Pro Stock Motorcycle is undergoing a resurgence on and off track right now, the competitor numbers have never been better with the new NDRC and PDRC series kicking goals, and their professionalism off track is shining through to reinvigorate the class. On the back of this we are witnessing the return of iconic names from the past once again throwing their leg over a Pro Stock Motorcycle.
One of the blasts from the past to don the leathers once again is Paul Andrews. We have to go back to the 80s and Competition Bike for the start of Andrews two-wheel drag racing career, and it was a successful one at that, setting records, winning a string of events including the Australian Nationals and the prestigious John Storm Memorial trophy. In the late 90s Andrews upped his racing program with a Pro Stock Motorcycle, but with the responsibilities of a young family he did not have the budget to be fully competitive and he put the sport on hold – until now.
“In 2000, I made the decision to step back from racing to spend more time with my family. Despite that, the passion for the sport never quite left me,” said Andrews.
“Last year, I took the plunge and bought a second-hand bike. I run a busy mechanical workshop in Torquay, Victoria, so my time is limited, but it made sense to enlist the help of my friend Trevor Birrell to help bring the bike up to current specs. The mods included a Monster billet top end, updated brakes, and a range of other high-quality upgrades.”
After such a long time out of the rider’s seat it was quickly evident Andrews had lost nothing in the break.
“It had been about 24 years since I last rode a Pro Bike, so I was a bit apprehensive when I finally threw a leg over the new machine,” he said. “We did a test day at The Bend a couple of weeks before the Riverbend Nationals, and to my surprise, I ran a couple of 7.3-second passes. When the event came around, I managed my personal best ET of 7.14 seconds at 187mph. Not bad for a 66-year-old!
“Over the off-season, we continued to improve the bike with a current-spec 16-inch back wheel, a larger fuel tank, and some additional power upgrades. I’ve also shed around 4 kilos, which will help. I’m hoping these improvements will get me into the 7.0-second range, but I know the key to success with these normally aspirated bikes is air quality, getting the tuning just right, along with solid riding skills.
The thrill of these naturally aspirated bikes with potential of six-second 200mph passes still drives Andrews, while the Pro Stock Motorcycle Association of Australia has created a professional focus for the class to promote itself off-track on social media between and during events.
“I chose to compete in this class because I absolutely love riding these machines. There’s something indescribable about the buzz you get when you go into full stage and put on the the two-step and drop the clutch,” added Andrews. “The camaraderie within the class is fantastic, too—there’s a real sense of community among the competitors. That’s what keeps me coming back for more.”
Andrews will line up against seven other Pro Stock Motorcycles for the opening round of the NDRC Pro Stock Motorcycle championship in conjunction with the PDRC this Friday and Saturday (Nov 15/16) at Sydney Dragway, the epic event also featuring Pro Alcohol, Pro Stock, Pro Mod, Pro Import and the Grand Finale of the NSW Championship series.
Tickets are available now at prodragracing.com.au or by clicking HERE, with tickets from just $25 and family and 2 day passes available.
For more information, Search PDRC Pro Drag Racing Championship on Socials or visit prodragracing.com.au.
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