What the hell is that beast you ride? What sort of power and E.T. is it capable of?
It’s based loosely on a Suzuki GS, so you could call it that. I just call it the fastest drag bike in the world. It’s 1500cc with 1350 HP at the wheel. That’s mostly courtesy of 48 pounds of supercharged boost on nitro methane. It’s done a 5.95@250.9 MPH, so it keeps you on your toes.
What was going through your head the first time you straddled the behemoth?
I had ridden fast on funny bikes, stuff like 6.40s at 220 MPH. I didn’t expect it to be much different, but I soon found out it’s a lot bigger and heavier. The scariest part of riding it is stopping. You’re pushing 1200 pounds at 250 MPH and have to get it stopped with only a three-inch front tire.
A lot of racers always want more power. Do you ever share that sentiment?
We’re definitely not lacking power. I am passing 200 MPH before any supercar can even hit 60 MPH.
How fast have you come off at? Were you surprised to walk away?
We had some aerodynamic and chassis issues when I’d put the front wheel down at 230-240 MPH and the bike would get twisted up. I slid through the trap with a 6.40@187 MPH...on my ass.
Another time a spark plug grounded on my suit and started shocking me at 200 MPH. Hitting the ground wasn’t as much of an issue as getting electrocuted at the same time. I bounced a long ways but was fine, and so was the bike!
What do you say to people who think drag racing is “easy?”
Riding a top fuel bike is unlike anything else. It has two gears, and you shift up at around 200 MPH. The acceleration is hard to get used to; you’re going 100 MPH in one second. It just doesn’t make sense and you have to be mentally ready for the ride. The word “easy” doesn’t really apply because there’s so much more involved than just twisting the gas and then hitting the brakes.
While a lot of folks admire what you do, what riding discipline impresses you the most?
Anybody who can get around a corner quickly and the stunt guys are impressive too. I’m most impressed with people who ride to work everyday. Anybody who can control his or her bike in a street environment and live to tell about it is pretty special. I have a really fast bike, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m a really good rider!
At the various venues do the car racers show you proper respect or simply think you’re insane?
Car guys understand what I’m doing but still think it’s pretty loony.
It gets everybody on their feet though. Top fuel bikes are really loud, very fast and pretty dangerous. What’s not to like?
“Riding a top fuel bike is unlike anything else. It has two gears, and you shift up at around 200 mph.”