UNHERALDED HORNE MAKING WAVES IN NHRA PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
Sat, 2009-06-06 15:28
Doug Horne, rookie standout driving the Junior Pippin Drag Star Buell, fired a shot across the bow of the competition 
during Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying at the NRHA Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill.
Horne, out of Aberdeen, Md., blasted to the top of the field with a blazing 6.936, 191.84 mph run in the very first qualifying session which proved untouchable in the second session.
“It was really good to come right off of the trailer and lay down that kind of a number,” Horne said. “We’ve done some testing during the four weeks we’ve had off and it seems the testing has paid off. The tune-up was great and we changed a bit in the clutch combination. Having that kind of run gives us all the confidence in the world.”
The second session in Chicago presented a weird set of circumstances for the rider out of Junior Pippin’s stable. The weather conditions at Route 66 Raceway were nearly identical to the opening session and the racing surface improved yet nearly all of the bikes slowed down, including Horne, who fell off nearly a tenth.
“It was weird because the weather was the same as the first run and everyone slowed down .10 to .15,” Horne explained. “Ricky Manning told us that before the second run and said that is just how Chicago is.”
Chicago traditions aside, the former award-winning All Harley Drag Racing Association rider and past world champion is not satisfied with an impressive start and wants even more.
“I wish I could put some bigger numbers on the board for Junior Pippin and Drag Star, who is helping us this weekend,” Horne said.
It is amazing when one thinks how a young 19-year old rider who entered the season just hoping to get a chance to compete, is quickly establishing himself as a contender.
“I am surprised with the way the season is going because I just wanted to come in and get my feet wet and get situated with the whole organization,” Horne explained. “My sister jokes with me all the time and says, ‘I knew it.'”
The sister isn't the only who knows it, now. Doug Horne is for real and the competition better not take him lightly.
during Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying at the NRHA Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill. Horne, out of Aberdeen, Md., blasted to the top of the field with a blazing 6.936, 191.84 mph run in the very first qualifying session which proved untouchable in the second session.
“It was really good to come right off of the trailer and lay down that kind of a number,” Horne said. “We’ve done some testing during the four weeks we’ve had off and it seems the testing has paid off. The tune-up was great and we changed a bit in the clutch combination. Having that kind of run gives us all the confidence in the world.”
The second session in Chicago presented a weird set of circumstances for the rider out of Junior Pippin’s stable. The weather conditions at Route 66 Raceway were nearly identical to the opening session and the racing surface improved yet nearly all of the bikes slowed down, including Horne, who fell off nearly a tenth.
“It was weird because the weather was the same as the first run and everyone slowed down .10 to .15,” Horne explained. “Ricky Manning told us that before the second run and said that is just how Chicago is.”
Chicago traditions aside, the former award-winning All Harley Drag Racing Association rider and past world champion is not satisfied with an impressive start and wants even more.
“I wish I could put some bigger numbers on the board for Junior Pippin and Drag Star, who is helping us this weekend,” Horne said.
It is amazing when one thinks how a young 19-year old rider who entered the season just hoping to get a chance to compete, is quickly establishing himself as a contender.
“I am surprised with the way the season is going because I just wanted to come in and get my feet wet and get situated with the whole organization,” Horne explained. “My sister jokes with me all the time and says, ‘I knew it.'”
The sister isn't the only who knows it, now. Doug Horne is for real and the competition better not take him lightly.
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