Rickey Grayson is a longtime player on the MiRock scene, both in pro classes and the intense grudge scene. But the winner’s circle often eludes Grayson and his 4th Generation Motorsports machines. Heading into the HTP Performance Real Street final round against class champion Keith Thompson, most railbirds agreed that Thompson’s winning experience would guide him to the trophy against Grayson on this day as well. But instead it was Thompson who gaffed, going -.164 red against Grayson.

“It seemed like the starter held the tree kinda long and I just got antsy,” reported Thompson.

Real Street was tight all day, with superstar Rickey Gadson losing round 1 to teenager Jeremy Teasley, his teammate from the AMA Dragbike circuit. Gadson’s nephew, Richard, qualified number two but also lost in round 1 when his HTP ‘Busa bogged badly at launch. But Real Street wasn’t just tight, it was fat also, with 34 bikes entered—more than enough for two full fields. Thus was born Real Street B. Stephon Reynolds just missed the cut into the A Main, but came out on top in B. By the end of the day he was running quick enough to have made the main field, and that’s what B classes are all about — Sunday experience that boosts a racer’s game more than spectating ever could.