PRESS RELEASE

Chris Gartman is the first-ever winner of a national motorcycle-racing event using a rear-engine motorcycle.

Gartman’s bike is from Panic Racing, which is based in Langley. With over 14 years of drag racing experience under his belt, Gartman was able to win the Northwest Nationals in Woodburn, Ore.
It took the necessary skill from a veteran racer to launch the bike within 76 one thousandths of a second from a perfect reaction time to guarantee the victory.

After three Canadian National championships in the pro Dragster class of nitro methane Harleys, and setting numerous record runs along the way, Chris wanted to do something different.

Ideas of the truly innovative rear engine design by Dave Rode of “Rode Werk Engineering” became a reality in 2001.
Gartman and his rear-engine bike, “Big Guns” won the Canadian Championship in 2001.

The success of the rider and motorcycle in the Pro Fuel class has continued this year, as Gartman won the CMDRA points race.

Looking to the future, Gartman feels there are still many challenges on his horizon. The passing of one milestone only leads to another, he says.

His hope is that Panic Racing can soon bring the recognition to the sport of motorcycle drag racing that it truly deserves.

Eric Rosales
The Langley Times – September 29, 2002. sports@langleytimes.com