ANTIQUE NATIONALS- Great Sunday out.

Posted on June 30, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

30 Jun

Well Sunday was a bloody Hot day to be at the drags but for some cool rides and great racing, the Antique nationals is always a fun event.
Below Marky of the Shifters, puts his ” Purple people Eater” through it’s paces and this time the Altered is pretty much sorted and puts the power down to the Tarmac, I think the photographers were expecting that Epic 4 wheel Arial run from last year, but it was sweet, she hooked and launched, good job Marky.

Always great to see the Hot rods run and this time on the 1/4 mile so they can really stretch their Flathead powered legs.

Awesome atmospher and everyone is friendly at this Annual event.

I’m not the best camera guy but wanted to capture as much as I could in the heat.

Diane Branch gets into it and love seeing Girls race and she was quick too.

The staging lanes had some cool rides getting ready to let it all go on the 1/4.

Squeak Bell of the Shifters runs his Chopped rod and is sat right in the backseat area, so Nostalgic and fun to watch,albeit my wobbly filming but was trying to watch him and film at the same time.

Cragar powered Midget looked so awesome, but took too long to make a pass, but got hm sitting on the track.

Always love the Gassers and plenty of them to see at Fontana this weekend too.

Diane Branch takes the Win, great to see and of course hear.

My mate Charles Girlfriend Runs her coupe and gets away well, only to be pipped at the end.

I love Motorcycles as you know.

The WL surely was a fun and fast machine for its time and still running strong.

Always great to see a couple of Trumpys going at it.

Let’s hope next year we get more bikes to race each other.

Plenty to see and love the step side.

Pick ups are popular as ever and the weather was perfect for today’s racing at Fontana.

Trumpy sits after going to Tech and ready to race.

Tom Branch from Pasadena and his oh So Nice Roadster awaits his tech band and then he is ready too.

Great to see a modified and it was fast fr a four banger too.

Gassers, freight trains and mountains with the Sun out, superb day ahead.

Love the little A-Bone and it was fun seeing this machine get a work out on the 1/4 mile.

Love this and would be awesome as a shop delivery, Acme sponsored. ” American Company Making Everything”

Diane Branch getting her ride Teched.

Squeak Bell of the Shifters sits and awaits tech.

Braver man than me, half naked and in an Altered too!

Nice little Scalloped T awaits a check.

Yes please, loved this Caddy- same color as my Triumph too.

Loved these two just sat on the tarmac, the roadster is just right.

I so wanted that Roadster just right in every way for me.

Just chilling before the call to get o the strip.

Cool 5 window with slicks, awaits the call.

Loved this Midget and boy what a slick Mill.

Nice to see still around.

Three window on the strip at half gallop and sounded great.

Such a Clean 29 Roadster and ready to take it for a blap up the strip.

Great day to see so many rides stretch their legs.

BLAAAAP!!!!!

Roadster pick up was Blown, but not a fan of Yellow though.

This 5 window was so sweet.

How can you not love a Gasser, looks fast just standing there.

Gimme, Gimme, Gimmee!

Hanging out at the track.

A Brace of rare tin that’s for certain.

Bills three window is right on the money and a Genny 32 too, how rare is this these days.

Yes please bill, I will gladly look after this for you.

Such a period Hot Rod and was stoked to see and hear it.

Would love to have this Coupe in my driveway.

Dakota checks out the Roadster, hopefully we shall have another soon.

Pheanton anyone?

Sport coupe with a Rumble seat is classic.

Little 8BA flatty with Copper water pipes is a great ride.

Another ride that was great to see, as not too many sport coupes around as rods these days.

I loved this little Modified.

So perfect a find, see, they are still out there.

Not a fan of the rim color but to each their own, but a sweet T though.

Even the Grill shell is nice, be so cool to find something like this in an old abandoned shed.

So much cool stuff to see that day.

I love all the flathead motors.

What a killer Rod, such a nice job and Black is awesome.

1939 tear drops and even a quick change rear.

The belly tank didn’t make a pass on Sunday, would of loved to see it go.

Double engined Dragster was unique and Two 4 pots would of sounded amazing.

Sweet.

This is the only place you will see rare set ups like this and glad I was there.

Track nose, nerf bars, dual carb four banger,the whole nine yards, yes please.

Such a rare Roadster and seeing a 4 banger with all the speed equipment was a treat.

A rare Four Banger powered 3 window, boy what a neat ride this is.

Totally blown away with this set up.

And more to see as you walked around.

Hubba Hubba!

What a great day to see all this.

Cant wait for the nest one.

These sounded so good when they were running, an unusual noise too.

Some money thrown into this Bonneville runner deuce.

Love the Motor in this Roadster too.

The little 5 window A Bone had a wicked engine too.

Ton of work but it was a strong car.

But I love the V8’s though.

Staging lanes at the track.

Pllenty of people turned up.

Just cool to hang out and see some buddies I had not seen in many years.

Here is where someone’s Grandad was this weekend

Markys Purple people eater did well .

Bit of British tin with the Anglia sit up and Beg Gasser.

Marky sets up on the lane ready to hit the loud button.

Nice step side with flawless paint hits the strip.

Flatty powered Rail gets ready to run.

A warm day for sure but remember, bring a Hat- I didnt.

Little T awaits his time to have a go.

This was aptly named the brick but the little Motor screams.

Neat shoe box ford ran great all day long.

More staging lane activity.

Caddy powered roadster and this girl build that ride and races too.

Such a great day here.

Awesome T trackster was great to watch run.

Both these cars ran and really well too.

These both raced and was a close race too.

Rob of the shifters, towing Squeak Bells rod to the lanes.

Shugs Mrs ran her Roadster and Shug ran his, great couple I have known for many years.

Shug has this up for sale if interested?

Shuggy hooking up Squeak Bell’s ride.

I love Gassers and had a 55 in the UK, so love to see these, Kota has a 56 so we always check the tri-Chvys out.

Sweet hearing the Caddy mill at the drags.

Nice eh?

57 Gasser this time

Busy day on the staging lanes and a plethora of rides to feast your eyes upon.

We walked this area a lot and spoke to many faces we knew.

Just heading to the lanes to race.

Cannot get enough of this ride.

This fella lives up the road from us in Whittier, drives on the road.

You should try and come out to this event it sure is fun but- bring a hat its HOT!

Getting ready to hit the 1/4 mile.

Trying to keep cool at Fontana can be quite a task.

Love that Four Banger Motor, Cragar powered.

Shugs other half, gets ready to Tow Squeak Bell’s Rod out to the strip.

Great Girl and also dry lakes races too.

Squeak is ready to run.

Rob of the Shifters gets all set on the staging lanes, he is towing another car this weekend as well but is also running the strip in his coupe.

Rob gives us the thumbs up as he gets all set to light them up.

Shug looks on as time ticks and the starting line gets closer.

Yes, plenty of rides to see that day.

Coupes line up and give it their all.

I spent all day walking around and meeting people, Dakota and I had a great time and so look forward to next year.

Roadster gets into it as he floors the accelerator.

Love this Roadster.

This five window sure looks toughs as it awaits the green.

Gassers are always fun to watch and unpredicatbe as they can wheel stand at any moment.

Everything goes on the strip.

This Girly will take the win, never race her, she is awesome. That Caddy motor sounds unreal.

Dont ya love watching all this stuff?

Slick stepside threw down a good time too.

I loved seeing these race, the coupe has my buddies Girlfriend at the wheel.

Diane gets on it and takes the win

Great racing all day long.

Coupe and sedan go for it.

Both flatty powered the truck has rear engine flatty.

Great close racing.

Awesome sound too when these get on it.

That flatty rail hauls some serious Arse!

5 window and Roadster hit the track.

Roadster pick up took the win but the T Tracksers are suprisingly fast.

How cool is this shot?

This race looked uneven but were so close, I loved watching the T Model.

All sorts of rides races all day.

Even some fun time was had too.

The rail was fast and looked well.

Roadster gets the head on the roadster pick up.

This 4 Banger 5 window was so nice.

When all fails, try a Whizzer to race!

A fun day and glad I could share it with you.

Shug, the flying Scotsman head to the lanes.

Nostalgic real genuine Three Window was such a great thing to see in real life.

Shugs Girlie checking the track out.

Yes- the Camfather- Ed Iskendarian was even there chatting to everyone.

Shugs Mrs turning around track side in her T Roadster.

All rides there were great to watch race.

Squeak takes on another ride.

Love Gassers.

Shug gets all set to lay some Scottish power down the track.

This 5 window was quick all day.

Classic stance.

Never got bored of hearing that Caddy Mill fire up.

Gassers are such a cool thing to see and never tire of this stuff.

The Shugster cruises back after towing.

So next year, come out to the Antique Nationals as its a heap of fun, we may even be racing there next time.

Pendine Sands tomorrow, what a great place.

Posted on June 26, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

26 Jun

Ok Gang

Some of you know that not only am I into the Motorcycle lifestyle, but I really have a passion for the Hot Rod and Custom scene too.

I had a 32 Three Window Coupe in the UK in the 80’s and tomorrow Pendine Sands will have their second meet where you get to race on probably the earliest dry bed speed trials anywhere in the world.

To be part of this would be an awesome thing, just to experience all these cool Hot Rods that have been restored or completely built to their style must be intoxicating.

Lucky for me I was in the Hot Rod fraternity in its early guise and we had a blast but now to see so many people and so many rides is just mind boggling and on such a famous part of the British Isles for Land Speed Racing.

So hopefully my mates will send me some photos and I can share some of it with you on a blog.

The Vintage Hot Rod Association presents:

2nd Annual Pendine Sands Hot Rod Races

28th & 29th June 2014

We are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Hot Rod Races to be held at Pendine Sands. With the tide playing no small role in determining dates for us, we will be running the event on the 28th and 29th of June 2014. That’s right folks, two days of hot rod racing on the historic beach in South Wales. We will be starting around 11am each day and racing for around five to six hours, with non-stop action from start to finish.

The first running of the event was a complete success and has brought the VHRA international acclaim, peaking with no lesser award than the Motoring Event of the Year at the International Historic Motoring Awards. The press coverage has been phenomenal, with Octane, Motorsport and The Automobile reporting about our time on the beach, along with the more expected magazines such as Custom Car and Classic American. In case you have missed what happened on the 7th September 2013, click here and here to get a taste of the action.

Free Spectating

Outside of the pits it’s free if you wish to come and spectate. There is a fee of £3 per car payable on the day which will allow you to park on the hallowed beach in your car. This will not permit you to enter the pit or race areas, nor will you have access to the after race parties on Saturday or Sunday night. No pre-booking is required, you do not need to be a member and there is no limit on numbers.

Racing Classes

V – Vintage – Pre 54 engines, inclusive of all Ford flathead V8’s

L – Late – 1954 and later engines

4 – 4 Cylinder

6 – 6 Cylinder

8 – 8 Cylinder

U – Unlimited Cylinders

B – Blown – Supercharger or Turbo

F – Flathead – ALL valves in block, no OHV conversions

R – Roadster – Open top factory cars. Roof chops allowed, top must be down.

C – Closed Car – Fixed roof factory cars. Roof chops allowed.

M – Modified – Open top special & shortened bodies including any non factory bodies.

S – Streamliner – Closed car special & shortened bodies, including any non factory bodies.

K – Full Body – Factory cars post 1934. All body styles, roof chops allowed. Full fenders must be fitted.

Accommodation

For those wishing to stay nearby there are a number of options. If you are quick then the Parkdean Caravan Park across the road is the place to stay. Call 0844 335 3729 and be sure to quote reference HOT ROD 14 to receive a 5% discount whilst the offer still stands. Bookings are done on a short break basis and start from just £229 for a 6 berth caravan. Check out their website for details of the accommodation available. Alternatively there will be camping available on site and nearby, bookable via the VHRA, at £15 per pitch for Friday and Saturday nights and is only available to those booking race or patrol passes. There are also hotels and B&B’s in the area, just search on Google for more information!

Hot Rod Reunion Bowling Green, KY- Gasser Crash!

Posted on June 16, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

16 Jun

The “Traveler” Altizer, Finders, and Kibler 33 Willys Crash Sequence

In the first round of the 1/8 mile contested AA/Gas category Ted Turley Jr. driving the “Traveler” Altizer, Finders, and Kibler 33 Willys had just beat Steve Crooks’ “Blew By You” Gasser with a 5.617 at 118.42 mph when disaster struck. A brief puff of white smoke appeared from the car which was followed by a hard right turn that sent the car on its roof and across the track behind Crooks’ car. The 33 Willys briefly went airborne landing on its side and sliding to a stop just short of the opposite guardrail. Turley fortunately was able to walk away from the car uninjured. by Mike Sopko Jr.

I wanted to show these photos today on Monday as to be honest, after this sentence no words need to be said but, glad he walked away, testament to modern structural engineering in the chassis of Drag cars, scary but Phew- it could of easily ended worse for the driver.

Dakota Made the Final at Fontana

Posted on June 3, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

03 Jun

Photos by Adam Lavelle check him out at https://www.facebook.com/Loosenutphotography?ref=br_rs

Well, our shop grease monkey “Dakota Kai Sun ‘ put another feather in his cap on the weekend, making the Final of the NHRA Pacific nations, the competition was just as ever, Tighter than a ducks Arse and Kota managed to get his KAWASAKI ZRX 1400 through to the final round up against Augustine Herrera.

If you get to Fontana or Irwindale or leis Vegas or even Barona, look out for 7111 as he runs them all.

Shinko Tires, Muzzy Performance, Mav Tv, Penske Suspension, Kawasaki motorcycles are his sponsors and he races for Bronze Star Racing Group.

A hive of activity at the track and the Sun was out to make the day interesting.

Lucas team discuss the Values of cool sunglasses on such an epic race meet.

Hooked and launching, Dakota does what he does best.

Hot temps, sticky track and constant temperature changes are actually a royal pain in the arse for a competitor.

Dakota getting ready ti light the rear up as he Grandad “Bob Pine” gets him straight on the line.

Mavtv enjoy Dakota’s successful start to the race season.

That Muzzy sure lets people know who is in the house.

Proline Wraps.com is all you are going to see as you face Dakota kai Sun- just satin’.

Kota is all attitude when he gets in the groove, his main objective is to get the goal he has set out to do and he does it to the best of his ability, every time, he always pours 100% into what he does and gives it his best shot, you can never say he didn’t try hard enough as that just is not in his vocabulary.

But, Even he missed out by the smallest of margins, he is now all set for this weekend when Dakota is back at Irwinindale where he is still the points leader there and hope to improve on his points standings.

If you have never been to watch Motorcycle drag racing, come out- you will be so glad you did, the noise, the smell, the camaraderie is second to none.

A lot of racing still to come, hope to see you out at some of the meets the NHRA holds, come by, say hello it will be great to see you.

Dakota Races at Fontana Drags this weekend

Posted on May 23, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

23 May

Anyone around the Fontana area should see if they can make time to hit the Drag strip and wish our shop grease monkey- Dakota Kai Sun- all the very best as he runs not only against his pops ” Aaron “Twist the Wrist Pine” but many other super fast and cool people that will be running against him this weekend.

Dakota is still the points leader in the series and sure hope that he continues to be in top form as he goes up against the rest of the field on Saturday at Fontana in the NHRA Summit Series.

Below , Dakota lines up at irwindale to race his old man and both on their numbers too, this is always exciting to see these guys run and everybosy in the championship as racing is so tight.

I shall be there on Sunday with Jennifer Dakota’s Mum , come by to watch some brilliant racing, everyone is friendly and you can get so close to all the action.

Come see the speed these nutters get up to and wave on 7111- Dakota Kai Sun- to another great weekend of racing.

Where?

9300 Cherry Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Phone: 909-429-5060
Email: dragway@autoclubspeedway.com

I would like to thank all his sponsers for giving him this great oppertunity.

Bronze star Racing group, Lucas Oil , Muzzys Performance, Shinko Tires, Penske suspension, Mav Tv, Kawasaki Motorcycles

I’m in an Italian magazine this month.

Posted on May 15, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

15 May

Always great to be in any media to be honest- but was stoked to be in Riders magazine in Italy, as they are sure passionate about their Motorcycles and industry.

So to have an article about me in that that rag is so cool, this is a top quality magazine and many people have been featured like Rossi, Roberts and so many of my icons, so to see this really made my day and cannot thank them enough for coming to see me.

We get media from all over the globe visit us and have photo shoots with people from Helmet companies to high Fashion magazines, so we must be doing something right?

I remember them flying out to see me and they had an interpreter and we had a fun day chatting and taking photographs.

Dakota Races at Irwindale on Sunday! Come watch him Race.

Posted on May 3, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

03 May

Tomorrow Dakota will be at Irwindale Drag strip, and as right now he is the points leader, we shall be cheering him on even more to accomplish his goals that he has set out for, the last 2 meets Dakota had at irwindale, he won- so lets hope this will be a ti-fecta for him. Come on 7111, we know you are capable, lets hope track conditions are perfect for him. his Grandpa is Crew chief ( Bob Pine )- and makes sure everything is all set for the lad to hit the loud button when he gets on the track.

Dakota Kai Sun is racing against his pops too- Aaron Pine, and this time, they are both racing on the same model machines, ZRX1400, Aaron’s is in Blue and Dakota is in Red, these will be a good match up as pretty much set up the same.

Aaron will be on his ZRX racing for the first time, as this is a brand new machine and will be great to see how the bike dials in at the track, he had a few runs on Thursday and hopefully all will be well.

I want to thank Lucas oil, Mav Tv, Muzzy, Penske Racing Shocks, Shinko Tires for giving these guys the chance to show what they are made of, They Both race for the Bronze star racing group and Both have become Champions with them, so- this must be a great formula.

Dakota Kai Sun is only 19 and I am sure that people all around the drag Racing fraternity will know his name sooner or later and can get to race all around the USA, he is from a racing Family, as i said, his dad races the same model bike and a Gixer too in mid 5’s, and now , Dakota’s little brother Gavin pine is racing mini dragster series and he won his first event last meet too, rare to have that these days and we all welcome any support for them.

So- if you can make it out to Irwindale on Sunday, come and give Dakota a shout and a wave as he rides his Bronze star Racing group Kawasaki ZRX 1400 up the strip to a win.

I shall be there with his Mum Jennifer ( my Girlfriend) and we shall be posting about how the event goes through out the day on Facebook too.

Send positive thoughts and be great if we see ya there, Go Kota Kai!!!!!

2014 NHRA SUMMIT SERIES DATES

Summit Series Class ET’s
Super Pro	5.50 – 7.49
Pro	5.75 –8.59
Sportsman	7.50 – 12.60
Pro Bike	5.50 – slower

Entry Fees:

Again in 2014, NHRA Summit Series racers will be charged a one-time fee of $50.00 for bonus Summit Series Points if they chose to purchase them.

Racer joins the team race #1	100 Bonus Points
Racer joins the team race #2	75 Bonus Points
Racer joins the team race #3	50 Bonus Points
Racer joins the team race #4	25 Bonus Points

Summit Series competitors not paying the one-time fee prior to race #4 will still receive their regular points but will not be eligible for bonus points.Bonus points are NOT retroactive. The points are awarded based on when the bonus points fees are received.Bonus point funds will pay for the Top (5) racers in each class entry to the 2014 Summit Series Finals. Racers finishing in 6th place or lower will pay their entry fees for the 2014 Summit Series Finals.

Summit Racing Schedule and prices
$55.00 per entry / per class
Gates Open	7:30 am
Tech Cards/Tech	8:00 am
Drivers Meeting	10:00 am
Time Trials Run cards will be used	10:15 am
Eliminations for all Summit Series classes begin	apx. 1:00 pm
Secure track 1 hour after completion or racing

Ian King The GULF DRAG BIKE HAULS BALLS!

Posted on April 29, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

29 Apr

It’s Tuesday Cup O Cafe time and this time something to get your taste buds going.

If you love the sound of the drags, how can you not like this that I am sharing today, I grew up watching Road racing and drags and this is such an awesome machine to watch British Top Fuel Drag Bike racer is a natural king of the track, check out just a sample of this 1500 HP monster and take a ride with him and you see just a little insight into my Countryman’s wild gulf drag Bike.

This is so much harder than it looks and I am hoping that our Grease monkey ” Dakota Kai Sun” gets to be up with these guys at some point.

Enough of me blabbing on, just hit the Volume, out ya feet up and enjoy the video’s.

Anything that runs on nitromethane is exceptionally cool and that’s a fact which cannot be denied. The fuel is the most intense “power adder” in the known universe and whatever engine it is being put through sounds meaner than hell and is a literal bomb waiting to explode while running. Top fuel motorcycles combine all the elements of over the top danger and speed and then the machines go the extra mile but putting the rider directly on top of a supercharged and nitro swilling engine. This video is a complete lap from fire up to shutdown on a top fuel motorcycle. NOTE: This is not a nitro harley. A top fuel bike is a very different animal.

The rider whose head we’re glued to is Englishman Ian King who shipped his bike over for a recent event at South Georgia Motorsports Park. The run we’ll watch below was the final round where King needed to close the deal and make sure the rest of his hard work from the weekend was not wasted. As you watch the video, pay attention to what King is doing and also what he is not doing, mainly we’re talking about the fact that he’s heaving his body around on the bike to “steer it” as opposed to using the handle bars to actually direct the bike. Handle bars don’t help when the front tire is way off the ground.

Take all of those elements we just mentioned and then add the fact that the bike is painted in classic Gulf colors? Yeah we know….too cool!

Read all bout the Brit and his amazing 1500 HP Drag bike here.
http://www.kingracing.com/

Two hurt as hotrod show car rolls in HOBART- Australia

Posted on April 21, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

21 Apr

A VICTORIAN couple ended up in hospital when their hot Rod rolled over on Hobart’s Southern Outlet yesterday.

Two people were hurt in a rollover on the Southern Outlet heading into Hobart yesterday. Picture: Kim Eiszele Source: News Corp Australia

The crash happened about 4.30pm as the couple were heading into Hobart, south of the Olinda Grove turn-off at Mt Nelson.

They were in Tasmania for the weekend’s Australian Street Rod Federation event at the Hobart Showgrounds, which attracted more than 370 vehicle entries.

Organiser Lindsay Greenwood said he understood the man had suffered broken ribs and the woman, who was the driver, suffered facial injuries.

Mr Greenwood said dozens of people had come from interstate for the event, including about 60 from Western Australia, and many had spent a few weeks touring the state.

Police said it was unclear what caused the crash, but the road may have been wet at the time.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************

What a shame, I used to live in that part of the world and worked at a Rod shop, we used to attend this show all the time, these cars are so well built as the laws are probably the toughest in the globe and maybe this saved the people lives as the construction was done well, but unclear why it happened.

But its gut wrenching when a vehicle that has had thousands of painstaking hours put into, ends like this, I sure hope everyone is ok?

A sad blog but wanted to post this today as things happen.

Safe recovery and hope people can help get this machine back to its show winning condition.

Dakota races at Irwindale and takes the Win!

Posted on April 15, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

15 Apr

Photo: Adam LaVelle

Some of the videos I took have not loaded for some reason, but I thinks its photo bucket, buy at least some captured for you to see at the lower end of this Blog.

Sometimes just refreshing the page will load the videos.

Well, some people are a little superstitious when it comes to any sport, Base Ball players do their little unwrapping of gloves and re-positioning of their cap etc, Super cross riders do their head shaking and goggle adjusting etc.

Now as today is the 13th, you’d think that our shop grease Monkey – “Dakota Kai Sun ” of Bronze Star Racing group- Would be doing an accumulation of that, as well as rubbing a Rabbits foot, kissing a baby, looking up the the sky for the great Gods of Maui for some higher than though luck.

But Kota just shrugs his 19 year old shoulders and says, ” I will take any lane, doesn’t bother me”

That is someone with not just drive and positive attitude, it is someone who has a passion in his sport and gives it 100% every time. Today was no exception and as me and Jennifer Pulled in to the Pits with Bailey with us for a little luck from us, we could see Dakota was already on the starting line and we watched him Blap a really good strong 5.45 second run for his Qualifying run.

A bit of a different set up for Dakota this time as Usually his Dad “Aaron Pine ” is there either Racing or wrenching for him, but Dakota’s Grandpa ” Bob Pine ” Was there as always to make sure all went well, Aaron was actually at Bakersfield with Dakota’s little Brother “Gavin” who at 8 years old has just started racing in his mini Dragster, so a Racing Family and quite rare to have all three racing and that will be happening in a few weeks time.

The bike was all set and ready and seemed to react well to the condition of the track- the weather is usually hotter than the inside of a Camels Guts when you get to the track and when we jumped out of the Van, it was actually a little cold, the temp was down and the bikes loved that ambient temperature and Dakota’s machine was definitley loving the cooler air.

Kota ran a strong and faster 5.41 on his second pass and the bike launched better than a Political lobby for a new president!

With a fast time and a really good 60 foot and reaction time, we could sense there was something in the air- was it Triumphantness ?

Or maybe our Bulldogs rear end as that seems to let go every five minutes these days. Turns out is was the Triumphantness- as Dakota ran on his first run on the Left Lane and took the win and the bike dug in and launched well, and this seemed to be a good day for this machine and of course for Bronze Star Racing group, Mav tv, Lucas oil, Shinko Tires and Penske suspension as this ZRX1400 was all go today.

More focus than a telescopes View finder- kota sets his eyes in the Christmas tree.

A quick rest under the easy up and then the next round was already here, they sat in the staging lanes for some time and the weather was slowly warming up, but its the same for everyone else and when the green light was given, Dakota headed for the staging lane.

Whoosh- Bang- Bing- Bong- Rock on- His Gone! Dakota takes the win once more, the bike is holding well and the clutch seems to be fine too.

Next time up came Dakota and some Older geezer who could easily be Chuck Lidells ( The Ice Man ) dad- On his Buell. No worries, the light was on and Dakota took of for the win once more!

Always focused and gets the job done to the best of his ability every time.

Kota’s mate Gage Berrara on his Ninja sits and awaits for the track to open.

In the staging lanes just waiting for the call to take it to the line.

Dillan, Cody, crew for Dakota whilst his Girlfriend Taylor gives him some support in the staging lanes.

And so, a great Sunday of Drag racing with some fun characters for sure.

The Flying frog is getting to be a known commodity at the track these days, Dakota had to race him in th4e Final at their last meet, the froggy can fly rather than hop!

TONY PALLATERA has won many championships and the bike is a missile, although he had a few issues with tire pressure in testing.

They both are up on the line and the froggy gets the win as matey cant get the bike off the line as he wanted to and the tire lit up.

The staging lanes show a Mixed bag of Brands of Motorcycles, from Buells to Busa’s and Irwindale is a really great place for the spectator, as they can get close to the Pitts and to the track too.

Qualifying passes are what gets the day started.

Bob ” POPS” Pine is Dakota’s grandpa and he sets him up on the track and make sure all is good for his run on the 1/8th.

Dakota is all set, great shot here of him all set to hit the loud button and run a mid 5 seconds pass.

Gage Berrara fires up his ninja and gets a run in.

Tony Pallatera was unlucky with his tire pressure and clutch today but- that’s Drag racing.

Irwindale is great for spectators as you can get so close to all the action.

The Little Buell that could, seemed to run well for an old bike and an older fella!

Kota and Kermit both have a go at the 1/8th mile.

2 Kwackers sit on the line, one new, one old, the Old one does not fair so well against Kota Kai!!!!!!

Dave Miller and his Squidster runs a By and this bike launches like NASA spaceship!

The Jolly Parisian comes back after kota shows him how its done, a fun guy, even for a Frenchman!

Dakota cruises back after the win and is as cool as a Eskimos out house.

Mr.Miller heads back for another round as he blasts through too!

Chuck Lidells dad suits up!

The lads have a chin wag in between rounds.

The infamous sign that you can see from the freeway!

Kota’s dial in time got lower than that too, this bike was doing great today!

OK- here we go, one more round and the Sun is coming out to warm up the track, its been remarkably cool today here!

The 2 youngest lads racing have a bit of a chin wag between rounds.

Staging lanes start to get a little hotter in the day.

Last minute checks and preps before kota takes to the 1/8th.

Lighting the tire up so traction is good and his grandpa Bob Pine makes sure he is all ready and lined up!

A great team and have proven to be a force to be reckoned with once all the ducks are in a row.

This Buell did itself a good turn today and he got the numbers in and sent Gage home!

Staying cool under pressure but this was a really good event for Dakota.

Final preps for the next round.

Pop’s Pine wished Dave Miller all the best as he gets ready to hit the tarmac once more.

This is a good fraternity to hang with and even though the racing is dead serious, there is always fun and laughter afterwards.

Dillon putting his back into it as he pushes Kota to the line.

Dave lights the tire up.

fresh paint must do something as he made the final!

Relaxed but focused on the next job at hand!

Dakota and Dave head back from their run with Dakota taking the win!

Kota shows his girl that this trophy has bling on it!

This is the view they they get at the line!

Kota and Taylor pose for some pics in the winners circle!

Dakota looking happy and wants to thank ALL his Sponsors. Shinko Tires, Lucas oil, Penske Shocks, MTC, Kawasaki and of course Bronze Star racing group, all added together, this makes for a winning combination.

Seven Triple One, thats Dakota Kai Sun, you will be seeing a lot of him, especially in the Summit class of the NHRA!

A great Sunday meet and always good to come to irwindale to watch the drags, you should try and make it as it is a blast!

The Flying frog tries his hand at running the numbers, but runs like an egg short of an omelet!

OK- here is some more video I did using my little camera, so you get to see what we did, this video is the froggy in the Left lane but doesn’t quite make the numbers.

Here we have the qualifying with Dakota and a long time friend gage, Kota is on his ZRX1400 and Gage on his Busa!

Kota is happy with the bike pulling mid 5 seconds.

Poor Gage has to run against the Buell and let the fella run 2 seconds ahead of him, that’s a hard chase.
Watch Gage as he lifts the front end on more than one occasion, bad luck mate.

Dakota into the next round with his win here over ” Tony Pallatera” but an issue with wheel spin shuts him out and Kota pulls hard into the lead and the win with a super time.

Dakota in the next round and this time against the Flying Frog, this could be a tight race, but kota gets the win and is through the the next round- GO Kota!!!

Dave Mad man Miller up against Former champ ” Tony Pallatera” but ” Tony” has issue in the first few feet and Mr. Miller takes the win and into the next round.

Dave Miller having a go with his Bike and just out of the paint shop, the three eyed red Squidster hauls some serious Arse!

Dakota runs against the old boy on his Buell, but- kota has to wait a full 3 seconds after Chuck liddels dad heads off, mid track i thought I heard the tire light up on the revs but kota ran it through and got the win!

The Final, I got this video of Dakota in the right lane against Dave miller another local racer and bloody fast too, this is a great match up and great friends too, but its a close race and kota does it and wins the final and the trophy!

Check Dakota’s reaction time.

Thanks again for all those who support our Team. Kawasaki Lucas Oil MAVtv Shinko Tires USA MTC Engineering LLC Muzzys Performance Catalyst Racing Composites DME Racing Penske Racing Shocks World Wide Bearings Proline Wraps Dynatek And Adam LaVelle

The final with Dave miller and Dakota

Other cool News is, I think this may be a first, but kota wins at Irwindale and his 8 year old Brother “Gavin”, takes the final in his first race at Bakersfield- Now that is a racing family.

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