Hotrod
11-30-2007, 06:48 AM
As some of ya'll might have read,as i have done a few race reports,SCF member Kenny (Ruthless Racing) has ended the season with the AMA Prostar 1000 Supersport Championship.
I met Kenny on here as he was just beginning to get into motorcycles.That was in 2005.He was on a Kawasaki,which in drag racing is an underdog bike,but he was out to have fun and learn however he could.We somehow convinced him to tour the series with us last year and he preservered through a tough season.But keep in mind,it was his first season racing and actually riding.Not to mention,he was on a out of dated bike and just didn't have the experience either.
He made all the Prostar races,traveling countless miles from Gainsville Fl to Atco NJ to Norwalk Ohio,Indy,etc..Kenny only made it out of the 1st round one race out of the whole year.He had just got his bike back from Chris Hill (Performance Psycle) and his times dropped almost a half of a second.But still he was fighting an out dated bike,but doing what he could,and doing what he turned out loving.Drag racing motorcycles!
This class we ran is called 1000 supersport.There are VERY strict rules,and tech can be a nightmare.There are spec fuels,ground clearnce rules,stock wheelbase,bone stock bottom ends,etc..The ONLY mods you can basically do is Exhaust,Power commander (tuning device),mill the head (no head work allowed) and very simple things.These bikes are not far from showroom bikes,and they have the apperence of a show room bike.Most of the best riders out there in AMA and NHRA are and have been in this class.It s considered one of the most competative and entertaining classes as it is solely a riders class.Most races the whole fiels was qualified within' 2 tenths at best.Sometimes they were even closer.
During the off season Kenny got hooked up with Superbike Specialities and he helped provide Kenny with numerous things,including loaning him a 38 ft goose neck and a new Duramax truck to use.They bought John Hall's ( a well known racer in this class) 2006 Kawisaki zx10r which was a huge step from his 2004 zx10r.This bike had tons more power and was supersport ready.
he showed up in Valdosta (1st race of the season) on the 06 10r and was still the only Kawisaki,as the class is dominated by gsxr 1000's.But he was determined he was going to make this happen.He finished in the semi's in Valdosta and opened alot of eyes.Last year he never got past first round,except once,but you could bet one thing.He was going to tree whoever he raced.He had MANY .00's on a protree.He won many awards and merchindise for his reactions.But now he was getting the bike to take him to the next level it seemed.
Next race was in Commerece Ga.The 07 gsxr 1000's had finally came out,and the new generation was set once again.Kenny fail to a first round out and begin to rethink plans,as he seen the times the gsxr's were throwing down.Adam (Superbike Specialities) stepped up once again,and they got in touch with Lorie at Fun For All Suzuki out of E-town Ky.They already sponser DJ Payton,our teammate,and made Kenny a deal he decided he was going to have to do.So they buy the new gsxr 1000 and DJ deliveries it to Chris Hill and the work begin.Within' 3 days,Chris calls and says the bike is ready.
We deliver the bike and show up in Richmond Va.Kenny adjust very fast,and his determination is shown from here on out.He wins the race,and also runs a 9.08 at 155.60 mph in the finals.Fast enough for the record,but was thousands shy of backing it up.But he knew then,the suzuki was definetly the way to go.Although Chris wasn't done with the bike,Kenny wanted some seat time so he took it home and let his goals be set.he kept his eye on one thing,the championship.
We get to Memphis Tn,and Kenny is complaing the bike is having trouble shifting into 4th gear.The weekend starts out rough,as he qualify's next to last.His spirits were down,but he has ALWAYS rode better when the pressure is on.He had a very tough field to come through,but in the end,Kenny wins Memphis also.But look at how he does it.Just like a champion should be when he knows the bike isn't right,he goes back to his "roots'.Here is his field,notice the reaction times and elapse et.
1st round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .090 9.311 153.20
L JOE FRANCO THORNWOOD NY .163 9.242 155.42
2nd round
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .127 9.215 152.14
L JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH .141 9.210 154.44
3rd round bye run
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .102 9.367 153.07
L SINGLE
Finals
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .082 9.242 151.82
L EDWARD MURPHY BRIDGEPORT CT .160 9.319 149.75
Talk about an exciting win,notice all of the races were won off the tree.Holeshot victories!This kid (yes,i can call my boy that) was on his game regardless of bike problems.
We get to Columbus Ohio,and didn't have a chance to fix the tranny (no excuse) just couldn't find anything wrong with it.But Kenny was still fighting the bike extremly hard.But talk about holeshots,he was back at it!
1st round LOOK AT THIS REACTION!
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .007 9.491 151.32
L PATRICK COOPER CINCINNATI OH .171 9.469 148.82
2nd round was a bye run
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .153 9.201 154.60
L BYE
3rd round.LOOK AT THIS REACTION:
W JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH .126 9.076 157.28
L KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .001 9.324 152.78
that was the semi's and he went out,but he done ALL he could do,and knocked the tree down on the way!
That puts him firmly in 1st place in points,as he has had only 1 1st round out,a win and 3 semi's.
Now on to Indy,Indianpolis.Chris has had a chance to replace 4th gear,and we are ready to rock!But as you can see,the compitation is stepping up also.NO ONE likes the fact of an "UNKNOWN" racer stepping into a Pro series and "dominating' like he is.Team Performance Psycle is doing what it needs to be doing...Winning and placing up front!
1st round
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .078 9.221 153.04
L FARLIE HALL SPRING TX 06 SUZUKI .111 9.315 151.17
2nd round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .120 9.170 156.52
L RICHARD GADSON PHILADELPHIA PA 06 SUZUKI .103 9.262 154.02
3rd round: Bye run
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .143 9.109 155.13
L SINGLE
Finals:Kenny redlights (VERY unusal) and blows the pass.But wait....NOTICE THE *.iT IS THERE FOR A REASON.
W KENNY POPPELL* JESUP GA 07 SUZ -.014 9.311 152.06
L JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH 07 SUZ .145 9.126 155.74
*Win Goes to Kenny Poppell due to a Technical infraction found on Teasley's bike during Tear Down.
THEY TORE THE BIKES DOWN TO CAMS,CRANK,RODS,PISTONS,TARNSMISSION GEARS,VALVES OUT OF THE HEAD,ETC..COMPLETE TEARDOWN AND Teasley's bike found Illegal.Kenny takes the win!
And also set the 1/8th mile record at 5.96 at 127 mph.he has been many 5.88's,5.89's etc..but Indy is the only track you can set the 1/8th mile record.
Now on to Atco New Jersey.
Chris had put the bike back together in 2 days and Kenny drove 8 hours and we tested everywhere that would allow us to test.his determination just got worse.He had the Championship in his sights and a big lead at this point.Excited,Hell yeah,we all were!
1st round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .159 8.971 158.46
L GREG MULLIS CONCORD NC 04 KAW ZX10 .083 9.607 147.33
WOW,did YOU read that.The FIRST 1000ss bike to break the 8's in the 1/4 during competation.Chris had this bike dialed in,and Kenny was set on kill himself!Amazing feature to say the least,and set the standards at this point!
2nd round:kenny doing his thing!
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .124 9.043 157.52
L EDWARD MURPHY BRIDGEPORT CT 07 SUZ .186 9.083 155.31
3rd round:Bye run,tried leaving different and wheelied!
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .158 9.351 157.54
L SINGLE
Finals:
W JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH 07 SUZ .192 8.994 160.31
L KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .160 9.127 158.46
teasley takes a well deserved win again,and Kenny has another final round apperence!
Things are looking awesome going into Gainsville.In AMA you have to drop 2 races,and you HAVE to claim the Worl Finals race (Gainsville) on your points.By now Tsukigi exhaust has been with us about all year,aside from the first 2 races.The owners fly in from Japan to watch the World Finals so Kenny had pressure to make a good showing for sure.We were just wanting to celebrate,cause once he qualified and broke the beams,the Championship was over.But Kenny couldn't settle for that.he put hsi game face on,and wanted to go out with a win and Championship.But there were som many people flying,that seemed difficult.It would take full concentration and the bike would have to be spot on.It was like a family reuion,i bet there were 40 members of his family,not counting friends,etc..trying to keep him calm was a whole new story.As he was doing photho shoot's,getting hammered by tech,they tried saying he was running an illeagal exhaust,and a few other things.He was getting side tracked every way possible.
but that doesn't bother Kenny.It's just pressure,and that is what he has thrieved on all year!Here is the results from the World Finals:
1st round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ 0.147 9.041 156.94
L JOHN HALL HAMDEN CT 07 SUZ 0.096 9.427 153.33
2nd round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ 0.130 9.039 156.44
L LEE SHIERTS CHARLOTTE NC 06 SUZUKI 0.080 9.167 156.06
3rd round:Hole shot!
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ 0.099 9.004 156.39
L JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH 07 SUZ 0.141 8.996 159.10
FINALS:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ 0.124 9.035 157.72
L JOE FRANCO THORNWOOD NY 05 SUZ 0.127 9.103 156.99
KENNY AND PERFORMANCE PSYCLE WIN'S THE RACE AND THE CHAMPIONSHIP!WHAT A DAMN YEAR!WHAT A SKILLED RIDER WE HAVE HERE ON SCF,WHEN HE HAS BEEN RIDING FOR 2 YEARS.People have raced an entire lifetime and NEVER won a championship,much less dominate like he did!like i said,you HAVE to drop 2 races,he had to drop a semi final race,as that was one of his worst finishes!I don't care what series you run in,that is a CHAMPIONSHIP year!
to beat it all,on the motorcycle forums,no one wanted to give the "kid" credit.Hell,he was an unknown,but quitely and quickly he snuck his way to the top!
So in 8 races,he had 4 wins,1 runner up,2 semi-finals and 1 frst round out!he never went out after first round after swapping to a gsxr.His "underdog" days were/are over.When he was able to get the bike that could compete,he showed his true colors!
Where this takes him,i don't know.He has had some very good offeres,and i wouldn't blame him one bit for moving on to a bigger and better team/class.But i do KNOW one thing.The relationship we have built over this 2 years after meeting on SCF is something i will NEVER forget.Thanks to Kenny for letting me be a part of it,listening to me,even when it doesn't sound right,and showing me and others what determination in 2 years can get you!You are the man bro!We ain't done yet!
Kenny got a Police escort into town early am on his way home,countless interviews,(tv and radio),made a bunch of magazines,made the front page of newspapers,etc..you deserve it man!I am still pumped for you.
In 2 weeks,Kenny goes to Pro Stock (NHRA) school.I wish him the best for whatever the future holds.but you always have a place to come back to if you decide to defend your title,and you know i will be there with you wherever this takes you.
Now,i know this is a LONG story,and most don't care to read all of it or they want cliff notes.But the point is,a SCF member has completed a goal that millions of people would love to do!Look on any motorcycle forum,you will see.We are honered to have him as a member and i am honered to call him a DAMN good friend!Congrats bro!
Oh and he couldn't have done it without these people,thats for sure!
Special Thanks:
Superbike Specialties
Performance Psycle
Tsukigi Racing Exhaust
Cycle Concepts
Naarden
Suzuki
Richies Tires
Bates Leathers
I met Kenny on here as he was just beginning to get into motorcycles.That was in 2005.He was on a Kawasaki,which in drag racing is an underdog bike,but he was out to have fun and learn however he could.We somehow convinced him to tour the series with us last year and he preservered through a tough season.But keep in mind,it was his first season racing and actually riding.Not to mention,he was on a out of dated bike and just didn't have the experience either.
He made all the Prostar races,traveling countless miles from Gainsville Fl to Atco NJ to Norwalk Ohio,Indy,etc..Kenny only made it out of the 1st round one race out of the whole year.He had just got his bike back from Chris Hill (Performance Psycle) and his times dropped almost a half of a second.But still he was fighting an out dated bike,but doing what he could,and doing what he turned out loving.Drag racing motorcycles!
This class we ran is called 1000 supersport.There are VERY strict rules,and tech can be a nightmare.There are spec fuels,ground clearnce rules,stock wheelbase,bone stock bottom ends,etc..The ONLY mods you can basically do is Exhaust,Power commander (tuning device),mill the head (no head work allowed) and very simple things.These bikes are not far from showroom bikes,and they have the apperence of a show room bike.Most of the best riders out there in AMA and NHRA are and have been in this class.It s considered one of the most competative and entertaining classes as it is solely a riders class.Most races the whole fiels was qualified within' 2 tenths at best.Sometimes they were even closer.
During the off season Kenny got hooked up with Superbike Specialities and he helped provide Kenny with numerous things,including loaning him a 38 ft goose neck and a new Duramax truck to use.They bought John Hall's ( a well known racer in this class) 2006 Kawisaki zx10r which was a huge step from his 2004 zx10r.This bike had tons more power and was supersport ready.
he showed up in Valdosta (1st race of the season) on the 06 10r and was still the only Kawisaki,as the class is dominated by gsxr 1000's.But he was determined he was going to make this happen.He finished in the semi's in Valdosta and opened alot of eyes.Last year he never got past first round,except once,but you could bet one thing.He was going to tree whoever he raced.He had MANY .00's on a protree.He won many awards and merchindise for his reactions.But now he was getting the bike to take him to the next level it seemed.
Next race was in Commerece Ga.The 07 gsxr 1000's had finally came out,and the new generation was set once again.Kenny fail to a first round out and begin to rethink plans,as he seen the times the gsxr's were throwing down.Adam (Superbike Specialities) stepped up once again,and they got in touch with Lorie at Fun For All Suzuki out of E-town Ky.They already sponser DJ Payton,our teammate,and made Kenny a deal he decided he was going to have to do.So they buy the new gsxr 1000 and DJ deliveries it to Chris Hill and the work begin.Within' 3 days,Chris calls and says the bike is ready.
We deliver the bike and show up in Richmond Va.Kenny adjust very fast,and his determination is shown from here on out.He wins the race,and also runs a 9.08 at 155.60 mph in the finals.Fast enough for the record,but was thousands shy of backing it up.But he knew then,the suzuki was definetly the way to go.Although Chris wasn't done with the bike,Kenny wanted some seat time so he took it home and let his goals be set.he kept his eye on one thing,the championship.
We get to Memphis Tn,and Kenny is complaing the bike is having trouble shifting into 4th gear.The weekend starts out rough,as he qualify's next to last.His spirits were down,but he has ALWAYS rode better when the pressure is on.He had a very tough field to come through,but in the end,Kenny wins Memphis also.But look at how he does it.Just like a champion should be when he knows the bike isn't right,he goes back to his "roots'.Here is his field,notice the reaction times and elapse et.
1st round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .090 9.311 153.20
L JOE FRANCO THORNWOOD NY .163 9.242 155.42
2nd round
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .127 9.215 152.14
L JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH .141 9.210 154.44
3rd round bye run
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .102 9.367 153.07
L SINGLE
Finals
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .082 9.242 151.82
L EDWARD MURPHY BRIDGEPORT CT .160 9.319 149.75
Talk about an exciting win,notice all of the races were won off the tree.Holeshot victories!This kid (yes,i can call my boy that) was on his game regardless of bike problems.
We get to Columbus Ohio,and didn't have a chance to fix the tranny (no excuse) just couldn't find anything wrong with it.But Kenny was still fighting the bike extremly hard.But talk about holeshots,he was back at it!
1st round LOOK AT THIS REACTION!
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .007 9.491 151.32
L PATRICK COOPER CINCINNATI OH .171 9.469 148.82
2nd round was a bye run
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .153 9.201 154.60
L BYE
3rd round.LOOK AT THIS REACTION:
W JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH .126 9.076 157.28
L KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA .001 9.324 152.78
that was the semi's and he went out,but he done ALL he could do,and knocked the tree down on the way!
That puts him firmly in 1st place in points,as he has had only 1 1st round out,a win and 3 semi's.
Now on to Indy,Indianpolis.Chris has had a chance to replace 4th gear,and we are ready to rock!But as you can see,the compitation is stepping up also.NO ONE likes the fact of an "UNKNOWN" racer stepping into a Pro series and "dominating' like he is.Team Performance Psycle is doing what it needs to be doing...Winning and placing up front!
1st round
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .078 9.221 153.04
L FARLIE HALL SPRING TX 06 SUZUKI .111 9.315 151.17
2nd round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .120 9.170 156.52
L RICHARD GADSON PHILADELPHIA PA 06 SUZUKI .103 9.262 154.02
3rd round: Bye run
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .143 9.109 155.13
L SINGLE
Finals:Kenny redlights (VERY unusal) and blows the pass.But wait....NOTICE THE *.iT IS THERE FOR A REASON.
W KENNY POPPELL* JESUP GA 07 SUZ -.014 9.311 152.06
L JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH 07 SUZ .145 9.126 155.74
*Win Goes to Kenny Poppell due to a Technical infraction found on Teasley's bike during Tear Down.
THEY TORE THE BIKES DOWN TO CAMS,CRANK,RODS,PISTONS,TARNSMISSION GEARS,VALVES OUT OF THE HEAD,ETC..COMPLETE TEARDOWN AND Teasley's bike found Illegal.Kenny takes the win!
And also set the 1/8th mile record at 5.96 at 127 mph.he has been many 5.88's,5.89's etc..but Indy is the only track you can set the 1/8th mile record.
Now on to Atco New Jersey.
Chris had put the bike back together in 2 days and Kenny drove 8 hours and we tested everywhere that would allow us to test.his determination just got worse.He had the Championship in his sights and a big lead at this point.Excited,Hell yeah,we all were!
1st round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .159 8.971 158.46
L GREG MULLIS CONCORD NC 04 KAW ZX10 .083 9.607 147.33
WOW,did YOU read that.The FIRST 1000ss bike to break the 8's in the 1/4 during competation.Chris had this bike dialed in,and Kenny was set on kill himself!Amazing feature to say the least,and set the standards at this point!
2nd round:kenny doing his thing!
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .124 9.043 157.52
L EDWARD MURPHY BRIDGEPORT CT 07 SUZ .186 9.083 155.31
3rd round:Bye run,tried leaving different and wheelied!
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .158 9.351 157.54
L SINGLE
Finals:
W JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH 07 SUZ .192 8.994 160.31
L KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ .160 9.127 158.46
teasley takes a well deserved win again,and Kenny has another final round apperence!
Things are looking awesome going into Gainsville.In AMA you have to drop 2 races,and you HAVE to claim the Worl Finals race (Gainsville) on your points.By now Tsukigi exhaust has been with us about all year,aside from the first 2 races.The owners fly in from Japan to watch the World Finals so Kenny had pressure to make a good showing for sure.We were just wanting to celebrate,cause once he qualified and broke the beams,the Championship was over.But Kenny couldn't settle for that.he put hsi game face on,and wanted to go out with a win and Championship.But there were som many people flying,that seemed difficult.It would take full concentration and the bike would have to be spot on.It was like a family reuion,i bet there were 40 members of his family,not counting friends,etc..trying to keep him calm was a whole new story.As he was doing photho shoot's,getting hammered by tech,they tried saying he was running an illeagal exhaust,and a few other things.He was getting side tracked every way possible.
but that doesn't bother Kenny.It's just pressure,and that is what he has thrieved on all year!Here is the results from the World Finals:
1st round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ 0.147 9.041 156.94
L JOHN HALL HAMDEN CT 07 SUZ 0.096 9.427 153.33
2nd round:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ 0.130 9.039 156.44
L LEE SHIERTS CHARLOTTE NC 06 SUZUKI 0.080 9.167 156.06
3rd round:Hole shot!
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ 0.099 9.004 156.39
L JEREMY TEASLEY ORIENT OH 07 SUZ 0.141 8.996 159.10
FINALS:
W KENNY POPPELL JESUP GA 07 SUZ 0.124 9.035 157.72
L JOE FRANCO THORNWOOD NY 05 SUZ 0.127 9.103 156.99
KENNY AND PERFORMANCE PSYCLE WIN'S THE RACE AND THE CHAMPIONSHIP!WHAT A DAMN YEAR!WHAT A SKILLED RIDER WE HAVE HERE ON SCF,WHEN HE HAS BEEN RIDING FOR 2 YEARS.People have raced an entire lifetime and NEVER won a championship,much less dominate like he did!like i said,you HAVE to drop 2 races,he had to drop a semi final race,as that was one of his worst finishes!I don't care what series you run in,that is a CHAMPIONSHIP year!
to beat it all,on the motorcycle forums,no one wanted to give the "kid" credit.Hell,he was an unknown,but quitely and quickly he snuck his way to the top!
So in 8 races,he had 4 wins,1 runner up,2 semi-finals and 1 frst round out!he never went out after first round after swapping to a gsxr.His "underdog" days were/are over.When he was able to get the bike that could compete,he showed his true colors!
Where this takes him,i don't know.He has had some very good offeres,and i wouldn't blame him one bit for moving on to a bigger and better team/class.But i do KNOW one thing.The relationship we have built over this 2 years after meeting on SCF is something i will NEVER forget.Thanks to Kenny for letting me be a part of it,listening to me,even when it doesn't sound right,and showing me and others what determination in 2 years can get you!You are the man bro!We ain't done yet!
Kenny got a Police escort into town early am on his way home,countless interviews,(tv and radio),made a bunch of magazines,made the front page of newspapers,etc..you deserve it man!I am still pumped for you.
In 2 weeks,Kenny goes to Pro Stock (NHRA) school.I wish him the best for whatever the future holds.but you always have a place to come back to if you decide to defend your title,and you know i will be there with you wherever this takes you.
Now,i know this is a LONG story,and most don't care to read all of it or they want cliff notes.But the point is,a SCF member has completed a goal that millions of people would love to do!Look on any motorcycle forum,you will see.We are honered to have him as a member and i am honered to call him a DAMN good friend!Congrats bro!
Oh and he couldn't have done it without these people,thats for sure!
Special Thanks:
Superbike Specialties
Performance Psycle
Tsukigi Racing Exhaust
Cycle Concepts
Naarden
Suzuki
Richies Tires
Bates Leathers