Special to the Daily Journal

ROCKINGHAM — Rockingham Dragway has become recognized as something akin to the “Sturgis of the South,” a haven for fast motorcycles, big money and over-the-top personalities which, not surprisingly, are the key elements in this week’s Original Rock Open Shootout Bike Series.

The sportsman bike spectacular features a $5,000 payoff to the Pro ET winner on both Saturday and Sunday, $2,000 to the Street ET winner each day and $1,000 each to the winners of three popular Index classes — FBR Shop 4.60, Rockingham 5.60 and 8.88.

In addition, the spotlight will shine on the Outlaw Street bikes class which, with a minimum 16 bikes, will pay $2,000 to the winner. Like the 4.60, 5.60 and 8.88 classes, Outlaw Street will qualify on Saturday and race on Sunday although there will be a single “last chance” qualifying round Sunday.

“What we did is combine all the best elements of the old MiROCK Series with a pretty good bump to the purse,” said Rockingham owner Steve Earwood. “I’m pretty sure it’s one of the largest sportsman bike purses posted by anybody on the East Coast. We have some hard core motorcycle fans back here and some hard core racers, too.”

In addition to the big money races, Saturday night’s Afterdark Underground, a Rockingham creation, will bring out some of the most popular grudge bikes and riders for unlimited competition during the day and at the end of qualifying on Saturday.

Among those expected to duel for the $5,000 shares of the Pro ET purse are Brian Guarino of Kenbridge, Virginia, Greensboro’s Alan Fields, Boo Brown of Potomac Falls, Virginia, Brian Canoles of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, Gastonia’s Greg Clarke, Barry Pryor of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Jim Shifflett of Waynesboro, Virginia.

In Street ET, Bob Carlson is expected to make the long tow from Turrington, Connecticut, to duel with former Rockingham winner Dustin Lee of Morristown, Tennessee, Michael Herman of Woodbridge, Virginia, BayBay Yarborough of Eatonton, Georgia, Brandon Bachmeier of Manassas Park, Virginia, Lillington’s Jordan McDougald and Harrisburg’s Travis Boudreaux.

Adult admission is $45 for three days (including Friday’s test-and-tune until 8 p.m.). Saturday and Sunday admission is $35. Sunday only is $20. Children under 6 are free with a ticketed adult and parking is free in Rockingham’s main lot.

Contributed Photo The Rockingham Dragway will welcome the Original Rock Open Shootout Bike Series to the track this week.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_MIRock-Bikes.jpgContributed Photo The Rockingham Dragway will welcome the Original Rock Open Shootout Bike Series to the track this week.