Schweigert Ready To Milk Qatar Experience For All It’s Worth

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Terry Schweigert is still having a tough time believing all of this is happening.But until someone pinches the talented American Drag Racing League (ADRL) Pro Extreme Motorcycle rider and wakes him from this wonderful dream, he’s going to keep enjoying the moment.Schweigert and the DTM Performance PXM team are heading to Qatar for the 2010-11 Arabian Drag Racing League season, presenting an opportunity that still amazes Schweigert. “I’m so excited and grateful for this opportunity to see and experience Qatar and the Middle East, but more than anything to race my bike and compete in the Arabian Drag Racing League,” Schweigert said. “I still don’t believe we are going but it sure looks like it’s happening.”Engine builder and tuner Dan Wagner believes it is happening, mostly because he’s been up to his neck in packing bikes, tools, spares, etc. for the long trip. DTM racer Dave Norris will also be on board for the 8-race season at the sleek modern Qatar Racing Club. The duo will be joined by Rob Hunnicutt and T.T. Jones, along with a number of other talented riders from Qatar for the series that runs through February. Talented PXM standout Ashley Owens may also venture overseas for the January and February sessions.“Two weeks of packing up,” Wagner said. “But with these good bikes and spares, we don’t expect to be shipping anything home. These bad boys will surely sell and we’ll have to build new ones for the 2011 series back here in the States.”Immediately after Thanksgiving, Wagner, Schweigert and crew flew to Doha for the December 2-3 opening round. “This was never even a dream, it’s totally unbelievable,” said Schweigert, who is a third-generation Canadian dairy farmer. “I asked Dan and his wife Kathie if we could pull this off, because it’s a lot of work and lot of time logistically. Kathie told me if I really want to go, we’d do it.”Wagner said the team has big goals over the winter as well. Schweigert had a strong 2010 ADRL season, finishing second in the points and taking runner-up in several races. He was also a No. 1 qualifier for an event.“Our goal is to win every race,” Wagner said. “But I guess everybody has that goal, and there’s gonna be lots of bikes there.” In addition to Schweigert, Norris, Hunnicutt and Jones, Matt Smith and Lance Hines will also be taking on all comers in Qatar. Wagner has made the trip before, so he has experience tuning to the atmospheric conditions there. “The bikes seem to tune the same. It’s at sea level or right around there, and the air’s not really any better or worse. They run in the evening and the track is awesome,” Wagner said. “There’s cool dry air and awesome track-we should be able to run pretty good numbers. I’m really looking forward to getting out there.”Although Schweigert dearly loves his British Columbia farm, he’s looking forward to Qatar’s winter climate and extending the season with his adopted racing family. “Kathie and Dan are incredible friends,” Schweigert said. “They’re awesome! Dan is called Dan the Man not because it rhymes, but because he IS the Man. The guy is a rocket scientist! Ask any Pro Extreme Motorcycle guy and they will agree, in addition to being humble, honest, and a whole lot of fun to be around. The time and energy he puts into this program is just crazy.“I couldn’t do this without the support of my family. My sons and employees are doing a great job taking care of Road End Farms while I’m racing. I’m very proud to be a Canadian racing overseas and will do my best to represent my country.”

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