It’s not everyday one of the most successful motorcycle drag racers of all-time lets you hop on his top-notch equipment. That’s what happened for 33-year-old Joshua Jones of Atlanta, Ga. when multi-time Pro Street champion Rodney Williford offered one of his turbo Hayabusas for the biggest motorcycle grudge race of the year, Kings of Grudge Grinchmas from Orlando Speedworld Dragway, Dec. 19-21.
Jones came from an off-road background with experience on dirt bikes and ATVs and when he transitioned into asphalt he began motorcycle drag racing in sportsman categories. As he got more serious about the sport he turned his Hayabusa into a stock seat position, big motor, nitrous grudge bike. That was the extent of his experience leading up to this past weekend when he threw a leg over Williford’s 500-horsepower-plus, record-breaking Pro Street Hayabusa.
“I was given the opportunity of a lifetime by the one and only Rodney Williford,” Jones said.
Jones knew he was in for an adrenaline rush when he left the line for the first time on the Williford rocket.
“On my first pass ever on a turbo or even a cut rail chassis bike, I went for a ride and as I crossed the finish line I was smiling from ear to ear. The whole way down the wind was lifting my head because I couldn’t fit behind the windscreen. The first thing I did was make sure I did not roll out the throttle. Rodney showed me how so I kept it at 100-percent full throttle the whole way, and ran a very good number at that.”
Because of the secretive nature of grudge racing, where the scoreboards are turned off, Jones was unable to share the time or speed but it confirmed to Jones he had the confidence to compete.
“I knew I wasn’t going to be scared to ride it and that confirmed my thoughts. Now I had to figure out a different way to sit on the bike to better try to get lower for aerodynamics,” Jones said.
Jones is much larger than Williford but together they came up with a plan to get Jones tucked tighter.
“We made two more passes that day and each time I ran a new personal career best,” Jones said.
For official competition Jones decided to join the “Billy Bad Ass” class, one of the only categories in grudge racing where times and speeds are not a secret.
“Saturday came and it was showtime. I had to do my job. I didn’t want to let the team down from all the hard work it took to make this happen, ” Jones said. “Williford Racing is a winning brand and I wasn’t trying to settle for less.”
During his one shakedown run Jones went 4.37 at 178 mph and followed up with a first round victory of 4.31 at 176 mph.
Jones kept the win streak alive in round No. 2 when temperatures began to dip into the 40s.
“Both bikes spun and I recovered as fast as I could to get the win,” Jones said.
Jones bid for a debut event win fell just one round short when he experienced a problem with the motorcycle in burnout box and could not make the final round.
“Even with it ending the the way it did I pushed my bike back with my head held high. Rodney said he hated for it to happen like this. I told him no need to apologize. Do you know what we accomplished in three days?” Jones said proudly. “We definitely did what they said I couldn’t and wouldn’t. I’m more than appreciative to even make it this far!”
Jones is grateful and perhaps anticipating the next time he gets to ride a Williford Hayabusa. He’s hooked.
“I couldn’t stop thanking team Williofrd all weekend, and still can’t” Jones said. “I’m grateful and appreciative. Thanks to my sponsors
Trick and Rodney Williford for making this happen.”
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