Short Line Express Gambler Shootout at Las Vegas

Nitro Harleys run the table at the Strip

Words by Jeff Burk
Photos by Bob Johnson

Rickey House (near lane) got the Top Fuel win over Len Darnell.

The Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley-Davidson ran in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil National Championship at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Short Line Express Gambler Shootout event on Nov. 6-8.

Top Fuel and Pro Nitro Harley were the premier motorcycle attraction. Thirteen Top Fuel Harley teams from the U.S. and Canada were present attempting to qualify for the elite eight-bike field. Bikes in the class can have engines as large as 200 ci, but they must adhere to Harley-Davidson engine design, burn nitro and run a direct-drive transmission.

There were also nine teams on hand in the Pro Fuel (nitro only) class vying for one of the eight available spots. The class is reserved for drag bikes powered by nitro burning, carbureted, 122 max cubic inch Harley engine with a high gear only trans. They are a truly unique nitro burning class in drag racing.

The Top Fuel finals saw #3 qualifier Rickey House, Humble, Texas, on a '14 VTS run a strong 6.369/227.00 pass in the final to beat #5 qualifier Len Darnell from Vancover, Wash., who ran a 6.504/192.06. Darnell took the starting line advantage with a .021 RT to House’s .073 and the lead down the lane, until his bike went silent and House was able to chase him down to take the win. House won with a great pass of 6.369 seconds at 227.00 mph.

Pro Fuel finals found #1 qualifier Johnny Vickers, Millers Creek, N.C., drive his '14 Hawaya to the win over #2 qualifier Janette Thornley using a 7.259/170.95 to beat Thornley’s respectable but losing 7.497/174.03 lap.