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FLORIDA RAINOUT SETS THE STAGE FOR HEATED COMPETITION AT THE RIVERA ENGINEERING-PRIMO BELT DRIVES ARIZONA BIKE WEEK NATIONALS PRESENTED BY HACIENDA HARLEY-DAVIDSON

WINSTON-SALEM, NC, March 25, 2003 -- After rain spoiled the AHDRA season opener in Gainesville, FL, the stage has been set for a spectacular show at the upcoming Rivera-Primo Arizona Bike Week Nationals, presented by Hacienda Harley-Davidson, at Firebird International Raceway on April 5th and 6th.

ESPN2's "Inside Drag Racing" will be there to capture the action as competitors battle it out in a fierce competition for cash, prizes, and national championship points. Over 30 entries in the 200 mph Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Top Fuel category will headline the largest nitro show ever for Arizona fans.

Doug Vancil of Albuquerque, NM, took the top honors at last year's Phoenix event, and he's geared up for a repeat. The two-time IHRA Champion says he feels very good about the Vance and Hines/Drag Specialties program for this year's event. "Yes, I do think there will be a large field of top fuel bikes, probably bigger than last year. We'll be running on the same track, and if prepped well, we should see some impressive numbers. We're looking forward to giving it our best shot - as usual."
Another contender with his eyes on the winner's circle will travel great distances for a chance at the trophy. Tak Shigematsu of Ehime, Japan took his first-ever USA win in Phoenix in the Pro Fuel ranks in 1999. Shigematsu finished third in the 2002 Top Fuel series and says he can't wait to race in Phoenix. "I finally put a data computer and a 2-stage clutch on my bike," he explained. "It ran a 6.68 in test and tune. I cried from tire smoking last year. I'm sure there will be less tire smoking this year. I love that clutch. I'm expecting more consistent runs this year." When asked about the big field expected, Shigematsu responded confidently. "I think more is merrier. Competition is going to be tough. I like that."
The 2002 Top Fuel champ, Ron Houniet, says that without a doubt this is going to be exciting. "We will all be vying for the top 14 positions, which gets us a spot in the NHRA exhibition show in Bristol." The Canadian native says they haven't changed much in their combination. "We've done a little work on the clutch and fuel system. We've just pushed what we have a little further and hope the track conditions allow us to utilize our power."

Plenty of power is guaranteed for fans when familiar faces return to the strip. Veteran racer Ray Price of Raleigh, NC, is on the roster that also includes Johnny Mancuso (Houston, TX); Steve Stordeur (Goshen, OH); Mark "The Hammer" Cox (Wilkesboro, NC); Mark Conner (Canyon Lake, TX); Bill Furr (Orangeburg, SC); and the newly formed three-bike/three rider combination from RMC Racing that includes Mike and Jack Romine and New Jersey's Drums Brancaccio.

The AHDRA hosts 16 classes of competition, including three nitro classes, Modified Gas bikes, Pro Stock, Street Bikes, Junior Dragsters, and more.

Gates open at Firebird International Raceway on Saturday, April 5, at 7:00 a.m., with Qualifying at 9:00 a.m. On Sunday, April 6, gates open at 8:00 a.m., with Sportsman eliminations at 9:00 a.m. and Pro Eliminations at 12:30 p.m.

Admission prices to the Rivera-Primo Arizona Bike Week Nationals presented by Hacienda Harley-Davidson are $40 for two days and $25 for single-day admission. Children under 12 are admitted free; H.O.G members will receive a $5 discount at the gate with a valid H.O.G. card. (Prices include pit access.)

For more information on the Rivera-Primo Arizona Bike Week Nationals presented by Hacienda Harley-Davidson, the 2003 AHDRA National points series, and the AHDRA broadcast on ESPN2's "Inside Drag Racing," contact 336-924-2095 or visit www.ahdra.com.