The 2nd Annual BAKER Burnout Drags were an intense stationary burnout drag race tournament that put twelve industry bad-asses head-to-head in a steel cage for no holds barred competition; Graciously sponsored in part by Avon Tyres, Ethanol Fuels, Indian Motorcycles, New Belgium Brewing and Spectro Oils. Not even a torrential downpour, gale-force winds and fierce hail could stop the high octane competition as the 2nd annual Baker Burnout Drags kicked off a night of righteous fury and rubber burning fun before rockers Buckcherry took the stage at the Legendary Buffalo Chip, Sturgis, SD. Big thank-you’s go out to the folks at the Legendary Buffalo Chip for hosting this night of chaotic, tire-melting fun! The format was merely this: The first one to shift to a 5th gear burnout wins the heat, and moves onward, in a bracket style format. Twelve contenders in all, competing in the half-hour, energy-filled tournament; this brave dozen in the contest were prominent bike builders and industry folk (special thanks to those who dove in at the last minute to fill spaces that were backed out of by others!): in no particular order
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was none other than Mr.Roadside Marty, and the guest judges were Scott Lerg and James Simonelli: two of Baker’s finest sales and tech guys. The bikes the contenders used were of every flavor from drag bikes racing bobbers, choppers vs. baggers competing against radical customs. The men and women in pits gave it their all on these bikes, some of them after riding out in a massive hail storm to the Chip just for our event! The primal energy and the spirit of competition filled the smoky air as the victor was determined in the end: Ken Wolfe from S&S was named the Baker Burnout King 09. Ken joined the competition the day of, to fill a space left open by another competitor needing to back out due to an emergency. The final race was between Bill Dodge and Ken and it was a close match – needing to be called on the best of three! What a close outcome! Ken won $1000 gift certificate to Baker Drivetrain for his victory. Avon Tyres displayed a monumental gesture of generosity by offering replacement rear tires to the competitors.
Bill Dodge: defending Baker Burnout King 2008 – Blings Cycles
Jerry Covington – Covington Cycles
Athena “Chickie” Ransom – Vagabond Choppers
Paul Wideman – Bare Knuckle Choppers
Laura Klock – Klock Werks
Kevin “Teach” Baas – Baas Metalcraft
Pat Patterson – Led Sleds
Randy Winchel – Framelock
Dar Holdsworth – Brass Balls Bobbers and Choppers
John Schope – Sinister Choppers