NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

NHRA and Sonoma Raceway officials have announced that the NHRA Pro Bike Battle at Sonoma Raceway, an all-star bonus event for the eight quickest Pro Stock Motorcycle riders in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, will continue in 2017. 

The 2017 NHRA Pro Bike Battle at Sonoma Raceway will be contested as a special race-within-a-race during the 2017 Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals, Saturday, July 29, with television coverage provided by FOX Sports 1.

“This popular all-star event for the Pro Stock Motorcycle teams creates an extra layer of excitement during the famed Western Swing,” said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president of racing operations. “We are pleased that we can partner with Sonoma Raceway to continue to showcase the very best racing in the world of professional motorcycle drag racing through this competitive bonus program.”

Riders will begin earning points for the 2017 NHRA Pro Bike Battle at Sonoma Raceway during the 2016 Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals and will continue earning points through the 2017 Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver. The eight riders accumulating the most qualifying points during the 16-race qualifying period will earn a berth in the 2017 NHRA Pro Bike Battle at Sonoma Raceway.

“The Pro Stock Motorcycles have a huge following in Northern California, and adding the Pro Bike Battle to our weekend schedule has really enhanced that part of the program,” said Steve Page, president and general manager, Sonoma Raceway. “We’re delighted to confirm this as an ongoing feature of the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals.”

Eddie Krawiec, who rides the Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, is the defending winner of the NHRA Pro Bike Battle at Sonoma Raceway.  He will try to defend his crown as the top seed entering the 2016 NHRA Pro Bike Battle at Sonoma Raceway. He will face veteran rider Steve Johnson, the No. 8 qualifier, in round one on Saturday, July 30, during the 2016 Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals. Other qualified riders include Andrew Hines, Jerry Savoie, Chip Ellis, Hector Arana Sr., Matt Smith, and Hector Arana Jr. Elimination rounds for the all-star event will be held at 1, 3, and 4:50 p.m. with television coverage provided by FOX Sports 1.