Rick Stetson once quipped between rounds, "I can't cut a light anymore" then went out next round and strapped a .003 light on his opponent. Never nap on an old NHRA Pro Stock Bike racer.  (Tom McCarthy photo)

Because of the wealth of knowledge Rick’s gained from his decades of drag racing, as a speed shop owner he’s put untold numbers of racers into the record books and in winner’s circles from coast to coast. Rick tuned Gary Clark’s F/B to championships in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000 with the AMA/PROSTAR sanction. Rick also played a key role in helping his friend Dave Vantine rise to prominence in Top Fuel motorcycle competition. In May of 2006, Rick himself earned his 200 MPH club spot with the ECTA in the class MPS/G with a run of 222.123. The certificate hangs proudly in his shop.

If one were to ask the question, “How many bikes has Rick helped win races or break speed records?” I can confirm there is no way to add up that number. Rick Stetson has helped countless motorcycle drag racers win races and break speed records. Not only on the drag strip, but Land Speed Racing records too. There are just too many to count and the number increases year after year. But there is a way to recognize Mr. Stetson for his accomplishments and the New England Hot Rod Council has the answer to that question.