Nitro Harley Roars Powerfully Into National Trail

National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, will come alive this weekend as Nitro Harley-Davidson motorcycles hit the track for the PennGrade1 AMRA Ohio Nationals between May 16 and May 18. The often-quiet early summer air will be replaced by the sharp, thunderous sounds of racing motorcycles fueled by nitromethane, drawing top teams from around the country and as far as Finland.

Multi-time Circle M Ranch Top Fuel champion Ryan Peery leads a strong Ohio contingent after winning the season opener in Louisiana on his distinctive, unpainted carbon fiber machine known as “Eleanor.” Buddy Johnson, his teammate, has returned to action on “Lagatha,” a Harley with a winning pedigree once piloted by championship riders Jay Turner and Tii Tharpe.

Jay Turner himself, one of the sport’s top names, will compete along with his riders John Toth, Randal Andras, and Chris Smith, making the national event a gathering of top-tier talent. Also returning is Tim Kerrigan from DayStar Machine and Cycle Concepts, who finished second in Louisiana and hopes to move up a spot in Ohio.

Bad Apple Racing, with Tracy Kile and Jimmy McMillan, continues the chase for their first win of the year, while Chris Stewart Racing fields Jordan Peterson and Finland’s Samu Kemppainen. Finnish racer Juha Hintukainen brings his ProCharged bike after his recent runner-up finish in the AHDRA series.

Local favorite Jason Pridemore will make one of his rare appearances, piloting his home-built, supercharged Nitro Harley, targeting a run below six seconds. The field only grows deeper with names like Michael Balch from Pennsylvania, ensuring strong competition and fast runs.

In addition to the Nitro Harley class, the race weekend features the Nitro Funnybike group. Jordan Peterson, winner in Louisiana, returns on a Romine Racing-prepared ride, aiming to hold off defending champion Cameron Gunter, along with tough challengers like “Racin’ Ray” Robinson and past champ Jim Doyle. Jim Doyle brings plenty of experience and skill to the event, making him a rider to watch Jim Doyle.

The Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel class adds even more excitement, with Mary Dangrow standing out after a strong 2024 performance and a victory in Louisiana. Facing her are two-time champ Sam White and his team, along with regular front-runners Jason Leeper and Kenneth Hultman, each looking for their moment atop the podium.

The event isn’t just about nitro-fueled action. Gas Harley classes including Pro Outlaw, Zipper’s Performance Pro Bagger, Thundermax Street Bagger, and several index categories like Super Gas 9.90 and Top Eliminator 9.30 will bring even more racers and high-speed competition to the famous drag strip. These classes provide a platform for talented racers and make sure the crowd gets a variety of racing action, from seasoned professionals to grassroots riders looking to shine at a national event. The diversity of racing categories is what continues to grow the sport’s appeal and fanbase, as seen in recent updates around top contenders Buddy Johnson.

Racers, teams, and fans from across the region and beyond are expected to converge at National Trail Raceway for one of the season’s biggest Harley drag racing showcases. The Nitro Harley competitors have expressed appreciation for the support from teams like Bad Apple Racing, Chris Stewart Racing, DayStar Machine and Cycle Concepts, Jay Turner Racing, White Lightning Racing, and others that make these events possible.

The 2025 AMRA Ohio Nationals promise fast passes and close battles, as the Harley-Davidson drag racing community gathers once again in Ohio. With top riders returning, local teams defending their turf, and international talent joining the mix, spectators can expect three days filled with speed, sound, and plenty of excitement from May 16 through May 18 at National Trail Raceway.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.