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Newly-crowned 2015 IHRA World Champion Jay Turner of Julian, N.C., is the latest to enter this week’s 24th annual AMRA Jim McClure All-Harley Nitro Nationals at Rockingham Dragway and the veteran will present an immediate challenge to Top Fuel favorite Tommy Grimes of Clemmons, North Carolina.
Turner, the veteran from nearby Julian, rode to his fifth win in the 12-race IHRA Nitro Jam Series last week at Memphis, Tenn., and, en route, he set IHRA world records for quarter-mile time (6.261 seconds) and speed (228.61 miles per hour).
Grimes, who has been the No. 1 qualifier at Rockingham the last four years astride the potent Ray Price Harley, is the American Motorcycle Racing Association and Rockingham Dragway record holder at 6.197, 227.27 mph.
The son of former Piedmont Dragway owner Jim Turner, the younger Turner grew up idolizing the late Jim McClure and has won the race contested in his honor four times previously, most recently in 2010.
Turner, who also won IHRA Nitro Harley championships in 1999, 2000 and 2012, has two All Harley Drag Racing Association and two American Motorcycle Racing Association titles to his credit and in 2000 was named the IHRA Pro Driver of the Year after winning four of 11 events including both races at The Rock.
This year, Turner won IHRA races from coast-to-coast – from Tucson, Arizona, to Palm Beach, Florida to Martin, Michigan, Budds Creek, Maryland, and Memphis.
“I love the adrenaline,” Turner said of his passion for racing motorcycles. “When you’re at the quarter-mile (the finish line) and the front tire is two feet off the ground, that’s what it’s all about.”
In addition to Top Fuel, champions will be crowned in all the other major categories including Nitro Funny Bike, Pro Fuel, Pro Gas, Pro Mod and a full complement of sportsman classes.
The three-day cycle fest, which includes a live band following qualifying on Saturday, begins with a 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. test session on Friday. Saturday qualifying will begin at 10 a.m. and will set the field for single elimination finals starting at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Three-day adult tickets are $45. Combo Saturday-Sunday tickets are $35. Admission at the gate will be $20 for adults with children six and under free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Parking is free in Rockingham’s main lot.
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