Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photos by Adrenaline Lifestyles
The annual WPGC DC Bikefest recently hit Maryland International Raceway (MIR) in Mechanicsville, MD and set the track on fire. Riders from near and far descended upon MIR, showcasing the largest crowd that I have seen in 10+ years at the event. The number of racers, riders and fans reached into the thousands at Maryland International Raceway to enjoy the races, sound contest, custom bike show, live music performances and the lovely women in the bikini contest surely give the fans enough to keep their adrenaline pumping all day. The International Drag Bike League (IDBL) also attracted racers from many other states to participate in this fun filled event. The IDBL is known as the nation’s largest motorcycle drag racing series hosting racers from all over the country at each event.
Motorcycle supporters such as Throttle Life Magazine, Coleman Power Sports, The National Guard, Meguiar’s and many more were on site for this for 3-day festival along the vendor midway. The IDBL class structure is very diverse and appeals to novice and hardcore motorcycle enthusiasts. Classes include: Orient Express Pro Street, DME Racing Real Street, Vance & Hines 4.60 Index, FBR Shop 5.60 Index, Carpenter Racing Crazy 8’s, Trac King Clutches Top Sportsman, Shinko Tires Pro E.T., Brock’s Performance Street E.T., and Eastside Performance Grudge.
For Shayne Proctor, it was an emotional victory. Just last year, while racing down the track his motorcycle caught on fire. Falling from the bike, Shayne was injured and medevacked to the hospital. Shayne made a full recovery and was back in the saddle this year. Proctor was surrounded by friends and family in the winner’s circle.
WPGC hosted the Bikini Contest with the beauties of the International Bikini Team. The crowd erupted in cheer as these lovely ladies walked the catwalk. Various musical artists graced the stage to entertain the crowd. The Fix and the Backyard Band each put on a special show for all of the attendees by bringing in that live gogo experience that every DMV native could relate and groove to. The magnitude of the event surpassed the expectations of special guests of honor, motorcycle celebrity Paul Teutul Sr. and his Orange County Choppers team.
The pits were packed as Team Money Cycles, Throttle Life, Garwood Custom Cycles and many others came together to produce the largest bike show in IDBL history, which included the largest ride-in crowd in series history. This event was previously considered sportbike heaven, but is now a bagger’s playground. The creativity placed in these big wheel motorcycles is nothing short of breathtaking.
In addition to the racing, there was a charity benefit for Bikers Against Breast Cancer dubbed Paint The 1/4 Pink. The program is for female riders that compete on drag bikes and street bikes in an effort to raise money towards breast cancer awareness. Robin Procopio was the big winner in Saturday’s “Paint the 1/4 Pink Breast Cancer Fundraiser, all-female race.”
Enjoy the photo gallery and see you at the track next year.
