Screamin' Eagle Hogs Must Gain Weight

The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team will be under the gun at Gateway International Raceway this weekend since the NHRA announced on Tuesday night an unprecedented rule amendment which changed the minimum weight for Pro Stock Bike push rod V-Twins from 575 pounds to 615 pounds.

The rule change essentially becomes effective June 25 for the start of this weekend’s Sears Craftsman Nationals and does not give the team enough time to test the 40-pound weight increase before the start of the event.

“NHRA’s decision came as quite a shock to us. The timing and magnitude of the rule change is very frustrating at this point in the season, and since the team leaves for Gateway today, we will have no time to test before the race. But this team has overcome so much adversity, we believe we’ll get through this,” said Screamin’ Eagle Racing Manager Anne Paluso.

Bob Farchione, Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories chief engineer, added "It will be tough to overcome the 40-pound penalty and get back to a competitive position. Short term, we are very concerned about the effect of that much weight on the bike's launch and downtrack performance. Without time for testing, we will have to use some or all of this weekend's qualifying sessions to assure we still have competent motorcycles."

After six rounds of NHRA Pro Stock Bike competition, Screamin’ Eagle rider Andrew Hines leads the class with 604 points, 185 points ahead of Suzuki rider Shawn Gann, in second with 419 points. Screamin’ Eagle rider GT Tonglet is third with 393 points.