THE CHAMPIONS ISSUE
NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle
Jerry Savoie
For three decades , Jerry Savoie didn ’ t sit on a motorcycle , let alone race one of any significance . But to think that fire to compete didn ’ t still burn would be sorely underestimating the passion the alligator farmer has for the sport . He made his debut in 2011 in Pro Stock Motorcycle at 52 , content just to cross what he thought was his biggest bucket list item at the time – a race victory . A world championship , something he claimed in 2016 , was not a consideration .
“ Later in age , I worked really hard , was able financially to put together a team ,” Savoie said . “ A friend , Paul Miller , I went and talked to him and asked him if he thought I was any good . He said , ‘ Absolutely . It ’ s never too late .’
“ I went and called George Bryce , who I went to school with . ( He ) put his hand on my shoulder , and he said , ‘ Brother , if you ride like that on race day , I promise you you ’ re going to win one of these races .’ My goal was only to win one . My dream never was ever , ever , even last year , to win a championship .”
As Savoie showed rapid improvement , a chance for a championship suddenly became reality . He got the first victory in 2014 , won three more times in 2015 and was in championship contention late in the season , finishing third after stumbling at the finale in Pomona . Savoie put the class on notice and then went and overhauled his bike in the off-season with tuner Tim Kulungian . His bike became even more impressive in 2016 , even if it took a while for everything to come into place .
There were dominant runs , but only three finals appearance – and no wins – in the regular season . Entering the Countdown to the Championship in fourth , Savoie won twice and advanced to a final round , with a win in Vegas pulling him to within three points of class stalwarts Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec heading to the finale . When they both fell early in Pomona , a second-round win clinched the championship for Savoie , and this dream just continued to get better and better .
“ It ’ s just amazing , man , that this could possibly happen ,” Savoie said . “ The fire always burns in you . Once a drag racer , always a drag racer . Even though you don ’ t continue racing , the fire continues burning in your body .
“ I ’ ll say it over and over , Tim , Jeremy ( Deroche ), Steve ( Zellman ), those guys are the best . They family to me . When you click like that , you got a good thing going , man , nothing can stop you . God has blessed me in so many ways . It ’ s an amazing thing .” - JOSH HACHAT DI
PHOTOS : NHRA / NATIONAL DRAGSTER
NMCA WEST STREET COMP JAN VANDERPOOL // NMCA WEST TOP SPORTSMAN DOUG CRUMLICH // SCDRA ELECTRONICS KATELYN WHYNAUGHT
106 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 117