The Michigan Madman

While looking for a little inspiration on the 900, I found these photos at Kneeslider.com. This bike is one of E. J. Potter's bikes that he used to run. A small block Chevy powered motorcycle that he put up on the stand, revved the motor up, kicked the stand out, and then poured the power to it. There was a reason they called him the "Michigan Madman". I remember reading about him doing a run and he couldn't get the engine to shut off. The thing was running on without the ignition because it had gotten so hot. He ran out of track and run-off room, so he had to choose between stepping off the thing at some ridiculous mile per hour or smacking a tree. He wisely chose to bail but it wasn't pretty. If you click on the link, it will take you to a short bio and some cool photos - like a jet powered bike. According to the website, he's still kicking and he's got a book and a video for sale. I'm amazed that he's still around. He had to use up more lives than a cat.

There used to be all kinds of wild vehicles that ran at US 30 Dragstrip - "Where The Great Ones Run" - in Northwest, Indiana. In addition to Potter I saw Fearless Fred Goeske, The Coca Cola Cavalcade of Stars with the traveling Funny Car show, a jet powered semi tractor, No Big Thing, The Chi-town Hustler and all kinds of local talent. There used to be a guy named Brunkin who ran a couple of H-D dragbikes who was always the guy to beat. He would switch bikes and his dial-in time between rounds, just to screw with you. The two bikes were always covered in grease and oil and if you didn't know better, you just figured he was some schmuck who didn't know what he was doing. Until he cut a perfect light and ran right on his dial. The man was a racer's racer. The track has been closed now for quite awhile. Right after it closed, you could still get in. In fact, I took a run down through there for old times sake. It always amazed me that a couple of the big speed shops in the area didn't buy the track and keep it open. Van Senus and King had to lose all kinds of business after the track closed. If they had become the major investors and sold stock to all the local racers, I know I would have invested in it. The biggest problem was the encroaching development and the noise associated with the track. It's a shame though. The link above takes you to a site dedicated to the old track. Check it out.