Keith Dennis

Keith “Shine” Dennis (no relation to Kevin) is a true legend known mostly for his grudge racing exploits. But the diminutive trash talker has also mastered many other classes, from AMA/Prostar’s Supersport to Pro Stock. How would the master of all things flashy fare against a 129-bike field of NHDRO’s bracket regulars?

Damn well it turns out. Shine had the bye to the final, where he faced Kenneth Smith, both riders on Kawasaki ZX14Rs. Veteran Indy racer Smith looked to be a cool customer on his beautiful ’14, but the Shine mystique may in fact have rattled him. Dennis changed his dial-in from an 8.99 to match Smith’s 9.49, and Smith cracked with a -.128 redlight. Shine was 3 grand richer and Smith still had $500 for his trouble.