NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Reigning Mickey Thompson Tires Nitro Harley champion Tii Tharpe is ready for a little payback after opening his title defense after losing in the final round of the season-opening Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals to one of his closest rivals, championship runner-up Doug Vancil.

“Showdown in the desert? You damn right!” Tharpe said about this weekend’s Magic Dry Organic Absorbent NHRA Arizona Nationals. And even though finishing second is a far sight better than missing the Pomona race entirely like he did last year, Tharpe doesn’t see his strong-but-losing finish as anything better than a participation trophy.

Tharpe won the Phoenix even last year, so he has good reason to be confident that his Jay Turner Racing bike (known as “Lagertha”) will be strong there again. 

“I always show up to win and going back to back in Arizona would sure put a grin on my face,” said Tharpe. “I don't have a crystal ball—that would be boring. But I do have the heart and desire to compete.”

If he needs extra incentive, Tharpe need look no further than the wish to please new sponsor Samson Exhaust. Tii is making room on his Spevco-sponsored mount for Mike Baverstock's Samson Exhaust to jump on board and make some “Loud Pipes Win Races” kind of noise.

Both Samson and Spevco are known for the quality of their workmanship -- Spevco for large custom display, experience, and operations vehicles, while Samson designs and fabricates custom motorcycle exhausts and OEM vehicle tubing.

The partnership officially begins at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and continues on to the Houston event in what is currently a two-race deal.

“We here at Samson are excited to be partnering with Spevco on Tii’s bike,” said Baverstock. “Tii and Jay Turner Racing are proven winners in an exceptionally difficult class, and we are honored to be part of such a great race team.  

In addition to working with a new sponsor, champion Tharpe is also riding a different bike this year, as Turner rode “Lagertha” that last season. 

“We have a couple of new bikes in the works, however ‘Lagertha’ has been treating me very well, so why mess with success?: said Tharpe. “I have gotten familiar with the new set-up and she runs great, and as I get more consistent the tuning will follow.

“It's going to be another great season it seems, and we look forward to rising to the occasion in the desert. Come to the track with your best game and turn on win lights. If you do that correctly, the rest will fall in place.”

special to NHRA by Tim Hailey