was delayed until Saturday night due to water percolating up through the track. First round under the lights saw the Ray Price Nitro Harley Race Team run 6.556 ET at 219.79 mph. Approaching the witching hour in round three the team ran a equally impressive 6.578 ET at 213.12 mph to finish off a long, grueling day.
At the start of Sunday's eliminations, the team had one goal, to gain as many points as they could by moving up the ladder to the finals. Coming into the event Sternotti and the team were tied for first place with 518 points. First round action saw the team run a respectable 6.552 ET at 220.26 mph to move into second round. Having to get off the throttle early prevented the team from moving into the finals but still provided the necessary points to move into first place alone.
With only a 21 points difference separating Sternotti and second place competitor Jay Turner the team needs to make up as much ground as possible heading into the final three races of the 2010 AHDRA season. "Our focus going into Woodburn will be to qualify number one and to go as many rounds to get Joey into winners circle", says Price.
The team heads cross country to Woodburn Dragstrip for the Northwest Nitro Nationals August 28th - 29th. With the Screamin Eagle Championship in their sights, you know the Ray Price Nitro Harley Race Team will be looking to win the west.
The Ray Price Motorsports team sends sincere thanks to our Primary Sponsor: Ray Price Harley-Davidson. Special thanks to our Associate Sponsor Raleigh H. O. G. and our Support Sponsors: Nationwide Insurance, CP Pistons, Icon Motorsports Apparel, Royal Purple, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Autolite Sparkplugs, Mickey Thompson Tires, RPR/MSD Ignitions, Gates Belts, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Metzeler Tires, Performance Machine, JIMS USA, Industrial Machine Solutions, Wiley X Eyewear and Bassani. Additional thanks: Bill Hayes, Hargis Consulting, Ultra Pro Machining and Freddie Robbins. Ray Price Harley-Davidson Inc - Raleigh, NC - www.rayprice.com
