Harley-Davidson Motor Company is proud to announce that all three of its factory sponsored riders will be returning to their respective race teams to compete under the Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield banner in 2011.
In the National Hot Rod Association’s Pro Stock Motorcycle (PSM) class, three-time PSM champion Andrew Hines (2004-6) and 2008 PSM champion Eddie Krawiec will return to the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson squad.
Hines, the 2010 PSM runner-up by a slim 4-point margin, hopes to avenge his narrow championship loss at the season-ending race in Pomona. Despite coming up just short in pursuit of his fourth NHRA Full Throttle series championship, Hines produced what he believes was his career-best performance in 2010 with five race wins and nine final-round appearances.
“My career with the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team has been memorable. It’s been great to be part of such an elite team,” Hines said. “2010 was a great year with the achievements we earned from beginning to end, and I’m looking forward to continuing our pursuit of another NHRA Full Throttle series Championship in 2011.”
The Screamin’ Eagle drag racing team’s most recent champion, Krawiec bookended 2010 with wins at the season’s opening and closing rounds, and hopes to carry that momentum forward to the PSM season opener in March at Gainesville, Florida.
“This marks my fifth consecutive season as a factory rider for the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team. By winning at Pomona and resetting the national E.T Record, the final race of the 2010 race season couldn’t have ended much better for me, and I’m looking forward to starting the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle race season right where I left off last year,” Krawiec said.
In the AMA Pro Racing Flat Track series, three-time Grand National Twins champion Kenny Coolbeth returns for his 5th season with the Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track racing team. Fifth in the final points standings, Coolbeth notched a win at the Canterbury Mile and six podium finishes in 2010.
“We didn’t have a lot of wins in 2010, but we had consistent performances, came from the back of the pack in a lot of the races, and got a few podiums. I’m pleased to remain a factory rider for Harley-Davidson for the fifth straight year, and I’m anxious to get the 2011 season rolling,” said Coolbeth. “I want to win at least five races in 2011 and I’m focused on winning the championship.”
“Although we didn’t win any championships this year, Andrew, Eddie and Kenny all displayed the hearts of the champions they are, and we are confident they will continue to perform at the highest level in 2011,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Customer Experience.
