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Inside
Competition: SEVEN HEAVEN |
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Story by Graeme Jones and photo by Laura Millsip & McImages |
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 Pro Modified is a term synonymous with diversity in the world of drag racing. The automotive version of the class is the ultimate in raw doorslammer performance thanks to minimal engine rules and an open invitation for various combinations to compete side-by-side. Big-inch nitrous injected cars have battled for supremacy with their supercharged, methanol-fed brethren since the birth of the class in the early 1990s.The CMDRA (Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association) based its own Pro Modified class on a very similar platform, allowing for a variety of motorcycles and motor combos to run heads-up in the same division. The import-dominated class has recently become a feature attraction of the West Coast-based all-bike series, earning a spot in the run order right behind the headliner, Top Fuel Harley. Much like Top Fuel, Pro Modified bikes are on the ragged edge of excess. Every run is a quest for that nearly elusive harmony between motorcycle, engine, clutch, rider and track. On the rare occasions that everything falls into place, the performance numbers are astounding. Typical runs, however, usually see racers trying to keep an out-of-control bike with a mind of its own going in a straight line. This visual spectacle is a vital part of the fan attraction to Pro Mod. The CMDRA’s flagship import class is home to today’s quickest and fastest Canadian metric bikes. Engines in the range of 1400-1500cc aren’t enough; nitrous oxide injection, turbochargers and methanol are all commonplace in the realm of this class. Whereas the most powerful production engines in today’s top sport bikes range from 165-180 hp, Pro Mods are pushing anywhere from 350 to 600 ponies to the track through a traction-limiting 11-inch rear slick. The frontrunners are currently turning in passes in the 7.1-second zone for the quarter-mile at speeds between 185-195 miles an hour! 
Trying to steer such a motorcycle with only the back wheel on the track is a recipe for excitement. Once the clutch is dumped, riders have to deal with helmet-rattling tire shake, abrupt fishtailing and violent bucking while trying to keep the bike between the guardrail and the centreline – all under full throttle. Acceleration continues at an alarming rate beyond half track as the bike continues to fight for traction approaching the finish line at nearly 200 mph. Pro Mods have actually been videotaped crossing the quarter-mile speed traps with the front wheel six inches off the ground!Machinery in the class ranges from 2007 champion Gord Smith’s turbocharged, alcohol-burning Kawasaki Ninja to ‘06 champ Len Darnell’s nitrous-injected Suzuki GSX-R to Clint Rabb’s potent turbo/nitrous Kawasaki. Turbo racers have the edge in terms of sheer power, but Darnell still holds the class ET record at 7.136 on a nitrous bike. Smith has the official MPH mark at 197.71. This past season marked a turning point for the Pro Modified division. The quality of machinery and the level of performance stepped up significantly, to the point where the top Pro Mod bikes were qualifying quicker than half of the nitro burning, 900+ hp Top Fuelers. In an organization dominated by Harleys, Pro Mod has staked its claim as a must-watch class and a key ingredient in the CMDRA’s cross-platform success. Ten-year class veteran Smith reinforced his status as the most successful racer in Canadian Pro Mod history after claiming his fourth class championship in five years last season aboard his trusty Kawi. Powered by a 1428cc turbocharged, alcohol-burning GPZ-based motor, Smith has propelled ‘The Silver Bullet’ to a best 7.19 seconds and 197.71 miles an hour. The unpredictable Kawi always puts on a show thanks to its oft-erratic, tire-scorching launches. With bikes that makes in excess of 500 horsepower, Smith claims that just keeping the tire hooked to the track is a paramount task in itself. “The biggest challenge with this bike is understanding how each track surface is prepped so you can keep the most power to the ground and not over power the track, especially at the top end,” the Kelowna, BC rider notes. “Once you start fighting to keep a handle on the bike, it’s pretty hard to win the race.” Fellow class competitor Rabb must agree. Throwing close to 600 horsepower to the track through his carbureted turbo/nitrous-injected combination, Rabb has eclipsed 210 mph twice but is no stranger to the challenges of making consistent full-track passes on a Pro Mod bike. “When I think about it, 190 plus miles per hour with the front wheel in the air sounds almost suicidal,” the Medicine Hat rider jokes, “but knowing that you are one of the few that would even dare to ride a bike like that is self rewarding.” Rabb is one of several riders that have recently stepped up to challenge Smith’s stranglehold on the class. Gary Christopher, Tony Clizbe and Terry Schweigert all possess the ability to go deep into the low sevens on a good day, while new rides from Keith Adams and Burke Foster are part of a new wave of purpose-built Pro Mod machinery joining the fray. Last season was indeed a pivotal year in Pro Modified, with low seven-second potential now imperative to winning a national event. This combined with unpredictable on-track antics have turned the class into a fan favourite. “People like to see action,” Rabb summarizes. “Every time we go out to make a pass, we are fully loaded. Like Top Fuel, these bikes are running on the edge and you are pushing every part in the motor to the very limit. “Blowing the tire off at the line, smoking the tire to half track, nitrous backfires and motor explosions - they’re all part of the fun.” IM |