Hope chases racing success on two wheels

Nevada, Mo. -- David Hope a 2000 graduate of Nevada High School works in the family business, Nevada Auto Mall and races motorcycles in his spare time. He has been racing in the All Harley Drag Racing Association since 2004 but has now switched to the National Hot Rod Association. Motorcycles have been a part of his life since early childhood -- his father used to race them himself.

"I've always been around bikes growing up. Predominantly, Dad was the one riding with me," Hope said. "My dad raced 15 or 20 years ago. I guess at this point I'm living part of my dreams. I'm somebody that wants to do what I love doing -- what I have a passion for."

The scope of what he is attempting hasn't escaped Hope.

"This is a very big deal," Hope said. "It's pretty surreal at this point. You never know what the future holds."

Hope said that he works at the dealership during the week and uses the weekends for his racing.

"I've always been back and forth between the dealership and racing," Hope said. "The racing allows me to continue with my passion for motorcycles and competition."

The NHRA has a diverse range of categories for racers to compete in, including pro-stock motorcycle racing, which is what Hope is competing in. When asked how much a pro-stock motorcycle cost Hope replied that it wasn't inexpensive.

"I'll just tell you what a crew chief told me once, he said, 'This is pro-stock, not hobby-stock and you'll spend the money to get there,'" Hope said.

The motorcycle he races is owned by Ron and Janet MacPhee R & J Racing Team and the crew chief for the team is Mitch Brown. The team is looking for sponsors to help with expenses.

"We're going to seek sponsors. Sponsorships are an important part of racing," Hope said. "Oil companies, tool companies, even television stations like the Sportsmen's Channel know that the advertising exposure they get is valuable. Every time a trailer with their name goes anywhere it's very visible and people notice it."

Hope said that each member of the racing team had a job, his was racing. He is very competitive, a necessary component of being a successful racer -- along with being fit.

"You have to put forth a lot of effort and have a good crew chief," Hope said. "I have to rely on a very excellent crew chief and that allows me to do my job. Not only do you have to be physically fit, you have to be mentally fit. When you win and lose races by thousandths of a second, it's critical."

Hope said that he didn't want to come across as egotistical but to be successful at racing you have to be confident in yourself and your abilities.

"I've put forth my time and effort to achieve this," Hope said. "I feel this is something I've got coming, it's something I've earned."