= External Link-New Window
Interactive Event Calendar
Newsletter access in
our PRIVATE HOG pages
Get up-to-date weather forecasts
and interactive radar maps at:
www.Weather.com
Ray Price Racing Press Release Archive
Ray Price, of Ray Price Harley- Davidson/Buell, shares a laugh with Amber Oliver, a counselor at a Making Magic summer camp, at Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting. The Making Magic Alliance is holding a Motorsports Expo to raise funds for the Alliance, scheduled for January 6, 2007, at Dorton Arena, of which Price is the signature sponsor. The Making Magic Initiative provides at-risk youth with summer learning and after-school experiences that include educational support. To learn more, call 212-7531.
CLICK HERE for a PDF file of the Wake County INSIGHTS newsletter with an article about Ray's involvement.
Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley Runner UP at Vegas11/15/06 - Raleigh, NC: The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team was runner up by .014 seconds in the final round of the JIMS LAS VEGAS NATIONALS PRESENTED BY BARNETT CLUTCHES qualifying 15th with a 6.775 ET in the Strips' quickest Nitro Harley field ever.
On Thursday after arriving in Vegas, Ray Price, Mark Morgan, Justin Heinle attended the Las Vegas HD/AHDRA Kick Off party, visiting with some of our fine vendors and fans. On Friday, the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team spent all day working on new computer sensors in preparation for the weekend's racing.
On Saturday the temperature dropped and the wind picked up during the qualifying session and Tommy Grimes managed to get the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley in the field despite the team finding serious motor problems after the fact. After working most of the night changing motors and working with the computer, the Samson/Ray Price team went through the field winning all but the last round. That last round was the closest round of the weekend in the Nitro Top Fuel class with Grimes only .014 (that's 14/1000's of a second) off the winning pace with the top mph of the weekend at 216.62 mph at 6.530ET.
At the AHDRA Awards Banquet, Grimes and Price were frequently called to the podium, 1st to receive the team's #1 trophy for the Screamin' Eagle NHRA Nitro Harley Exhibition Series. The second call was to receive the AHDRA's Best Appearing Top Fuel Team Award. The team was also awarded 4th place in AHDRA National Points series after moving up from a 3 way close race .
The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team will be home for 7 weeks before beginning a busy winter show schedule to be confirmed within the next few weeks.
SAMSON/Ray Price Nitro Harley WINS at Seattle6/28/06 - Raleigh, NC: Tommy Grimes gave legendary Ray Price his best birthday present as Price turned 69 years old in Seattle, a WIN at the Kresto Pacific Nationals presented by Destination Harley-Davidson, Eastside Harley-Davidson, and Downtown Harley-Davidson held at Pacific Raceway, outside of Seattle, WA. Grimes qualified #3 running a 6.686 ET and took top qualifying MPH at 215.10 in a record breaking heat wave in the great Northwest. Although Grimes has had 2 NHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley wins in the Exhibition Series, this was his first AHDRA win.
The brutal heat did not seem affect the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team, who remained cool and collected, defeating Tony Ruggiero, Fresno, CA in the first round of eliminations running a 6.558 ET at 224.43 mph. In the second round Grimes outed Phil Schmidt who'd run his personal best over the weekend but was no match for Grimes' 6.504 ET at 218.87 mph.
In the finals, Grimes had lane choice over #1 qualifier Tracy Kile of Bad Apple Racing. Kile had the holeshot but Grimes over powered him by midtrack for the win. Grimes ran 6.608 at 216.48 over Kiles' 6.76 at 203.37 mph.
With 3 weeks before Earlville, IA, the team will have a little time at home before getting back on the road.
As always we are grateful for our sponsorship support from Samson and Ray Price Harley-Davidson/ Buell Inc. and special thanks to our associate sponsors: Raleigh H. O. G., Performance Machine, Autolite Sparkplugs, Barnett Clutches & Cables, RPR/MSD Ignitions, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Rubber Co., Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Metzeler Tire, Royal Purple Synthetic Oils, Icon Motorsports Apparel, and Wiley X Eyewear.
And thanks to our friends at Hargis Consulting, Freddie Robbins and Ultra Pro Machining.
Grimes Runner Up at NHRAMay 2, 2006 - Raleigh, NC: The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team continues to shine in the '06 drag racing tour. Grimes arrived at the O'Reilly Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals, Bristol, TN, leading the points chase and with his runner up finish maintains the lead.
Grimes for the 4th time in 5 events qualified #1. At Bristol Grimes ran a 6.428 ET at 221.63 mph for the top spot. With 7 teams in attendance, Grimes earned a bye run in round one and took out Tak Shigematsu, Iyo Ehime, Japan, in the 2nd round.
In the finals, with NHRA fans on their feet, Grimes ran a 6.38 ET against Mike Romine's 6.36 ET, for runner up in one of the quickest side by side passes in Nitro Harley drag racing.
Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley will compete this weekend, May 6-7th at St Louis with the AHDRA.
Sincere thanks to our primary sponsors: Samson Exhaust and Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Special thanks to our associate sponsors: Raleigh H. O. G., Performance Machine, Autolite Sparkplugs, Barnett Clutches & Cables, RPR/MSD Ignitions, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Rubber Co., Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Metzeler Tire, Royal Purple Synthetic Oils and Icon Motorsports Apparel
And thanks to our friends at Hargis Consulting, Freddie Robbins and Ultra Pro Machining.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc - Raleigh, NC
Home of the Quickest Naturally Aspirated Motorcycle in the WORLD
Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley # 1 Qualifier at Phoenix and Dallas4/25/06 - Raleigh, NC: Tommy Grimes continues to make waves in the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley field at the AHDRA events. Grimes has qualified #1 at the last 2 AHDRA events at Phoenix and Dallas and posted top MPH in qualifying but has been unable to put together a complete charge to the winner's circle.
Grimes in his sophomore season on the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley is unofficially in the 7th spot in the AHDRA Championship points chase.
This weekend, April 28-30, the team will be at the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Exhibition Series in conjunction with the NHRA series at Thunder Valley, Bristol, TN. Grimes is currently #1 in point in the NHRA Exhibition series.
May 6-7 AHDRA St. Louis, MO
May 27-28 AHDRA Commerce, GA
June 10-11 AHDRA Norwalk, OH
June 24-25 AHDRA Seattle, WASincere thanks to our primary sponsors: Samson Exhaust and Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Special thanks to our associate sponsors: Raleigh H. O. G., Performance Machine, Autolite Sparkplugs, Barnett Clutches & Cables, RPR/MSD Ignitions, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Rubber Co., Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Metzeler Tire, Royal Purple Synthetic Oils and Icon Motorsports Apparel
And thanks to our friends at Hargis Consulting, Freddie Robbins and Ultra Pro Machining.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc - Raleigh, NC
Home of the Quickest Naturally Aspirated Motorcycle in the WORLD
Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley Top Speed at AHDRA Season Opener3/20/06 - Raleigh, NC: Tommy Grimes set a fast pace at the AHDRA Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts Bike Week Nationals presented by Gainesville Harley-Davidson at the Gainesville Raceway.
Grimes spiced up the qualifying action by running a 222.16 mph pass on the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley. Grimes qualified on the quick side of the qualifying ladder with a 6.545 ET.
The team was pleased with the overall performance this weekend, sporting the new team uniforms and making 2 round in the season opener. In the first round, Grimes took out Dean Comunal with a 6.56 ET at 217 mph. Round two, Grimes took the hole shot and lead Doug Vancil until 1,000 feet, when the rear cylinder lost fire and Vancil took the win by 1 foot.
The team will next perform back at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, AZ, April 8-9th and Texas Motorplex, Ennis, TX, April 22-23rd.
Sincere thanks to our primary sponsors: Samson Exhaust and Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Special thanks to our associate sponsors: Raleigh H. O. G., Performance Machine, Autolite Sparkplugs, Barnett Clutches & Cables, RPR/MSD Ignitions, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Rubber Co., Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Metzeler Tire, Royal Purple Synthetic Oils and Icon.
And thanks to our friends at Hargis Consulting, Freddie Robbins and Ultra Pro Machining.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc - Raleigh, NC
Home of the Quickest Naturally Aspirated Motorcycle in the WORLD
Grimes WINS NHRA Phoenix3/1/06 - Raleigh, NC: The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley race team took the first win of the season at the NHRA Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals on Sunday at Firebird International Raceway. The Screamin' Eagle NHRA Nitro Harley-Davidson exhibition tour kicked off at the Chandler, AZ 1/4 mile.
In his sophomore season, Tommy Grimes, Pfafftown, NC dominated the program, qualifying #1 with a 6.377ET at 226.09 mph, capturing the quickest and fastest passes of the weekend.
In the finals on Sunday, Grimes defeated Doug Vancil, Albuquerque, NM. Grimes took the lead at the light and never looked back winning with a 6.404 ET at 211.03 mph, thrilling the packed grandstands at Firebird.
The team is now in transit to Gainesville, FL for the AHDRA season opener this weekend.
The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley is proudly supported by Samson Motorcycle Products, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh H. O. G., Performance Machine, Autolite Sparkplugs, Barnett Clutches & Cables, RPR/MSD Ignitions, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Rubber Co., Icon, Hargis Consulting, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Freddie Robbins, Ultra Pro Machining and Metzeler Tire.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh, NC
Home of the Quickest Naturally Aspirated Motorcycle in the WORLD
Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley Takes World Record at Rt. 66 Raceway10/3/05 - Joliet, IL: Nitro racer, Tommy Grimes of the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley Racing took home ALL the honors at the NHRA POWERade 5th Annual Ameriquest Mortgage Company NHRA Nationals at the world class Rt. 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL.
With the legendary Ray Price as teacher, Grimes took the team to victory lane with a win and a world record series of passes at the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Exhibition Series. Grimes qualified 2nd in one of the most prestigious fields in Nitro Harley drag racing with a 6.423 ET at 198.38.
In the eliminations on Sunday, Grimes ran a scorching 6.256 ET at 220.62 mph, the quickest pass on a Nitro Harley. In the 2nd round, the rookie rider maintained his composure to run a 6.290ET for a back up for the World record at 222.51 mph, the fastest time of the meet.
In the Finals, Grimes ran 6.336 ET at 220.04 to out power Doug Vancil's 6.393 ET at 203.58 mph.
This World record would not be possible without our sponsors. The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team gratefully thanks their sponsors:
Samson Exhaust, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh H. O. G., Buell, Performance Machine, Ultra Pro Machining, Autolite Sparkplugs, Barnett Clutches & Cables, PRP/MSD Ignitions, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Z1R Helmets, Gates Rubber Co., Hargis Consulting, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Freddie Robbins and Metzler Tire.
Oct . 15-16 Screamin' Eagle Perf. Parts Natls Rockingham, NC
Nov 12-13 JIMS Las Vegas Nationals Las Vegas, NV
Nov 14 AHDRA Awards Banquet Las Vegas, NV
Moving on UP and MARK your calendars for Nitro ACTION8/1/05 - Raleigh, NC: After qualifying #2 at Maryland International Raceway, Budds Creek, MD and AGAIN taking fastest MPH in the sulty qualifying session for the S &S Cycle Mid-Atlantic Nationals Presented by All American Harley-Davidson and Harley-Davidson of Frederick rookie rider Tommy Grimes of the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley continues his climb up the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Top Fuel class ladder. Grimes according to the latest AHDRA points tabulation is currently in the number 12 spot and moving up.
Never wanting to miss an opportunity to compete at Rockingham Dragway, only an hour from Raleigh, the team will be making exhibition passes at the 28th annual National Bikers Roundup. According to Steve Earwood, track owner, this is largest minority-owned-and-operated family motorcycle event in the country, will transform the North Carolina sandhills Aug. 2-7 when thousands of two-wheel enthusiasts from 35 states and Canada descend on Rockingham Dragway for six days of racing and recreation. Grimes riding the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley is looking forward to making passes at this NC event on both Friday and Saturday, Aug. 5 and 6th. www.rockinghamdragway.com
As the AHDRA season points tighten up the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team will be at Bristol, TN, S & S Cycle Thunder in the Valley Nationals Presented by Smith Brother's Harley-Davidson, August 13-14.
The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team with Grimes riding is looking forward to a match race with the Bojangle's team of Mark Cox at Virginia Motorsports Park, near Richmond, Va. on Sunday August 21st for the Virginia Bike Fest. www.virginiamotorsportspk.com
August 27-28, another long haul to the West Coast for the Team Latus Motors Northwest Nationals in pursuit of West Coast action and national points. On the way back to home base at Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell in Raleigh, the team will stop in St Louis for the Surdyke Mid-West Nationals, Sept. 3 and 4th. The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team is planning to attend the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley exhibition series with the NHRA at the Ameriquest Mortgage NHRA Nationals Joliet, IL September 29-October 2
A short break will give the team an opportunity to prepare for the final east coast AHDRA event at the team's home track, Rockingham, NC, Oct. 14-15 for the Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts Nationals.
The final event of the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley '05 tour will Nov. 12 and 13 for the JIMS Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip, Las Vegas.
The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team proudly thanks their sponsors: Samson Exhaust, Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh H. O. G., Buell, Performance Machine, Ultra Pro Machining, Autolite Sparkplugs, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Roy's Rental Uniform Service, PRP/MSD Ignitions, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, V1R Helmets, Gates Rubber Co., Hargis Consulting, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions.
Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley Team Make Semi Finals at Seattle7/12/05 - Seattle, WA: The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team made the long haul to the Kresto Pacific Nationals Presented by Destination, Downtown and Eastside Harley-Davidson Dealers outside Seattle, WA.
On Saturday during qualifying, the AHDRA and Pacific Raceway staff did an outstanding job of getting in the program despite the rain and mist. The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley ridden by Tommy Grimes qualified 4th in the field of quality western teams. Running 6.673 ET at 205.63 mph. Grimes continues to show improvement in his nitro riding style.
On Sunday prior to eliminations, 1,700 riders participating in the Children's Ride paraded into the race complex and added to the race excitement. In round one, Grimes advanced by running what was to be the top MPH of the race at 219.61 with a 6.575 ET.
In the semi finals, the decision by team owner, Ray Price, and crew chief, Jeremy Hoy, to wait for their competition to make it into the staging area was honored by track officials. After waiting several minutes, both teams staged and Grimes remained consistent with a 6.626 ET at 218.72 MPH.
With the trip to the semi's in Seattle, Grimes has moved the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley into 13th spot on the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson Top Fuel field. Uplucky number?? We think not, Grimes won't be there long as he continues to gain experience and show confidence after only 3 races on Top Fuel.
The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley team will next compete at the AHDRA's S&S Cycle Mid-Atlantic Nationals Presented by All American Harley-Davidson and Harley-Davidson of Frederick at Maryland International Raceway, Budds Creek, MD July 16 and 17th.
Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley Make the Top Fuel Field and Top MPHJune 12, 2006 - Norwalk, OH: The Samson/Ray Price Nitro Harley Top Fueler with rookie rider Tommy Grimes qualified 3rd and ran top mph at the AHDRA/Roeder’s HD Buckeye Nationals presented by Drag Specialties at Norwalk Raceway Park, Norwalk Oh.
Tommy Grimes’ drag racing background comes from the NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle ranks. Grimes’ best time on his Pro Stock Suzuki is 7.18 ET at 191 mph.
According to Grimes the biggest difference between Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley and his Pro Stock bike is the noise and power pulses of the 875 horsepower monster. “The sensation of speed is different. On my Pro Stock bike, I tuck into the bike behind the windscreen, there is no noise like the Nitro fuel bike. On the Nitro Harley there is really big noise and a different feel of power.” (Welcome to Nitro World, Tommy.)
Norwalk was his second race with the Samson/Ray Price Nitro Team. Team owner and drag racing legend, Ray Price was very pleased with Grimes performance, “Tommy did a great job during qualifying. He ran top mph in the first round of qualifying at 215 and exceeded that by running 216 in the 2nd round and finished 3rd on the ladder with a 6.56 ET.
During the eliminations on Sunday, Grimes won the 1st round with a 6.66 at 199 mph. In the 2nd round, the launch was even stronger, however, the run ended at 200 feet when the primary belt broke.
Tommy has a very strong and determined desire to win. He also has great riding ability. The Nitro Harley arena creates the perfect challenge for this young man. Ray Price and the team are very excited about the future. They are looking forward to Seattle in two weeks.
THE PRICE WAS RIGHT AT DEALER EXPO
KENNY PRICE AND RAY PRICE TEAM UP FOR 2005 AHDRA TOP FUEL DRAGSFebruary 21, 2005 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN:
The Founder and President of SAMSON Motorcycle Products, Kenny Price met with World Famous Drag Race Champion Ray Price at the 2005 Dealer Expo to finish final details for the AHDRA 2005 season. Samson Exhaust will be the title sponsor for the Ray Price Motorsports Top Fuel Nitro bike.
"The name Ray Price is synonymous with Harley Davidson drag racing and we are proud to be able to sponsor this race team," said Kenny Price. "As title sponsor to Ray Price Racing, we are able to show our support to the industry." Ray Price has been racing for over 35 years and is owner of one of the largest Harley Davidson dealerships in North America. Located in Raleigh, NC it is the only dealership in the country with a Harley Davidson Drag Racing Museum.
"SAMSON EXHAUST is the industry leader in motorcycle exhaust and Ray Price is the leader in drag racing," said Nick Trumbo, SAMSON Sales and Marketing Manager. "It is only natural that Kenny and Ray team up to put the Number 1 plate on Ray's bike."
SAMSON Motorcycle Products designs, manufactures, markets and sells premium quality motorcycle exhausts exclusively in Anaheim, California, USA. Every product has been thoroughly tested to improve performance, enhance appearance and give the sound customers are looking for. As the industry leader in aftermarket exhaust, every part is inspected for the highest quality standards. SAMSON Motorcycle Products markets products under the Samson Exhaust®, Caliber® High Performance Exhaust and Shogun® Exhaust brand names.
Big Changes at Ray Price Racing/Motorsports2/22/05 - Raleigh, NC: Ray Price Racing is changing not only their name but rider as well. Ray Price is changing the name of Ray Price Racing to Ray Price Motorsports, Inc. This name is necessary to facilitate changes going on at Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell and repositioning of his world famous race program.
Price explains, "We needed to change the name because we are moving into a new venue at the dealership. We are hotly pursuing expansion of our high performance shop, we have the space and we have the staff. Jeremy Hoy, crew chief, and Justin Heinle, engine builder, are ready to create high horsepower for not only the drag strip but street bikes as well. We have been working on this transition since my fall in Las Vegas '03. My team has never let me down, they have never lost their vision for success and speed."
Additionally Price is adding Pennsylvanian, Greg Grove to twist the throttle this season. Beginning his racing career on a Pro Dragster over ten years ago, Grove sees Price's offer as a "once in a lifetime opportunity". Grove owns and operates Grove's Service Center in Elizabethtown, Pa. He was in the midst of attempting to sell his business when Price made the offer. "I've stepped up my efforts (to sell) since I talked with Ray. We've made several test sessions at Rockingham and I'm more than anxious about Gainesville."
Ray Price has ONE more announcement, which should be available VERY SOON. STAND BY !
Nobles Starts Top Fuel TripRay Price Racing and new rider Tripp Nobles hit the track together for the first time at the All Harley Drag Racing Association event in Bristol, Tennessee. Nobles earned his Top Fuel license and qualified 11th in the 16-bike field with a 6.976 at 199.85, then faced 3-time national champion Doug Vancil in round 1 of eliminations.
Nobles has a motorcycle road and drag racing rÇsumÇ nearly as long as Bristol's quarter mile dragstrip, but he'd never raced anything remotely like Price's nitromethane brute, with pistons the size of large coffee cans churning beneath his chin. "The Top Fueler is intimidating," admitted Tripp, the defending AHDRA champion in the comparatively mild Screamin' Eagle V-Rod class. "But I remind myself that I've been racing motorcycles for 35 years, and it's just another motorcycle. But it is a lot different, and I've got a lot to learn."
Nobles is learning quickly, and the first racer to sign off on his Top Fuel license was Vancil, followed by fellow heavy hitters Mike Romine and Johnny Mancuso. "It was an honor," Tripp said about their support.
But that honor turned stressful when Nobles had to race Vancil the very next day. "I enjoyed the pressure of lining up next to him and Julie (Vancil, Doug's wife, crew chief and AHDRA Pro Wrench of the Year)," said Tripp. "I couldn't have had a better racer to line up against for my first round. The only thing that sucked is that I lost. I lined up crooked-it was my fault. I left with an .071 light to his .109, but I know Doug probably took it easy 'cause he'd seen me struggling to get down the track in qualifying."
"Tripp is working very hard to transfer his riding techniques to Top Fuel," said Price, who is still recovering from a spill on the bike in May of 2003. "It's obviously much, much different than his V-Rod program with Don Tilley. He has all the qualifications to be a good rider. He shows great reaction times and tremendous potential."
Nobles feels the potential is there for the group to actually win a race before the year is out, and expressed a great amount of confidence in Price, crew chief Jeremy Hoy and crew member Justin Heinly. "I can't tell you enough about the professionalism of those people," said Tripp. "I don't care whether it's on a Blast or the Fueler, I can win some races with those people."
Tripp's next chance to do just that is at the Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts Nationals presented by The Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association at Ray's home track, Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, North Carolina, October 9 & 10.
Ray Price Racing is sponsored by Ray Price H-D, Raleigh H. O. G., Buell, Performance Machine, Ultra Pro Machining, Autolite Sparkplugs, Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Roy's Rental Uniform Service, PRP/MSD Ignitions, ThermoDynamic/Reactor Power Cell, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Simpson Race Products, Diamond Engineering, Copperhead Graphics, VP Racing Fuel, Gates Rubber Co., Bates Leathers, Hargis Consulting, DME Racing, and Brown and Miller Racing Solutions.
Nobles is sponsored by Drag Specialties, HJC Helmets, Alpinestars, AST Sports Science, Performance Machine and LBZ.
PICTURE ARCHIVE
