vintage dragrace

[skinner]

I thought maybe a few of you would like this, if you like old dragbikes then there is a two day meet in ohio june 25-26
at a 1/8 mile track near Stuebenville,Ohio, vintage the main topic but all bikes welcome. I myself am building an old triumph
twin with vintage in mind. I use to race Alf Hagon frame twin in 70s and 80s and just felt it was time to build another,
bucket list if you will. www.steelvalleydragway.com is track low key bring old vintage bikes out for show or go.
Dont know of any other event just for bikes like this.
I got web page up Ill need to add some more info Its funny could not
find Triumph picture in time that I had permission to use but Joe Smith let me use one of his.
But harley shops turnd me down to help but Triumph shops said ok. you can tell wording done by someone I hired
a little fancy for me but will do the trick and ideas welcomed www.vintagedragbikeracing.com

[Deans BMW]

That sounds so cool. I used to Drag race back in the late 60's at Sunshine Dragway in St Petersburg, Florida on a '68 BSA Lightning.................aahhhh, those were some great times.

[DarthRider]

Cool beans Skinner!
I've drag raced a Triumph and ran it at Bonneville too.
How 'bout some pics of that bad boy?

[skinner]

Ill post pictures as soon as I can need my wife to do it not to good on computer.
tried to tell the story that got me to this point but to slow of a typer.
but really alot of interest on old vintage dragbikes have a frame builder making
frames right now for triumph and bsa engines maybe 650 yamaha and 450 honda all twins.
got tire manufacture to make 18x4 avon like slick.Should all be avaliable this summer hopfully
by drag meet date. stay tuned for more info and progress. thanks
love the old days just trying to bring a little back reasonably without going in debt.

[Sir Limpsalot]

Racing without going into debt will be a neat trick if you can pull it off - good luck!

Si.

[skinner]

Racing without going into debt will be a neat trick if you can pull it off - good luck!

Si.

well my goal is to build vintage bike, track ready that would be gasser for around 10.000
this would be custom frame all new from ground up If you had old parts you could build cheaper.
these could be used to race at vintage events Triumph against BSA 50+ and older class running
18x4 avons reproduced this summer this will happen at drags in june 25-26
My family has bought 6 new motorcycles in past 5 years only one less money 05 bonny

[vintagemxr]

Looking forward to seeing pictures of your project and the vintage meet. $10k to go racing doesn't sound that bad, it's small change compared to almost any sort of car racing (Dirty Doug will attest to that). As long as the mortgage payment is made, there's food on the table, and the kids have shoes, go for it!

the other Doug

[Arby]

Ill post pictures as soon as I can need my wife to do it not to good on computer.
tried to tell the story that got me to this point but to slow of a typer.
but really alot of interest on old vintage dragbikes have a frame builder making
frames right now for triumph and bsa engines maybe 650 yamaha and 450 honda all twins.
got tire manufacture to make 18x4 avon like slick.Should all be avaliable this summer hopfully
by drag meet date. stay tuned for more info and progress. thanks
love the old days just trying to bring a little back reasonably without going in debt.

Hey there, skinner

Who's making the retro tires for you? Is your contact person a fellow Ohian?

I did a little drag racing myself, back in the day. Mostly cars, but some bikes too, mostly an 850 G and 1000 E Suzuki.

Good luck with the project . Looking forward to hearing more about it.

RB

[skinner]

tire are made by overseas tire manufactur I tried for two years to get USA people to do It they should be for sale by meet date.
there will be new vintage frames for sale there allso yetman style and sort of a hagon style.
compleate bikes should be done by then Im hoping for a tri and BSA to be on display and racing
If anyone is Interested come on by I am talking to other tracks for other meets around country,
It depends largly on the turn out So this first meet means alot
frames avalible for ironhead sportys,triumph twins,BSA yam650 H2 kaw could be made for 450 honda almost any twin
would be fun to have 20 twin gassers in class Ill post web as soon as done come on by long way for some
but plan on moving meets around country need a good turn out Here for other tracks to help
$5 spectator$15 show $30to race a day 2 day $50 $40 for swapmeet space can camp on site if Race or vender
prices show Im keeping it as low as I can just to cover cost of track Bring out vintage bikes and show thanks



Hey there, skinner

Who's making the retro tires for you? Is your contact person a fellow Ohian?

I did a little drag racing myself, back in the day. Mostly cars, but some bikes too, mostly an 850 G and 1000 E Suzuki.

Good luck with the project . Looking forward to hearing more about it.

RB

[DarthRider]

Wayne, it sounds like you have quite an operation going!
Are you selling the slicks & various frames yourself?
If there is a website or something I'd be happy to spread the word.
I know Ed Mabry & Keith Martin at Big 'D' Cycle will be interested.

[skinner]

Wayne, it sounds like you have quite an operation going!
Are you selling the slicks & various frames yourself?
If there is a website or something I'd be happy to spread the word.
I know Ed Mabry & Keith Martin at Big 'D' Cycle will be interested.

Im not the manufactor of frames Im more of engine guy but in my search for parts and such,
I have found alot of good people who make different componants. I can gather and build
one for people. Or turn them on to people that can help. I feel if everone gets a little bit
then this might take off to somthing good. so all this led to having races also and I had a
good oppertunity at this track. Rothwell enterprise Iron head frame
Ive Been working with Kosman on twin frames. Like I said Im just trying to gather every one together.
Have a guy in austrailia that makes Billit Pre unit triumph cases look bullit proof,Id love to build
another double triumph.

[skinner]

I know this meet is far away for alot of people but if we have a good turn out then theres tracks
in neb and south that I have contacted and are interested so hope you all can get there for at least one day.
Tell all you can no band, No wet tshirt contest just bikes hopfully vintage dragbikes showup
Im trying to find sponser for fuel, that would help get some boys out, think a guy in Texas did that a few years ago.

Im trying to find post that I read on here that talks about how cheap you used to be able to build a dragbike.
You know back then, Well my goal is to do it now most of us would have great fun on a triumph running 11s or better.
you can do this without stringing engine out to bad.Put a little fuel with a high gear bike run much better.
I think Jack Wilson ran 9s on gas with twin. What he did with cranks then welding and offset grind for stroker.
You can buy new now brand new billit cranks. Like anything You can spend alot of mony but my goal is to bring
back garage built racers and have meets where we can compete. Just like back in the day.

[Arby]

skinner, do you know Tom Lorden? He would be a good contact for you, if your deal for retro tires doesn't work out. He's an Ohio guy.

RB

[skinner]

No, shows the power of the internet how do i get hold of him
thanks Arby, wayne skinner



skinner, do you know Tom Lorden? He would be a good contact for you, if your deal for retro tires doesn't work out. He's an Ohio guy.

RB

[Arby]

No, shows the power of the internet how do i get hold of him
thanks Arby, wayne skinner

PM sent.

RB

[skinner]

You guys really have to bear with me on my typing Truely hunt and peck, I have to hurry so my log on dosent click off.
I see alot of road racing intrest on here use to do some at mid ohio and nelson ledges road course Flat track also,
just cant take a falls like I use to and never finish what I started with drag bike. My bucket list if you will.
I can still beat my boys with old triumph. Makes me feel pretty good.

[DarthRider]

Hey Wayne, I'll just answer your PM about Ed Mabry's frames here, as he has "fans" here and some that knew and/or loved Jack Wilson & Big 'D' Cycle.

I spoke with Ed this morning and he said sure, he remembers you. He also said he has 2 frames in the attic, both are set up for either 2 or 3-cylinder Triumph motors.
One was built for Jack Wilson (Big 'D') & Lee Manis (Team Triumph Texas) and hold multiple drag records with 2-cyl. motors. This was the first motorcycle drag frame Ed ever built. Lee was primary rider, although there were a couple of others, including Jon Minonno .
The other ran with 3-cyl. motors and holds multiple records with Jon Minonno riding.
They are both "lay down" frames with quarter-fairings. Both are complete roller chassis, everything but engines. Ed & Jack's partnership was that Jack would build, tune & own the engines and Ed would build & own the chassis.
I knew of these frames but didn't have all that detail. Both were very successful in their day and historically important. And Ed says there is no reason they shouldn't be successful in vintage drags, given good engines.
And yes, he would sell them..."pretty cheap"!
I'm going to visit Ed next month and we will drag them out and get a bunch of pictures. I told him to be thinking what "pretty cheap" means in $$, so we'll see.
He would prefer to sell them together as he doesn't like to separate his various "sets" of race bikes. Want to buy any LSR Triumphs?
By the way, he has some Triumph twin engines & parts too, stockers I think...any interest in those?

I'll keep you posted Wayne. I'm helping him sell some of his LSR bikes and we visit pretty often.

[panthercity]

Don't know for sue, but this may be one of Ed's frames.

http://www.panthercity.net/OldBikes/Blown.jpg

and/or this

http://www.panthercity.net/OldBikes/Minonno.jpg

[DarthRider]

Could be, but the only ones I ever saw were "lay down" frames.
I'll ask him about that when I see him.

Hey Bob, I could use some help dragging those frames around next month...want to help?

[skinner]

Well there it is the power of the internet,Yes Im familar with Both of those frames, A guy could put a good engine in one of those and have some moving history
With all of the memorys You have of those guys make sure they go to someone who knows what they have , Im a little scared what hes gonna ask I know
what he quoted for twin frame a few years ago Museums are nice but a moving museum better all those guys you mentioned are true legons of triumph racing.
you really got me thinking now.
Tell Ed hi for me In all honesty no one can better what a team like Jack and Ed has done But for allmost thirty seven years Ive been influanced by them.
Just the fact he remembers my name is more than I could ever expect.

[skinner]

Ill go ahead and tell my story of first conversation with Jack. I was 17 and had just bought a 67 650 bonny for $350.
It would run but poorly. All complete stocker, the guy told me he had just redone the entire motor, new everything.
Now I never had a triumph before this so I did not Know were to start.I called Jack got his number from guy
I bought bike from. talked to jack he said find out what they did to motor and get receipts. Went to guy got receipts,
Called Jack, In the receipts was a cam card degrees duration so on,went thru everything with Jack he said see if guy degreed cams in or used old timing marks.
Talked to guy he said used old timing marks. Called Jack he said get degree wheel dial indicator and timing gear puller, shop manuel About two weeks called Jack.
Explained how to set cams on phone, said take your time check and recheck cams would be ok with valve clearence.
Took bike to school, shop teacher and I started in on cams.Called Jack on Shop class phone Got last advice said it should start first kick if right.
Put the bike together,first kick fired right up. rode it to guys house next day he was really was pissed off said I ripped him off.
I think he was pretty embarassed because he was a biker dude and freinds were there. Any way Jack never ask for anything for his time.
That bike first I raced on strip ran 13.10 cool.

[DarthRider]

That sounds like Jack all the way around Wayne.
Ed would like to see those bikes back on the strip, so would Jack if he was here...let's work on that!
They could also make pretty cool Vintage or Pushrod altered frame, partial streamliner LSR bikes...:ricky:

[skinner]

well it 2.30 in the morning and I cant get out of my head that after all this time that I might have a chance to ride history will work on coming up with the mony I talked to my boys allready { theres a millionare watching I know] I just cant belive that I almost feel like I did when I was twenty, But thats what bucket list is suppose to do right.let me know cant let it get away this time

[panthercity]

...Hey Bob, I could use some help dragging those frames around next month...want to help?Give me a call when you're headin' down here. If I'm able, I'm willing.

[skinner]

www.vintagedragbikeracing.com is new web page more updates soon

[skinner]

Hey guys,
Im looking for mostly British drag bike racers to see if we can get them to come to vintage nationals.
There will be a good number of Harley guys there and Id like to see a few more British bikes there.
Also alot of all types of bikes there But mostly I started this to bring back British twin racing like my triumph.
It will take a good turnout of all makes and models to make this a good thing for track owners and to have other tracks participate. With vintage classes mixed in.Anyway tell all the folks you can and we can bring back some good
old racing again.

[DarthRider]

Great poster Wayne!

http://www.vintagedragbikeracing.com/uploads/2/8/6/2/2862893/4233529.jpg?440

[Deans BMW]

Great poster. Sounds like you all are going to have a great time.

[skinner]

Just so you guys know what my goal is with this meet theres a few mom and pop tracks out there that have given me a price for a day like the one Im at. Im
looking to try and get 50-100 or more vintage dragbike owners to be members basicly a mailing list. we could then rent tracks for a day or two just for us to race on.
this track wanted 2000$ a day 40 racers at 50$ then advertising and pull for spectators not and issue if we could find 3 to 4 tracks around country to do this
would make for a great time bring back some old bikes and not be paying promoter.Just the guys with bikes If spectators do come could be forwarded to pay for future
track events then race fee could be shared among winners. so if you know of old bikes out there that might be interested let them know. www.vintagedragbikeracing.com
Thanks I think this will work should be able to get 100 guys together again.

[panthercity]

How much for event insurance?

[skinner]

Im using tracks Insurance dont know what company but was told 550 a day so thats not to bad local ems squad 100 to 200 depending on which one and track pays for that good deal I thought still we sign waver for race
was up at track today geting lights working and looking around plenty of room long shutdown.If I get enough people this could be yearly event here and others.they let us camp and working with fair grounds to use showers.
owner of track working with me on this likes Idea, I think its a good chance for somthing great to keep a little history going.

[panthercity]

Sounds like you're coverin' all the bases. Lot's more work to put on that appears on the surface. But nothin' like a labor of love.

[skinner]

well I have to learn to type faster keep losing log in , yea hope it works out .Just picture 100 bikes from 1972 or so and make a field of them mix it up british harley only a few honda kaws yam.
I cant think of a better show or anywere else thats doing this think of the history out there thats about to be lost

[skinner]

Well happy Easter everyone,Man this race has turned into second job but moving along nicely have a few food venders have contacted many old dragbikes around country. I did not realize how many folks are messing with old drag bikes. The biggest challenge will be fuel prices getting people there. I think if we can get folks there then it will have a positive out look for other events. I was talking to a track in Neb. not a big spectater crowd but for racers would be about in the middle of country.
I would need about 125 racers at $50 each to rent track for a day half up front with next day as rain day nothing against cars but when you dont have to wait on them its nice. well make it if you can and tell your friends. not much ridden here to much rain.

on another note I was talking to a cylinder maker in england the other day and asked about barrels he had on web page.He said he made for a guy in Poenix A.that was rebuilding a Sonny Routt Double engine drag bike anyone Know who this is would like to contact him.

[skinner]

hey everyone,
the race is coming along good got confermation that lees speed shop is bringing 47 nuck alky burning drag bike cool
Arby, heard that first of the old drag slicks prototypes are being sent out to test I dont , no cost yet dont know if I will get prototype
but anyway tires are because of your lead we all know this no matter who sells them,cant use on Eds bikes anyway hope to have fairly stock motor in twin bike for meet not much time left.
so tires should be at meet.

[skinner]

Ive decided to give the fast Triumph award as the Maybry award in honor of Ed

[panthercity]

Ive decided to give the fast Triumph award as the Maybry award in honor of Ed

http://www.gigabikes.com/forums/html/emoticons/Smilie7.gif

Very good!

[Donson]

Thats great, Wayne!:041:

[DarthRider]

Ive decided to give the fast Triumph award as the Maybry award in honor of Ed
Wayne, that and the whole "Team Triumph Karma" deal will be discussed at Ed's memorial service next week.
Good on ya' Bro!

[skinner]

well getting down to it workin on track, this race promotion thing really take alot of time. But the people Ive meet and the old dragbikes Ive come across that had nowhere to go now have a place to breath again. Im forced to have other events in future not only for my bike to be built but for other people to have time to get theres ready
I have put pretty high goals for the turnout and have some great old bikes coming,new race parts and frames,tires that havent been produced in over 35 years. come help keep these bikes alive and the vintage races going for the future.

[DarthRider]

That's good work you're doing there Mr. Skinner!
Wish I could be there, maybe another one down the road.

[skinner]

Well its been quite a 8 month period for me this idea I had to bring back vintage drag racing has taken me on unexpected ride, Not only did I learn to use a computer[losely used] but I got to meet Ed and get some of his frames.
I have talked to many old racers from years past most who support my idea with vintage nationals.In my search for old drag bikes I have contacted 6 different double engine triumphs, 2 norton, 3 bsa 5 harleys, all that can be run again with some work a few ready to go if there was a place.
Many old single engine bikes from 47 knuck drag bike to 50s bsa mid 80s top fuel blown kaw, high gear sportster fuel bikes,about any bike you can imagine,benelli 6 cly,H2s, rd350 a true motocyclists dream.
I have not put to much work into the vintage bike show just did not have the time, but for next event will work harder on this. I like museums they keep history available for the future, but I want to smell and hear,feel,see,again these old bikes run.
My grandad said everyone in life should dig a ditch once,all my kids have, just to fill it up,if the history is to be kept alive the young need to see it in action, in person so they can pass on there own stories to there young,I remember when!
Anyway support the vintage Nationals when they come to a town near you keep the history alive and bring your kids, or in our case grand kids.

[DarthRider]

Karma dude, karma!
And good luck too, of course.
But remember what Paul Newman had to say about that:
"Luck is an art."

[skinner]

Well getting down to it on race I hope this is the start of a good summer I have a confermation date of Aug. 13 in South east Illinois for second vintage nationals race, they have lights there and it will be a 1 day event good outlaw track with no big mony involved non profit they donate all to needy Kids I like that.

[DarthRider]

That's great Wayne...you're "off to the races"!
Sorry, I couldn't help it.:028:

[skinner]

Hey going crazy with this race sh... I now know why not alot of people come to this track as the owner dosent take care of buisness but I got grass mowed,porta johns cleaned and added a couple, fixed up track,talked to fair board and got showers open for venders and racers, and then he says yesterday he forgot to get ambulance lined up
WT... he says they could be there in 15 min. or so yea I wanta be laying on the ground waitting for 15 min. if I crash. anyway got am. on site weather looks good hope I break even could have finished One Of Eds bikes with mony I put in hope its another woodstock in a way.
Oh and by the way Arby, have to go to Indiana PA. today or tomarrow to pick up 18X4 slick like old avon big part of getting old vintage bikes out Tom L. really pulled it off 3/19/11 when you gave me phone#. never met the man but but Im going to make a point of it.
And thanks again dave for Care pakg. Ill have Eds bikes, old tires,new Triumph cases and 8 months ago before the Ed deal contracted Kosman to build new line of old dragbike frames, I get the first one friday morn in mail. Been quite a year and its only half over Hmm.
Now I need to go racing

[DarthRider]

What do you do in all your spare time Wayne?
I hope the race really goes well. If it doesn't it wasn't for lack of time, effort, work & money on your part!
Be sure & get pics of the winner of the Ed Mabry Trophy.

[skinner]

Well the Ed Maybry award goes to the fastest Triumph of the meet Wayne Skinner the only Triumph there racing Ill post more later

[skinner]

Whew man glad I got the first one out of the way. I learned alot, Went off fine for first event I think was a little dissapointed in drag bike turn out. I had 72 bikes pre register and only 2 of them showed up, of course the man from texas was one of them Paul Jones on his fuel sporty and Don Rothwell with his.
Every thing I said would happen did, Had new 18x4 slicks there to display,even tho first batch did not pass inspection factory gave me 2 for show. I had billet cases for display from Austrlia,had Eds bikes there, Texas was well represented.Repop of yetmans there,and the new old drag bike from Kosman that Ive been working on with them arived friday morning. This will work and had to use this track to get started but I will not have another event here unless a new owner is put in charge. Had to pay his help,had to find a ambulnce service with 1 days notice and pay for it.had to fix track to run bikes,and mow grass and get a few more porta johns there all at my expense.
Only thing that didnt happen was me getting a drag bike up and running,but I had some good passess on my 05 sunday. Dodson maybe you can go to the jocky journal and pass on the link some good shots of what went on. No classes were run a few gamblers races 10 entry and winner take all,you ran your bike when you wanted
all day long for 2 days everyone had fun very easy going and no rush was a whole lot of fun for me raced my two sons beat the Harly but couldnt get the new rocket of the top end. What a blast had no complants except one, not to bad. Martin the frame builder from Kosman flew in with frame in luggage and we put together friday with dummy motor.
A real piece of art Ed would have liked it he looked at Eds frames and loved them. respect among trades, told me I cannot change a thing on them, not that I planed on it. In the end it cost me 125 dollars to put on the event and I was the only twin racing other than my son on rocket so I did not feel I would give away the Maybry award this time you have to take it away from me. but very cool to see all the smiling faces and to hear kind words. Aug 13 in South Illinoiss. Someone go to the Jockey Journal and share the pictures my computer to loaded up with kids games to do much .

[Sir Limpsalot]

Respect, Wayne. Respect. I have spent a little too much time looking in the rearview mirror lately, and not enough looking through the windscreen. You, Sir, are an inspiration!

Si.

(PS Got any photos?)

[Donson]

Good job, Wayne, hope You have a bwetter turn out in Illinois! I can post to the JJ, where is the link?

[skinner]

Good job, Wayne, hope You have a bwetter turn out in Illinois! I can post to the JJ, where is the link?

its on vintage nationals threads event or board flicker by tan-dog

[DarthRider]

Here is the link to tan-dog's pics of Wayne's event...some very interesting stuff in here. And a window into the future of the race series Wayne is building.
Kudos Sir!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29512687@N08/sets/72157627058774126/

I have a couple of images to post later that will knock your sox off!

[vintagemxr]

Vintage drag racing indeed!


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5877158366_3b1499494f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29512687@N08/5877158366/)

Vintage Drag Bikes 125 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29512687@N08/5877158366/) by tonuptandawg (http://www.flickr.com/people/29512687@N08/), on Flickr


Congratulations, Wayne, on pulling off the event. Also on not losing your shirt on the expenses! Lessons learned, knowledge gained, more contacts made, you can't help but have a larger event next time around.

the other Doug

[skinner]

Funny you should post that picture Vince from down the road next to me and my oldest son steve on his harley beat steve badly on my 05 bonnie three times in a row and gave vince best of show.Son Steve needed a little push with his Triumph build and buddy vince went out and found a 73 trident motor for EDs framed triumph and said pay me when you can we need to get that up and running of course Ill let him take a ride. So if nothing but impressing a old 40+ year harley guy and steves going all in on helping restore 1 drag bike it was worth it. Other than a weasel of a track owner and not one harley.victory,honda,kaw,suzuki shop getting involved all with in 30 min of track I cant tell you how much fun it was. If you went to a track and it was yours and you could run for two days whenever you wanted whatever you wanted thats what this was all smiles just great fun.The harley shop 15 min from track has two nice dragbikes in the back room,Martin the frame builder for Kosman for 32 years needed a tire changer so got ride to dealer was reconized right away when he walked into dealer and when he walked in back room there sat one of the bikes he buitl for the harley shop years ago, made them look pretty small when Martin ask why they didnt support my meet, cool very cool. We bought 3 harleys from them also but have since sold all of mine.

[Arby]

Skinner, it sounds like you're up and running! Congratulations.

You should make a point of meeting Tom L and his m/c buddies over on their side of the state. They're more of BMW/KTM types, but a great bunch of guys. Who knows but there might be some more support there.

Hope the next meet goes well for you.

RB

[skinner]

Skinner, it sounds like you're up and running! Congratulations.

You should make a point of meeting Tom L and his m/c buddies over on their side of the state. They're more of BMW/KTM types, but a great bunch of guys. Who knows but there might be some more support there.

Hope the next meet goes well for you.

RB
Yes Arby this past year or so has given me alot of people I need to meet. Tom Came thru big time And just because you gave me the lead.
Hope to have a 6 race series next year if I can have 3 this year that would be cool. Do you guys believe whats out there for vintage drag racing now that wasnt avaliable 8 months ago.
To hold one of those tires hasent been done in over thirty years and Kosman frame very cool.
At my table with Eds bikes and Donny cases, Kosman frame, M&H tires Just a guy with a dream all came thru but my dragbike isnt up yet but working on it.
Then my dream a reality that dosent happen very offen. First dragrace my wife has ever been to now she wants me to build her one how lucky can one guy get,couldnt be any better in a movie Waynes World

[DarthRider]

Wayne, this is all just so cool...that karma wheel just keeps on turning.
Somewhere Ed Mabry has a big, silly grin at these goings on, wishing he could be there in person. But he is there of course, in each cut, weld, bracket, hidden tank, motor mount innovation and tapered frame.
And you & Ed are the two guys making your bikes happen, I can't wait to see them climb back to the top of this new/old pack.
Tell your boys & wife we are proud of them too and so is Ed...he loved helping youngsters who "asked good questions and listened to the answers". Especially if they raced Triumphs.
Team Triumph Karma rules!

[skinner]

Yep my family goal is to show up at race with 4 bikes running maybe 5 or 6 gonna be a fun winter this year Have got to get a Karma bike up.
All those pictures on flicker by a guy I just meet at meet, more support,did you see the one of eds name plate on drag bike ,I had case with patches and motorcyclist cafe,peckerhead sticker,eds picture on table but was to busy to tell him to take a shot you can see it behind cases all were well represented.

[skinner]

Sorry guys Hope to have a better PR next time after race Have been working on the Plan for future. OK race on Aug 13 one day event about halfway from Dallas and me might be a really good location. heres the plan for next year that Im working on I would like to have a 6 race season one a month for the summer starting in the south and working up north and ending down south again [Vintage national race series] will get web so we can blog and get opinions I want to keep the price about what itis now. This track in Illinois wants everyone to pay 10.00 at gate. then racers pay 25.00 for tech sheet so for 35.00 you get to race. If I would have charged 5.00 more at last race we would have made a 175.00 profit. So we should do ok this time. Of course my goal is to race but I want to bring back grass roots racing and keep the big mony out. Big promoters have already told me its not profitable.well Im not doing this for profit, so there should be no problem there.To be surrounded by motorcycles and good folks having fun with no judgement about what they ride and see smiles on there face thats my goal. Of course I want to kick ass on a triumph, do you know my street 05 bonny 790 motor was faster in 1/8 than any other street harley there,[That should get a few of them boys out].and I beat the BSA's that were there but I think next race might be harder

[1MPH]

Mr. Skinner, you sound like a real stand-up guy.
Motorcycling is lucky to have you. I'm proud to have you as a member of the Cafe'.
Hope all your endeavors come to fruition.

[Deans BMW]

Mr. Skinner, you sound like a real stand-up guy.
Motorcycling is lucky to have you. I'm proud to have you as a member of the Cafe'.
Hope all your endeavors come to fruition.

Dittos

[skinner]

Hey Guys,
havent been on here lately been crazy busy,Back doing construction and building bike, riding, working on next meet in Aug.13
About 12 hr from Dallas and about 12 hr from me pretty good circle of area if you draw a 10-12 hr ring from track.
Bulling my way thru this year and might have another event later on. I have a airport up here that might let me have a two day race but with no timing or lights,so Im going to go true vintage and flag start guy who crosses first wins. But Ill have to get young guy to flag or the hotty at least somone who can get there arms above there head. haha, Im a little stiff in the shoulders
these days.But the plan is to have 6 events next year,went over sign ups on last race 432 people showed sat. need 50 old bikes and then street class and Ill have Eds bike done over winter with a few others so we will put on our own family show,wife wants a dragbike too.

[panthercity]

Good on ya, Skinner! Stay the course.

[DarthRider]

Very good Sir!
Hope you're taking lots of pics.
"If you never slow down, you'll never get old".

[Donson]

Keep up the good work, Skinner!

[DarthRider]

Wayne, you have to watch the jargon. Dean thinks a dragrace is 2 old queens running the 50 yard dash...

[skinner]

well the last event in Illinois was a disater 3 bikes showed to race Lee whitstrom brought his 47 alky knuck which was fun to see but thats about it, Local harley shop had there yearly event same day and had 3000 bikes there 20 minuts from track stopped in no one heard of event local track did not even try to advertise.
But lesson learned . Needed parts to get twin up didnt come till monday after so one twin up. Im gonna load bikes up and travel to folks that showed support get vintage national name out there. Working on getting control of website to have a blog on there.Thought Id race at there local tracks with them. Im just regrouping,Ill have pictures soon of first twin of Eds just finishing up one of his last ideas of cordless drill battery for power 18 volts plug in we talked about this when I was down to see him.Works good Ed pretty slick.

[skinner]

Another year and I havent given up on vintage drags. We are having a meet june 23-24 at Steel valley Dragway same track as last year and new owners,which should be good.
I have started membership dues for some of the racers and if they come to meet they get in free for two days to race and camp. Learned alot from my mistakes last year and should have a better handel on things. This track not a fancy one but was alot of fun.
Then on Aug 24-25 we are having a piggy backed event in Iowa along with a wounded warrior charity ride which ends up at track and their regular motorcycle race they will give us our own time and runs No cost to us except fees per racer but great publicity and nice 1/8 mile track. Eddyville Raceway.
Maxton mile has moved to Wilmington Ohio about 3 hours from me by Dayton I hope a few of us can meet there in April, I hope to run my 05 bonnie there.
July Maple Grove has a bike event july 15 and has asked us to attend. Reading PA.
No Hating Drags has 5 events I4s mostly but has shown interest in vintage show.
Tire sales has been good all over the world and have been put on some really great machines. Was glad to be part of this along with Cafe members. Cool
If you build it then they'll come so show in Iowa thats best race this year and for a good cause and great P.R.

[skinner]

Man the bike that have started to come out of the sheds are fantastic, I have made alot of contacts from selling those tires. some pretty famous bike are using them. go to youtube and search double engine start up or something like that and one of our members fires up a beautiful double engine Triumph that hasn't been run in 39 years. The look on steves face and his sons is pure joy to see. Then the other day got a call from Glen Kerr 70 yrs old and is putting back together a double that Boris Murry made his frame in 1964. Double engine Tri. on fuel says he might make Ohio meet and Iowa along with Eds Bikes I know of 9 bikes that should be on track this year and none have run in over 30 yrs. very cool

[DarthRider]

Congratulations Wayne...it must be great to see your dream and all your hard work starting to really come together.
That really sounds exciting, getting all those old junkyard dogs together again. And you know it's only going to get more popular.
What's holding up the guys with all the old iron head Sporty top gear-only fuel drag bikes?
You Triumph & Norton boys need something to sharpen your teeth on you know! My sigline originated on the Texas drag strips of the early/mid-50s. (below)
Wayne, there are a few of us here who really appreciate what you're doing.:remybussi:

http://mrcycle1.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MISC/19168370711f52525f37o/681484373_4YyKK-O-1.jpg

http://mrcycle1.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MISC/1917667172f390827431o/681484390_n9cqY-O-1.jpg

[panthercity]

Very VERY Cool Wayne! :flamin_dj:

[skinner]

Seems like I get a call every week about a old bike coming out of the shed. Lately its been Dubble Trubble Triumph raced in the sixties.
He was there to watch Boris make his famous wheelie run at Bowling Green. Also has a Boris Murray frame.
I think if we get enough bikes to show this summer. My vision of the drag bike riders getting in free so they can put on the show.
Instead of paying so promoters can profit off of the guys putting on show. In no other sport does the players [Racers]
Have to pay to play. And finance and build your machine to boot. If we get enough of a spectator base then they can cover cost and payout.
Time for the bikes and riders to get a break. well anyway thats my goal.

[DarthRider]

Makes sense to me Wayne & good luck. But you know how those promoters are!
Tell us about Boris Murray's "wheelie run".

[skinner]

Well when I look at the picture above I can only hope to see it live. We have made great progress and I feel that this will be a good summer for vintage bikes.
T shirts are made and we will start selling them at meets.
When Glenn Kerr talks I just listen to him talk about the good old days of racing.
When he mentions the people he knows and who he raced against I feel inspired to make this come back.
The story of Boris Murray at Bowling Green was when he had his double High gear bike with fairing and when the wheel caught up with the track it was still smoking and doing quite a wheelie at the 1000 ft mark.
Boris never let off and ran 170 about. Glen told me he has seen quite a few good rides but none as memorable as that.
Coming from a 70 year old racer and soon to be still when his dubble trubble is done I can only imagine what it was like.
Personally I like wheelie bars but this was before they were around. Ill try and find picture.
Just cant wait to see some action this summer.

[DarthRider]

Wow, yes pictures!
Thanks Wayne, we appreciate the updates & stories.
And pics!

[panthercity]

How much are the t-shirts?

[DarthRider]

How much are the t-shirts?
Yes...$ and ordering info please.

[skinner]

The T shirts are 15.00 each black with white logo. I made the members shirts gray with black lettering and there nice but my first time with doing this, learn as I go. Ill try and get some posted.
Email me at Melskin@live.com with size and info if you guys want a few shirts.

I was thinking of my last conversation with Ed and he was explaning what I should or could do with his LSR bike. I did not catch it at the time but clear to me now.
He said, [Maybe you can use this to help get the drag bikes running again]. He new I did not have unlimited resources to finance bikes and was telling me to use this bike for that I think.
Any way I have been working on deal to trade for good triple parts and engine that Jack built with proper Ignition that was used. I believe that Eds goal for me was to get the [Texas Twins]
up and on the track again. One bike for two up and running. If it works out I will know its in a good home and were its at always. I have to do what I can to restore the triple as close to what it once was.

[DarthRider]

Wayne, I'm sure that's what Ed meant.
He had no great affection for that LSR bike, it never did much and really turned out to be more a development exercise as he morphed from the Gen I bikes with lots of ground clearance to the Gen II flat bottoms with minimal ground clearance and "plow" shaped lower fairing. There were many other differences too of course, but that was the most noticeable.
Ed & Jack always built good, fast bikes but when Ed got his head into aerodynamics and moved way beyond road race fairings they started running 40-60 MPH faster!

Flip that LSR chassis for the best deal you can get and go win races with the twins!

Wayne, I'm going to email you for shirts but please, no freebies. I want to kick in a bit on your race effort and I challenge the other Cafe'ers to do likewise.
How do you get to be a "member"? Or we're you just talking about the pit-crew/racing team?
I know you wouldn't want them on the race bikes as the bikes are historically correct, but I'll send you some Peckerhead stickers and ask Dean to send you some Motorcyclist Cafe' stickers for the tool box, beer box or van. Email me your mailing address & I'll pass it on to Dean.

Some Sunday morning inspiration...we miss you Ed!
http://mrcycle1.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Mabry-No-601/emabry/1167828612_nzvXP-M-1.jpg

[skinner]

Im trying to post t shirt pictures Ill see what happens

[skinner]

damm

[jamming]

damm


Trouble? Can I help?

[DarthRider]

Wayne, if you can email your pics I can post them here for you.
There's a learning curve to it, then it's as easy as outrunning a Harley!

[panthercity]

...There's a learning curve to it, then it's as easy as outrunning a Harley!

http://www.gigabikes.com/forums/html/emoticons/laf.gif.gif