Pro Stock Motorcycle team owner Harry Lartigue has teamed with seven-time AMA/Prostar world champion Rickey Gadson to pilot his Lucas oil Suzuki in 2005. Gadson, who won his AMA/Prostar titles in five different categories - Top Gas, Pro Comp, Streetbike Shootout, 600cc Supersport, and Pro Superbike - also has experience as a stuntman and motorcycle test pilot.
“Anyone who follows any kind of motorcycle racing knows Rickey Gadson,” said Lartigue. “He’ll have the respect of the other riders, and he’ll be good for NHRA because he’s a great person. The question is whether he can ride a Pro Stock Bike. We’ll find out. I know he’s a damn good racer on Sunday, and that counts for a lot.”
The 38-year-old lifelong Philadelphian has amassed 107 victories in his career, including wins in the five classes in which he has won world titles as well as Pro Mod, Funnybike, and Pro Stock. He has never finished a season below fifth place in the rankings and has posted a career-best 6.86 at 198 mph.
“I first met Rickey in the early 1990s, and I told him at the time that he needed to get some experience,” said Lartigue. “He remembered that conversation because last year he handed me his portfolio and said, ‘Is this good enough?’ We had a good laugh about it.
“He has done everything right, has become a tremendous rider on several different kinds of motorcycles, and has prepared himself very well to reach this top level of drag racing.”
Gadson and Lartigue should be legitimate contenders in the class from the start. Since adding Gadson and his credentials to the mix, Lucas oil has substantially stepped up its financial involvement with Team Tigue to a level that Gadson estimates puts them at a funding level of a top three bike.
“Harry and I flew to Lucas’ headquarters and presented them with a marketing package they really liked,” said Gadson. “I know how to sell product. I’ve sold a lot of motorcycles for Kawasaki over the years.”
The talented duo will soon take delivery of two new Vance & Hines powerplants and will begin testing in Florida. They also plan to test Feb. 5 at the Pontiac Pro Stock SuperBowl at Texas’ Houston Raceway Park.