The FuelTech Bike Bash at Virginia Motorsports Park on Aug 23-25 roared to life with an electrifying weekend of high-octane excitement, where records fell and performance numbers soared across both professional and sportsman classes.
Among the many highlights, the Orient Express Racing Pro Street class stole the show, with competitors hitting mind-blowing speeds of 239 mph on two wheels. Not to be outdone, the Harley-Davidson entries shattered every DME Racing Real Street record, adding to the weekend’s unforgettable moments.
With over 600 entries, the Pro classes provided edge-of-your-seat racing action, while sportsman racers delivered nothing less than their best, all in a fierce pursuit of championship points.
Orient Express Racing Pro Street
Winner – Jason Dunigan
Runner-up – Rodney Williford
Record – Jason Dunigan 237.38 MPH
The Orient Express Racing Pro Street class ignited Virginia, setting the track ablaze and dropping records like wildfire! Jason Dunigan officially reset the MPH record to an incredible 237.38 MPH—but that wasn’t even the fastest pass of the weekend! Justin Shakir and Rodney Williford blew minds with staggering speeds of 239.27 and 239.19 MPH, respectively. While these two titans nearly reached Top Fuel status, they couldn’t quite back up their runs within 1% to make those records official.
The Pro Street competitors shattered an astounding 12 personal records over the weekend, making this an event for the history books! In qualifying, Mark Rendeluk pushed his MPH performance to 235.39, while Andrew Ritchey stormed up the Pro Street ranks with a 6.749 ET. But the real fireworks came on Sunday when eliminations kicked off.
In round one, Aruba’s Jayson Geerman hit a career-best of 6.511 at 228.46 MPH, but it wasn’t enough to stop Ryan Bonitatis, who clocked in at 6.495. Tony Ficher, armed with his Supercharger, improved to a blistering 6.451, taking out NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Gaige Herrera in the process.
Round two saw Darion Payne setting a personal best ET with a 6.404 run. However, he faced off against Jason Dunigan, who clinched the win on a holeshot, running a 6.438 with a razor-sharp .001 reaction time—just enough to edge past Payne.
In the semi-final, Bonitatis set a personal MPH record of 228.34, but the victory slipped away as he faced Dunigan, who delivered a 6.390 at 237.38 MPH, sealing his spot in the final.
Just last month at the WPGC Bike Fest, Jason Dunigan took his first win of the season by defeating points leader Rodney Williford—an upset as rare as a unicorn. This victory launched Dunigan into the number two spot in points, putting serious pressure on Williford.
Rodney Williford initially claimed the top qualifying spot with a 6.416 but was edged out by Justin Shakir’s 6.415 in the third session. Williford took down James Herbert, Tony Ficher, and Greg Wallace to earn his place in another final showdown—this time, once again, against Jason Dunigan.
As the 6 pm Virginia sun blazed directly into their eyes, Williford and Dunigan lined up, with tension crackling in the air. With Dunigan fresh off a 6.39 run, Williford knew there was no room for error. The bulbs flashed, and they were off—Williford snagged a slight edge with a .012 reaction time to Dunigan’s .018. Both bikes rocketed off the line, staying glued to the track. At the 330’, Williford was ahead with a 2.906 to Dunigan’s 2.939, but by the eighth mile, Dunigan was closing in with a 4.289 to Williford’s 4.267. As they neared the finish line, it was a nail-biting, side-by-side battle. And then the unthinkable happened—Dunigan not only won, but he also took out the champ for the second time in a row, a feat never accomplished before! Dunigan clinched victory with a 6.360 at 232.79 MPH to Williford’s 6.366 at 231.16 MPH. The margin of victory? A mere 1.63 inches at just .0004!
With all these records and the reigning champion taking back-to-back losses, the stage is set for an epic showdown at the DME Racing Fall Nationals. What will happen when the air is crisp and cool? Mark your calendar now for October 4-6 and head to Maryland International Raceway to witness the action firsthand!
DME Racing Real Street
Winner – Mark Hylton
Runner-up – Dystany Spurlock
Record – Andy Simon 7.420 / 198.47 MPH
The Harleys are coming! The DME Racing Real Street class was packed with adrenaline and excitement from start to finish. David Fondon set the pace as the number one qualifier with a 7.41, but Andy Simon stole the spotlight with his Harley, clocking a stunning 7.508 to secure the second qualifying spot.
This event was particularly notable for the Harleys, with three of them in the class roster, but Andy Simon was the undeniable standout. In round one, Simon delivered a jaw-dropping performance, running a record-breaking 7.397 at 199.49 MPH! This shattered the existing Real Street records of 7.420 seconds and 198.47 MPH. The crowd erupted in cheers after witnessing Simon’s incredible run! His speed record was immediately secured, backed up by a 198.90 MPH run during qualifying. However, to officially claim the ET record, Simon needed to run at least a 7.47. He did just that in the eliminations, taking down Jason Iannotti with a 7.451, thereby cementing both records. This achievement marks the first time in XDA history that a Harley holds the Real Street record.
Meanwhile, Dystany Spurlock continued to make waves in the Real Street class. After her first final-round appearance at the previous event, she was back with a vengeance, taking out David Stewart, Bud Harrod, and Caleb Holt to earn her spot in the final against former class champion Mark Hylton. Hylton had a fantastic weekend, relentlessly knocking out the competition, including victories over Mike Moto, Rickey Gadson, and the newly crowned record-holder, Andy Simon.
In the final showdown, Hylton was unstoppable. He gained an early edge with a sharper reaction time of .048 to Spurlock’s .064. Despite Spurlock’s best efforts, Hylton powered through the finish line with a 7.474, leaving Spurlock’s 8.896 in the dust.
MaxxECU Pro Xtreme
Winner – Terry Schweigert
Runner-up – Paul Gast
The MaxxECU Pro Extreme class witnessed its largest turnout in history, featuring thirteen high-horsepower machines that delivered an unforgettable show. The competition was fierce, with five riders posting blistering three-second passes during qualifying. Dale Leeks set the pace with a stunning 3.93, closely trailed by Terry Schweigert’s 3.938. Rob Garcia, John Collins, and Paul Gast also joined the elite three-second club, clocking in at 3.964, 3.974, and 3.994, respectively.
The first round of eliminations saw Chris Cutsinger shatter the class record, hitting an astonishing 190.24 MPH, eclipsing the previous mark of 188.46 MPH. Cutsinger’s momentum didn’t stop there; in round two, he knocked out points leader Dale Leeks, setting himself on a promising path to the finals. However, his journey ended in the semi-finals, where veteran pro mod racer Paul Gast edged him out in a thrilling duel, with Gast running a 3.975 to Cutsinger’s lightning-fast but slightly slower 3.987. This victory propelled Gast into his first XDA final round.
On the opposite side of the bracket, Terry Schweigert made a highly anticipated return to the XDA stage, competing for the first time since April 2022. In his last appearance, Schweigert had reached the final only to be defeated by Cutsinger. Determined to rewrite the script, Schweigert was hungry for redemption, and both finalists were eager to secure their first XDA victory.
In the final, Gast gained the early advantage with a sharp .061 reaction time, while Schweigert was close behind with a .090. As they thundered down the track, Schweigert quickly closed the gap, overtaking Gast to seize the win with a remarkable 3.907, leaving Gast to finish with a 3.977.
MaxxECU Pro Xtreme is presented by Billy Vose Racing, Fast by Gast, Dunigan Racing, DME Racing, Grothus Dragbikes, Harley Haul, Rob Bush Motorsports, Robinson Industries, Schnitz Racing, Timblin Chassis, and Worldwide Bearings.
HTP Performance Super Stock
Winner – Jeremy Teasley
Runner-up – Mike Davis
Jeremy Teasley continues his unstoppable run in the HTP Performance Super Stock class for the 2024 drag racing season, remaining undefeated. Teasley set the pace early, qualifying in the top spot with an impressive 8.873, closely followed by Mike Davis, who clocked an 8.895. Both top qualifiers showcased their skills by eliminating their opponents, setting the stage for a high-stakes final showdown.
Mike Davis, a familiar face in last season’s finals, reached his first final of this season, hoping to reclaim his dominance. However, when it came time for the final race, Teasley was in top form. He seized the starting line advantage with a sharp .114 reaction time, edging out Davis’s .126. Despite Davis’s best efforts to close the gap, Teasley’s lead was unyielding. Teasley crossed the finish line with a 8.887, while Davis followed with a 8.926. This victory marks Teasley’s fourth consecutive win of the season, solidifying his dominance in the class.
ATV Shootout
Winner – Blake Chavis
Runner-up – Tevon Huntley
The annual ATV Shootout drew fans with some of the fastest and most impressive machines on the East Coast, tearing through the eighth mile in the 4-second zone. The roaring engines and blistering speeds made these runs a thrilling spectacle for everyone watching.
Blake Chavis dominated the qualifying rounds, securing the top spot with a blazing 4.974, followed closely by Tevon Huntley with a 5.033. Huntley has been a fixture in every ATV final since 2022, securing two previous wins, so his advancement to his fourth straight XDA final came as no surprise. Chavis, meanwhile, was unstoppable, delivering a series of 4-second performances that left his competitors in the dust. In round one, he clocked a 4.944 to defeat Luis Garcia, and in round two, he outpaced Chris Class with a 4.906.
The final showdown was intense, with the track reverberating from the loud 2-stroke mufflers as both riders revved their engines. Huntley was quick off the line with a .087 reaction time, edging out Chavis’s .135. However, the raw power of Chavis’s Yamaha quickly closed the gap, and he surged past Huntley to take the win with a 4.939 against Huntley’s 5.080.
Booted Bulls
Winner – Alex Moore / Big Country
Runner-up – Damian Bates / Fentynal
The Boosted Bull class was all about the heavy hitters, and the drama kicked in early. In round two, the points leader Frankie Stotz on ‘Reddi-Wip’ got served—taken out by Damian Bates on ‘Fentynal.’ Alex Moore had his hands full but managed to squeeze out Derek Sobiech, who was hot on Stotz’s heels in the standings.
Then came the showdown—Moore versus Bates. The tension was real, and when the bulbs dropped, Moore spun off the line like he was slipping on ice, struggling to get his grip back. Meanwhile, Bates was cruising at half track, eyes locked on the finish line, thinking he had it in the bag. But just when it looked like it was all over, Moore came out of nowhere, flying past Bates in a jaw-dropping move, snatching that strip for the win like a true boss.
Nitrous Bulls
Winner – David Fondon / High Roller
Runner-up – Desmond Spaulding / Mob Ties
In Nitrous Bulls, David Fondon did what he does best—dominate. Fresh off a win last month, Fondon, riding ‘High Roller,’ had his eyes locked on another victory. He methodically took out heavy hitters like Gaige Herrera and points leader Antonia Patton, clearing his path to the final where Desmond Spaulding on ‘Mob Ties’ was waiting.
Spaulding wasn’t playing either—he sent Jaques Gaskins and Malcolm Phillips packing, putting them to sleep with the fishes before stepping up to Fondon. But when it came down to it, both riders wanted the win bad, but Fondon wasn’t about to fold. He put it all on black, and once again, came out on top, taking the win like a true kingpin.
3 Sixty 5 Monster Bulls
Winner – Brandon Tyree / Made Man
Runner-up – James Teasley / Unhinged
The 3 Sixty 5 Monster Bulls points chase is getting tight, and the pressure’s on. Crow Teasley on ‘Unhinged’ rolled into the event sitting at the top, with just fifteen points keeping him ahead of Brandon Tyree on ‘Made Man.’
Tyree came out swinging, putting hits on Danny Bernier and Michael Daddio, clearing his path to the final. On the other side, Teasley wasn’t holding back either, straight-up annihilating Spencer Claycomb and Howard Gerken to secure his spot in the final and keep his grip on the points lead.
But when it was time for the final showdown, Teasley hit some trouble, while Tyree was locked in, laser-focused, and ready to prove he belonged at the top. Tyree didn’t flinch, snatching the win and making it clear that he’s here to take over.
Tommie’s Motorsports DMV Bulls
Winner – Aubrey Valentine / Moon Knight
Runner-up – Nick Hamlett / MisBehavin
Tommie’s Motorsports DMV Bulls had the whole field shook. Nick Hamlett, the points leader on ‘Misbehavin,’ was locked and loaded, mowing down Alex Kupetz, Caleb Holt, and Brian Childress on his way to the final.
On the flip side, Valentine on ‘Moon Knight’ was on a rampage, taking out Travis Wood, Desmond Spaulding, and Mark Blake like it was nothing. Valentine was amped, ready to throw hands and finally get that win, staking his claim in the winner’s circle. But when it was time to settle the score, Hamlett ghosted. Valentine took the dub by default, breaking the beams under power and strolling into the winner’s circle like a boss.
All Motor Bulls
Winner – Mark Blake / Right Away
Runner-up – Jeff Kanagie / Gotti
The All Motor Bulls points leader, David Fondon, got knocked out in the semi-final by Jeff Kanagie on ‘Gotti.’ Fondon’s still clinging to that points lead, but the competition is gunning for him, chipping away at his advantage. Mark Blake, riding ‘Right Away,’ wasn’t messing around—he took out Jordan Angelo and Curtis McDougal, earning his spot in the final showdown against Kanagie.
When the final came around, both bikes lined up, ready to throw down. But ‘Gotti’ slipped and took a quick nap before the real work could begin, and it cost him big. Blake was on point when the bulbs dropped, wasting no time at all. He blasted ‘Right Away’ down the strip and straight to the finish line, sealing the win like a straight-up heavyweight.
Vance & Hines 4.60
Winner – Kevin White
Runner-up – Jimmy Shifflett
Like chips on a Vegas poker table, the Vance & Hines 4.60 riders continue to stack up the competition, with forty competitors locked and loaded for the eighth-mile battle. This class is known for attracting top-tier talent, and this event was no exception, with nine racers qualifying with an impressive 4.60 run. Mike Mace led the charge, laying down a flawless 4.600 to claim the coveted #1 qualifying spot. Hot on his heels was Kevin White, who wasn’t far behind with an equally remarkable 4.601.
As the rounds progressed, the intensity only grew. In round two, Mace’s momentum was abruptly interrupted by Jimmy Shifflett, a fierce competitor who was far from backing down. Shifflett battled his way through each round with laser focus, eventually securing his place in the final. White was equally relentless on the other side of the bracket, slicing through the competition with surgical precision to earn his spot in the ultimate showdown against Shifflett.
In the final round, White, with his razor-sharp reflexes, gained the starting line advantage, posting an impressive .014 reaction time, narrowly edging out Shifflett’s respectable .021. The tension mounted as the finish line loomed closer. Shifflett gave it everything he had, but White’s consistent performance proved to be too much. With a blistering 4.622 run, White crossed the line first, leaving Shifflett trailing with a 4.692.
Brock’s Performance Street ET
Winner – Clay Davies
Runner-up – Dillan Clevenstine
In Brock’s Performance Street ET, racers have the opportunity to re-enter the race if they suffer a first-round loss—a second chance that can make all the difference. Clay Davies exemplified this perfectly after his initial defeat by Paul Anderson. Undeterred, Davies re-entered the competition and fought his way through five consecutive rounds, earning a spot in the final against Dillian Clevenstine.
In the final showdown, Clevenstine dialed in an 8.53 and was the first off the tree with a .081 reaction time. Davies, with an 8.45 dial, followed with a .115 reaction. Despite the initial deficit, Davies delivered a flawless performance, crossing the finish line with a dead-on 8.455, lighting up the win light over Clevenstine’s 8.586.
MPS Racing Pro ET
Winner – Mike Schulz
Runner-up – Cory Stuebner
MPS Racing Pro ET was in full swing with 110 class entries taking advantage of the perfect weekend weather. Mike Schulz and Cory Stuebner emerged as the top contenders, each winning seven grueling rounds to secure their spots in the final. Schulz, a seasoned veteran, is known for being tough to beat, but Stuebner was determined to give him a run for his money.
Schulz dialed in an 8.59, while Stuebner chose a 7.71, setting the stage for an intense chase. With Schulz leaving first, Stuebner needed to make up ground quickly—and he did just that, with a sharp .032 reaction time over Schulz’s .063. As they barreled toward the finish line, the gap tightened, but Schulz managed to cross first with an 8.601, edging out Stuebner’s 7.776.
Voodoo Bracket Bash
Winner – Kyle Pardun
Runner-up – Stanley Russell
Over 100 racers lined up for the Saturday VooDoo Bracket Bash, setting the stage for eight intense rounds of competition among the sportsman racers. The final round featured two seasoned competitors, Kyle Pardun and Stanley Russell, both familiar faces in the winner’s circle, making for an anticipated showdown.
Pardun, with a dial-in of 9.00, launched with a sharp .040 reaction time. Russell, dialed in at 9.54, responded with a .108 reaction time. Pardun quickly narrowed the gap on Russell, and the two racers were neck-and-neck as they approached the finish line. In a thrilling conclusion, with a margin of victory of just eleven inches, Pardun lit up the win light with a 9.120 run, edging out Russell’s close 9.597 effort.
Santin Dominates Sportsman
Jefferey Santin proved to be an unstoppable force in the sportsman ranks, capturing three victories over the three-day FuelTech Bike Bash. His Suzuki Hayabusa performed flawlessly, powering through the competition!
Hard Times Parts & Service Gambler’s Race
Winner – Jeffrey Santin
Runner-up – David Ashton
Jeffery Santin gave a stellar performance at the 6th Annual FuelTech Bike Bash, clinching victory on Friday night in the sold-out field of sixty-two bikes competing in the Hard Times Parts & Service Gambler’s Race. After navigating through five intense rounds, Santin faced off against David Ashton, who was riding a 1995 Suzuki GS-1150, in the finals. The showdown, however, was short-lived as Ashton went -.007 red, handing Santin an early and decisive win. This triumph marked the beginning of a remarkable weekend for Santin, who would go on to secure two more victories.
Mickey Thompson Tires Top Sportsman
Winner – Jeffery Santin
Runner-up – Gary Clontz
Mickey Thompson Tires Top Sportsman saw its quickest field in history with most of the field running in the sevens. Durwood Rawlings qualified #1 with a 7.504. Gary Clontz and Santin worked their way through the quick sportsman class to meet in the finals. For the second time in one weekend, Santins’s final round competitor would turn on the red light to hand him the win at the staring line.
The Mickey Thompson Tires Top Sportsman class featured its quickest field ever, with the majority of competitors clocking in the sevens during qualifying. Durwood Rawlings led the pack, securing the #1 qualifying spot with a 7.504. In a thrilling progression through the fast-paced Sportsman class, Gary Clontz and Jeffery Santin battled their way to the finals. In a dramatic repeat of earlier in the weekend, Santin’s final-round opponent lit up the red light at the starting line, granting Santin another victory by default.
1 Stop Speed 5.60
Winner – Jeffery Santin
Runner-up – Dustin Lee
The 1 Stop Speed 5.60 Index class saw a strong turnout, with thirty-three bikes fiercely competing for the coveted eighth-mile sportsman class victory. The competition was intense, with the top four qualifiers, led by Jimmie Miller, all clocking a perfect 5.60 to secure their spots. In the final round, Santin faced a formidable opponent in Dustin Lee, who was determined to end Santin’s winning streak.
When the lights dropped, Santin gained the early advantage with a .048 reaction time, edging out Lee’s .087. The finish line approached in a flash, and the two riders were neck and neck in a thrilling battle for the win. As they reached the finish, Lee pushed his bike to the limit but ultimately broke out with a 5.568, handing the victory to Santin’s precise 5.601 run.
The XDA season finale is set to take place at Maryland International Raceway from October 4-6 for the 32nd annual DME Racing Fall Nationals. This event will see over 600 Professional, Sportsman, and Grudge motorcycle racers go head-to-head, vying for more than $90,000 in cash prizes. Mark your calendars—October promises to be a thrilling end to the season you won’t want to miss!
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