Russ Collins Jr. to restore “Sorcerer” Top Fuel Bike
Russ Collins Jr., son of Hall of Fame drag racer and motorsports guru, Russ Collins, will revive the venerable twin engine fueler to its “original set up”.
Collins took possession of the Sorcerer a few weeks ago and is in the process of working through the incredible detail of a nut and bolt restoration.
“It took me years to get the nerve up, to just ask my Dad for the bike.” Jr. reflects: It such a personal thing, 11 year record holder, NHRA Best Engineered Award, you just don’t ask for the keys. I was raised to “build my own”.
With the help of San Diego’s finest shops, RC Jr. has played in the shadows of motorcycle drag racing over the past 30 years. His current obsession is the quickest pro street, one liter bike in the west, sponsored by Lee’s Cycle. “I’ve run it all, except nitro, from brackets to nitrous, car tire rides, turbo charged and all motor, pro street rides”. With a shelf full of trophies including an NHRA “Wally”, I’d say nothing that I have ridden would prepare me for what’s about to occur…the violent, adrenalin pumping ride that only a blown, top fuel motor can deliver.
Collins took a ride up the coast from San Diego to LA to visit his Dad at RC Engineering. My Dad told me to “bring the trailer”.
I brought my long time friend and now “Team Sorcerer” Project Manager, Kevin Weisenstein and his “bigger trailer” for the visit and I brought home not only the “Sorcerer” but the “Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe”, the world’s first 7 second motorcycle.
The Sorcerer will be a runner over the coming year and the Triple is next on the list. Weisenstein has been acting Program Manager on the rebuild and a number of local San Diego go fast shops and hot rod enthusiasts are sponsoring the effort. They include Lee’s Cycle, Racer’s Machine, Hartcorn Construction and MDR. “We have some associate sponsors on board but there is always room for a major player in a project of this magnitude” Jr. will be tapping into the industry to check for interest in supporting a ‘show and go” national tour.
“It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait to get a hand full of throttle on this incredible work of art.” Russ Sr. will be on hand for the final button up, tune up and running.
For the uninitiated, this will be quite a show. For the old school folks, it will take you back to the hay days of fuel bike revelry.
Russ Collins Jr., son of Hall of Fame drag racer and motorsports guru, Russ Collins, will revive the venerable twin engine fueler to its “original set up”.
Collins took possession of the Sorcerer a few weeks ago and is in the process of working through the incredible detail of a nut and bolt restoration.
“It took me years to get the nerve up, to just ask my Dad for the bike.” Jr. reflects: It such a personal thing, 11 year record holder, NHRA Best Engineered Award, you just don’t ask for the keys. I was raised to “build my own”.
With the help of San Diego’s finest shops, RC Jr. has played in the shadows of motorcycle drag racing over the past 30 years. His current obsession is the quickest pro street, one liter bike in the west, sponsored by Lee’s Cycle. “I’ve run it all, except nitro, from brackets to nitrous, car tire rides, turbo charged and all motor, pro street rides”. With a shelf full of trophies including an NHRA “Wally”, I’d say nothing that I have ridden would prepare me for what’s about to occur…the violent, adrenalin pumping ride that only a blown, top fuel motor can deliver.
Collins took a ride up the coast from San Diego to LA to visit his Dad at RC Engineering. My Dad told me to “bring the trailer”.
I brought my long time friend and now “Team Sorcerer” Project Manager, Kevin Weisenstein and his “bigger trailer” for the visit and I brought home not only the “Sorcerer” but the “Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe”, the world’s first 7 second motorcycle.
The Sorcerer will be a runner over the coming year and the Triple is next on the list. Weisenstein has been acting Program Manager on the rebuild and a number of local San Diego go fast shops and hot rod enthusiasts are sponsoring the effort. They include Lee’s Cycle, Racer’s Machine, Hartcorn Construction and MDR. “We have some associate sponsors on board but there is always room for a major player in a project of this magnitude” Jr. will be tapping into the industry to check for interest in supporting a ‘show and go” national tour.
“It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait to get a hand full of throttle on this incredible work of art.” Russ Sr. will be on hand for the final button up, tune up and running.
For the uninitiated, this will be quite a show. For the old school folks, it will take you back to the hay days of fuel bike revelry.
