NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

For decades, the NHRA Pacific Division Sportsman Motorcycle series has been a breeding ground for future stars in the Mission Foods NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class. From Craig Treble, Karen Stoffer, and Fred Camarena, to reigning and two-time champ Gaige Herrera, some of the most successful riders in the history of the class are alumni of the popular E.T. bracket series that is contested at West Coast events.

The latest rider to make that jump is Clayton Howey, who made his debut at the 2024 Sonoma event, and, more recently made waves with an impressive showing at the Stampede of Speed event in Dallas. Howey has been racing for 17 years so it’s not fair to call him a newcomer, but he admits that riding a Pro Stock Motorcycle is an entirely different experience than his 7.7-second bracket bike.

“My bracket bike is fast, but this [Pro Stock Motorcycle] is just different,” Howey said. “Each incremental is so much quicker, it gets your attention. The biggest thing I’ve had to do is remember that there are six gears.

“The great thing about the Sportsman Motorcycle class is that we race on a Pro Tree, which is one less thing that you have to adjust to. There is also a great group of people out there. We all support each other. I’ve raced with Gaige [Herrera] quite a bit and when you see what he’s done out here, you want to be a part of it. I always wanted to see how I stacked up against these guys.”

Howey got his first taste of a Pro Stock Motorcycle in 2024 when he got his NHRA pro license aboard Gary Stoffer’s Suzuki. Competing at his home track, Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., Howey made his debut in Sonoma and also raced in Las Vegas and Pomona, qualifying for all three events.

“The first day when I was getting my license didn’t go so smoothly. We had to abort every run, but I came back the next day and ran 7.30’s on all three runs and got my license. It was my first time riding a bike with a full fairing, and it was a lot of fun. It’s different and it’s challenging, but it was fun.

Fast forward to 2025, and Howey was able to become more competitive by teaming with Chris and Kelly Clontz to race their second bike, a Suzuki that was previously ridden by two-time national event winner Joey Gladstone.

Two weeks ago in Dallas, Howey made the entire class stand up and take notice when he pulled off a sizable upset in the opening round of eliminations. Racing past Rookie of the Year Chase Van Sant, Howey rode to a 6.86 to 6.88 victory and he put an exclamation point on the win with a perfect .000 reaction time.

“I wasn’t exactly trying to do that,” Howey laughed. "It was exciting and a lot of fun. As soon as I let go of the [clutch] lever, I knew it was going to be close, and I was happy to see it turn green. My first [NHRA pro] win; I definitely framed that time slip. “

Those who know Howey aren’t the least bit surprised by his sudden success. He’s won multiple track championships at Famoso Raceway, and three years ago, he came to Las Vegas to compete for a national championship in the Summit E.T. Racing Series. Howey also scores a ringing endorsement from longtime friend Herrera.

“I’ve known Clayton a long time and he can definitely do this,” said Herrera. “I’m really happy to see him finally get a chance to show what he can do. I think that it’s great that we’re seeing new riders in the class. There are a lot of guys out there all over the country that would make good Pro Stock Motorcycle racers. They just need a chance to prove themselves.”

After nearly 17 years, Howey certainly doesn’t consider himself a rookie, but he’s also well aware that the learning curve never stops.  

“The challenge of riding this bike to its potential has had me studying since Dallas,” he wrote on his face book page. “Even after 17 years of racing a motorcycle I’m still learning something new every time down the track. I’m going to do what I can and hope we make it.”

Howey also has a long list of supporters including Chris and Kelly Clontz, Vance& Hines, Brett Ware, Jeremy Bates, DiCicco’s Italian Restaurant, SCR Specialized Chimney Repair, J. Jones Entertainment Construction, PS Audio Video Solutions, Roy Barrera Sr., ProThings, MasterCraft Metal Polishing, BWR Motorsports, along with his wife, Lindsay, and daughter, Quinn.