Moore Performance Racing
Moore Stellar Performances

August 9 & 10, 2008August 17, 2008
AHDRA Rush Thunder In The Valley Nationals   All Harley Top Fuel Drag Racing World Championships
Bristol Motor Speedway, TN    Atco Raceway, NJ
Rush Thunder In The Valley Nationals were Presented by Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson at the Bristol Motor Speedway, in Tennessee.  It was an action-packed weekend for veteran, Rick Moore.  Once again, he successfully qualified in all three classes, and then clinched his third AHDRA Pro-Dragster title. 

Mike Bahnmaier and the Mid-Continent Motorsports Team worked diligently to get the pro-fuel bike in the field by qualifying 7th place, with an E.T. of 7.194 @ 159.78mph.   They were paired up against Doug Horne (currently ranked first place).  However, the machine's pipe 'blew-off' just past the tree, and Moore lost the round with an E.T. of 8.523.

Bob Banky and his pro-gas team continued to search for the perfect tune for their Harley.   At the throttle, Moore ran a respectable qualifying E.T. of 7.955 @ 160.21mph.  However, a broken push-rod and rocker-arm lost the semi-final round.

Mid-Continent's championship pro-dragster proved consistent  by pulling off its 7th first place qualifying run of the season, with an E.T. of 7.375 @ 174.10mph.  Curly Jim Fontaine 'broke' during first-round eliminations and Moore advanced with an E.T. of  7.451  @ 175.52mph.   Moore had a bye run in the semi-finals, and just nearly lost the finals by .001 against Rickey House.

The Mid-Continent Motorsports team is supported by: Harley-Davidson of Salina, Mike's Metal Polishing of Ransom, KS, Gates Corporation, Saum Engineering, CP pistons, Nungesser Engineering, and the Nevada Auto Mall.

Banky Race team has been challenged much of the season by mechanical difficulties.  However - Bob Banky (owner/tuner) is relentless.  He is determined to find the right tune for his pro-gas Harley, so that he continues to be a serious contender in the class. 

Bob Banky and mechanic, Tommy Finn, arrived in Atco the night before Hannum's All Harley Top Fuel Drag Racing World Champion Race.  Initially, they were disappointed to learn that they were the only pro-gas entry, after rumors that other participants were unable to make the event. However, in its commitment to fellow racers and fans, Hannum's Harley Davidson gave ALL bikes the opportunity to race - and placed Banky's pro-gas bike in the pro-mod division.

Despite the competitive edge, Bob Banky was convinced that his bike would win the pro-gas event.  "The conditions were optimal.  The tune, track, and temperature were perfect."

With Rick Moore at the throttle, they qualified first place in the five-bike field.   With an E.T. of 7.72 @ 165.74  mph, a bye-run in first round eliminations did not slow them down.  Second round, the bike ran an E.T. of 7.72 @ 165.74 mph against veteran Randy Long.  Moore went to the finals against prior champion,  Tommy Hannum - winning with an E.T. of  7.76 @ 164.75 mph.

Congratulations!  Seems like Banky Racing has finally found the silver lining in its 'black cloud!' 

The Banky Race Team is supported by, Wallace Landscape, and Harley Davidson of Maryland.

Rick Moore