Just when ADRL Pro Extreme Motorcycle driver Scott Gray thought things couldn’t get any worse, his string of bad luck reared its ugly head once again this week.While testing in Rockingham in preparation for this weekend’s ADRL Hardee’s Independence Drags IV at Heartland Park Topeka, Gray’s bike caught on fire.The fire engulfed the bike, turning it into a disastrous situation.As a result, the 2009 champion in PXM will be forced to miss the race in Topeka.“I think it’s the champion’s curse,” Gray said. “It’s gotta be. It’s been a nightmare, for sure.“I hope it won’t get any worse.”Gray, currently sixth in the points race in PXM, was having nitrous problems with the bike and then it backfired, causing the bike to catch fire.It’s the latest in a string of unfortunate incidents for Gray and his team.He had troubles with a cam chain at the first race of the year in Houston and hurt two motors at the Hardee’s Georgia Drags VI in Valdosta, GA in April. In addition to not being able to race in Topeka, Gray will be forced to miss a number of public appearances at the race.For a driver that has promoted the sport so well, it’s a tough blow as Gray’s team continues to seek sponsorship.“Any help from anybody would be tremendously appreciated,” Gray said. But Gray isn’t about to pack it in as the ADRL season nears the halfway point.He is aiming to return for the inaugural Texas Drags on July 23-24 in Houston, which he hopes marks the turnaround for the rest of the season.“It’s been little stuff every race that has been biting us in the butt,” Gray said. “I’m hoping for sure that we’re going to have some good luck. We’re not going to quit.“We’ll be in Houston for sure and hopefully our luck will turn around.As long as we stay in the top eight, we’ll be fine.”
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