The PennGrade1 American Motorcycle Racing Association (AMRA) series is set to return to Rockingham Dragway for the Jim McClure All-Harley World Finals, promising a national stage for motorcycle drag racing enthusiasts. Greg Baugh, AMRA series leader, declared, “Hold my beer!” in response to claims of the dragway’s recent Street Outlaws event as the biggest crowd of the year.
This year’s finals will showcase the Circle M Ranch/Dove Fuels Top Fuel bikes, the loudest motorcycles in the sport, as they honor the late Jim McClure. Defending champion Jordan Peterson, fresh off a victory at Bowling Green, will aim to dominate the event on his support team’s finely-tuned bike.
But local legend Jay “Bulldog” Turner, a Hall of Famer, is prepared to defend his home turf against competitors. Turner, alongside teammates Tii Tharpe and John “JT” Toth, plans to thwart off the challenges from out-of-state riders.
The finals feature several international competitors, including Finland’s Juha “Sushi” Hintukainen, known for his ProCharged bike. Samu Kemppainen and Elmeri Salakari, joined by his father Jaska, will also showcase their powerful machines at the event.
Notably, Bad Apple Racing’s Tracy Kile is returning after a season-long hiatus, motivated by the allure of the McClure Nationals. Other competitors expected to compete include AMRA champion Ryan Peery, Tim Kerrigan, and Ziggy Stewart.
Jimmy “Mac” McMillen will also make his comeback, riding Armon Furr’s Nitro Funnybike. He joins a competitive field featuring Cameron Gunter, champion Jim Doyle, Michael Balch, Racin’ Ray Robinson, and Jason Leeper.
(Tim Hailey contributed to this report).
