LaTonya Joubert-Butler STREET FX MC HOUSTON, TX
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RACER REPORT WITH ERIKA “VELOCIT-E” ALLISON MIROCK SUPERBIKE SERIES When: May 21-22 Where: Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC Bike: 2008 Suzuki GSXR-1000 Photos by MS Fotography
Testing was held that Friday, May 20th. Erika Allison broke in her new Shinko Ultra Soft tire with an extra-long burnout in the presence of Rockingham Dragway and the awaiting Velocit-E Racing fans. With making several low 9 second passes, they were unable to get traction with the track conditions. Qualifying came quickly on Saturday. With only 3 passes for the day, Erika had to make the best of them. She tried to make up for the lost passes that Friday due to not being able to get traction. Erika struggled to get that GSXR-1000 into the 8’s, like previously done the week prior at Alabama International Dragway. With only one pass to spare for Qualifying on Saturday, Crew Chief, Darryl Allison removed the 46 rear sprocket and replaced it with a 47. Knowing that gearing was their 1/8 mile gearing –Her Crew Chief felt it was necessary to get into the higher bracket of qualifiers. With doing that, Erika ran her fastest E.T. of Friday & Saturday. Race day was held that Sunday. Erika had one shakedown pass prior to eliminations. Leaving the gearing on the bike the same from the last pass, she got to the line and let that bike have it. Known for having an amazing clutch hand, the track hooked up just a little bit too well for Sunday. No sooner than the 60 foot mark the bike wheelied
and with a hard come down, Erika was ready to move that gearing back down to her 46. The track was finally hooking up, but unfortunately it just so happened to be the eliminations next pass. After changing the gearing back to a 15/46 it was time for eliminations. Erika went up against a Kawasaki ZX-14 that ended up red lighting. Feeling more comfortable with the gearing but not with the traction, Erika waited for her class to be called for Round 2. Lining up with another GSXR-1000, Erika felt confident that she had a good race on her hands. Amber lights dropped and the race was on. With a faster 60ft time, faster 1/8 mile time and faster 1000 ft. time, Velocit-E Racing went home with their 9.14 to his 9.12. Such a close race and they are very eager to get back out and do this again. “Figuring out the problems, that’s racing for ya” said Erika Allison after a long and tiring weekend of racing. Erika would like to thank her sponsors: MIXED CHICKS (www.mixedchicks.net) WESTERN POWER SPORTS (www.wps-inc.com) SHINKO (www.shinkotireusa.com) DOCTOR DUG (www.doctordug.com) WORLD WIDE BEARINGS (www.worldwidebearings.com) GREY’S AUTO COLLISION (www.greysautocollision.com) VANCE & HINES (www.vanceandhines.com) SCHNITZ RACING (www.schnitzracing.com) I would also like to thank my whole Velocit-E Racing team!
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When did you first fall in love with motorcycles in general and drag racing in particular? A. I fell in love with motorcycles as a teenager! It wasn’t until I climbed on as a passenger that I was hooked. From the first ride I wanted to be in the driver’s seat...it was on from there!! I took the MSF safety course, got my license, purchased a Kawasaki Ninja 250 and rode it till the wheels fell off!! :P As for drag racing, I attended a motorcycle club event at a race track, watched some of the drag races and thought, hmmm...I think I can do that! Decided to attend Rickey Gadson’s drag racing class and the rest is his/herstory!!! Q. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your sport on your way to success? A. Some of the challenges I’ve faced in the sport have been being a female and being taken seriously when you come to the track to race, finding enough sponsorship and financial help because you’re not taken seriously, having access to a competitive bike to practice and perfect my game (my own bike was stolen), staying true enough to myself and not giving it up when things don’t come together and lastly, knowing that in His infinite plan for my life that this is a part of what God has ordained for my life to give Him the glory! Hallelujah!!!! oh, sorry...was going to church on yall for a minute lol :) Q. Where can we see you race in the future? A. Currently, I am racing in the MiRock Racing Series which goes between Rockingham, NC at the Rockingham Dragway (The Rock) and the Maryland International Raceway (Budds Creek) from March 2011 to November 2011 (www.mirockracing.com). I can always be found in Atlanta, Ga. My practice track is Macon National Dragway.
Photos provided by Petey Vee and MS Fotography
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Q. What would you tell a woman that is thinking about moving from the streets to the track? A. I would first tell her to educate herself on the sport. Watch a few races, talk to the racers (girls and guys), know if u got the
cahunas to push yourself and the bike to the limit because racing causes you to commit! You commit to the line, you commit to the light and you commit to WINNING, thas all, thas it!! (Quoting Pastor Andre’ Landers :) Take Rickey Gadson’s Sportbike course. He truly is a master at his craft and he helps us racers to fully develop our potential. He is a innovator and a leader at what he does...I would not race without consulting him for any and all things DRAG RACING! Q. What do you do when you’re not on the track? A. I am the proud mom of a graduating Senior in highschool!! That is my top priority but I’m just a regular girl who works for HP (Hewlett-Packard), goes to movies, hangs out with my girls when we can all get together (Shout out to Smiley and Sabby!!) and I praise the Lord on Sunday with everything that’s in me because He is my Rock and my salvation!! I am also an associate member of the Black Tiger’s Motorcycle Club in Baltimore and a member of the Blast Squad Motorcycle Racing Club in Atlanta. Q. Who are some of your sponsors? A. Can I tell you that I loooooove Dave Conforti at World Wide Bearings!! He has sooo much faith in me and supports me in sooo many ways I cannot begin to thank him enough!!! I also have on my side Brock Davidson of Brock’s performance!! Brock and Dave both believe in me as a racer and are willing to put their support behind me as I embark on this crazy path called drag racing lol! Love u guys so much!!! Q. Any last thoughts you’d like to leave us with? A. Thanks Black Girls Ride Magazine for this awesome opportunity! Shout out to Meekail Shaheed, Bike Papparazi and John Fore for the awesome pics!! Porsche, I wish you and Black Girls Ride Magazine God’s abundant blessings, tremendous and continued success. Thanks for putting us on the map!!
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RIDING INTO THE 21 ST CENTURY
LEXXO BABY PINK BOSS LYFE RIDAZ MC VICELOS PRESIDENT ANGELES, CA HAWG DIVAS MC LOS ANGELES, CA
BLACK PRINCESS BUSINESS MANAGER HAWG DIVAS MC LOS ANGELES, CA
PINK PANTHER HISTORIAN ROAD CAPTAIN HAWG DIVAS MC LOS ANGELES, CA
HAWG DIVAS MOTORCYCLE CLUB
FOUNDED: 1999 Location: Los Angeles, CA Hawg Divas MC, L.A.’s first all female MC, has been on the LA set for over a decade. Led by President and Founder, Brown T. Sugar, meet the ladies that broke the Southern California gender divide and brought women on ground into the new millenium. Photos by J3 Photography
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Cappuccino sgt at arms
HAWG DIVAS MC LOS ANGELES, CA
TCB SECRETARY
HAWG DIVAS MC LOS ANGELES, CA
JUICY
HAWG DIVAS MC LOS ANGELES, CA
BROWN T. SUGAR NATIONAL PRESIDENT & FOUNDER HAWG DIVAS MC
Q. Tell us about HAWG DIVAS MC... A. Hawg Divas is the first all Female motorcycle club that established in Los Angeles, CA in or around about 1999 by Brown T. Sugar, MoShuga and two other member that are now members of another motorcycle club in. They had a club house in Long Beach California. Hawg Divas was the first female motorcycle club that started the crystallized helmet as apart of their HAWG DIVA uniform. Hawg Divas has only one chapter; we are about quality not quantity. The club was started because Brown T. Sugar had been riding along side a man for over a decade when she realized that when riding with men they are so egoistic, arrogant and cocky. They try to test your ability on how you can handle the speed and control of the bike, so they would try to leave you behind trying to gain speed to keep up with them. For instance, her first husband didn’t believe she could keep up with him. So he calls himself trying to test her ability to ride her bike. One day, they stop at a red light. Suddenly when the light turns green, he speeds off thinking he is going to leave her behind. Little did he know she was right behind him, almost about to pass him right up. After that, she knew that any woman can ride just as good as a man, and even better. One day she woke up with a vision to start an ALL Female Motorcycle Club, which would allow women to ride with class, elegance, grace and dignity as well as bringing a DIVA touch to it with the crystallized helmets and vest. In this vision along with her peers, Hawg Divas has been around for over a decade now, and are well known and respected on the MC sets.
“Never pull up on a group of women reving your engine because we will let you 16 BLACK GIRLS Ride
have it out here on that asphalt...”
PHOTO BY MARSELLE WASHINGTON
Q. What’s the club’s mission or motto? A. To promote a positive image of women motorcyclist who enjoy riding and building their motorcycle riding skills. Q. What are your favorite cities or roads to ride? A. We have about five (5) places we like to ride San Diego, CA, Mandera, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Lake Elsinore and Fresno, California. Fresno will always stand out as a memorial place because was a first run for one of the sisters had just got her bike and she was on that highway like she been riding for years. Q. What should a woman look for in an MC club? A. UNITY first then LOVE and RESPECT, Q. What does your club look for in a member? A. We look for LOYALTY, MORALS must not carry any baggage (ie BAD REPSENTATION) MUST BE A RIDE OR DIE CHICK!! Last must be able to UNITE with all sisters as one. BONDAGE through sisterhood Q. What is your criterion for membership? Own or ride a Harley (HAWG) we look for someone to have character, principle, integrity. Someone that works well with a group as well as individuals must have a positive attitude. Q. Are there any last words you’d like to leave us with? A. Last remark is NEVER PULL UP ON A GROUP OF WOMEN RIDERS REVING YOUR ENGINE BECAUSE WE WILL LET THEM HAVE IT OUTTHERE ON THAT ASPAULT. Just ask about the female that wore the crystal helmet….. We are the one and only HAWG DIVAS MC SoCal…
GEARED UP 5 RIDING BOOTS TO HELP YOU KICK UP DUST ON THE ROAD! Written by Joanne Donn
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Protection, Function and Fashion
Whether you’re shopping for fashion or function, safety should always come first. Our boot picks will provide you protection while still making your feet look great and feel protected while riding.
Gaerne G-Donah $ 26995
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US Women’s 6 - 9.5 Gaerne (pronounced “gar-nay”) As an Italian company, their influence has greatly affected the fashionable look and style of these boots. The G-Donah’s have a slight heel to give you the look of a more casual boot, with the added protection of a riding boot including reinforced toes, ankles, shins and anti-slip rubber sole.
And if you find yourself as a vertically challenged rider, or would like to ride something a little bit taller than your natural inseam, you’ll find that a solid pair of protective boots are going to give you a tremendous volume of traction, just within the ball of your foot.
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Icon Bombshell $ 17000
Sidi Vertigo Lei $ 30000
US Women’s 7 - 10 As one of the most protective boots available for women in the US market, these boots offer superb protection, comfort and style. They’re constructed of Lorica, a synthetic material that breathes, abrasian resistant, flexible and lightweight. If you’re looking for the most protection on the street or track, you need to consider the Vertigo Leis.
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TCX Aura $ 21999
US Women’s 6.5 – 9.5 TCX has created a waterproof, protective boot that has been fully redesigned around the anatomy of a woman’s foot. These aren’t just men’s boots made smaller. They’ve taken into consideration the main differences between women’s and men’s feet in such areas as the heel and instep.
Stella Armada Waterproof Boot $ 32995
US Women’s 5 - 11 This retro style boot features a 100% waterproof membrane and reinforced toes, ankles, internal rigid sole and long lace system for adjustablility. These are the ultimate city riding / urban boot in terms of fashion and function.
US Women’s 5 - 10 These are the most stylish boots you’ll find made specifically for motorcycle riding. With features such as a ribbed calf expansion panel, internal ankle and sole padding to provide comfort, and easy zip on and off closure system, these boots are sure to blend in seamlessly with your casual boot collection.
All of these boots are available at
Revzilla.com
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YOUR BEST SHOT LEGEND
PRESIDENT /FOUNDER 2UP 2DOWN RIDERS 4 LIFE MC HAMPTON, VA
BGR on the Move!
Photos by J3 Photography
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