Livin' on 2 wheels

A radar gun could not clock the adrenaline that surges through their veins. Their pulse beats so rapidly they have to hold onto their chest, out of fear their heart may jump out of their body and run away.

The drug of choice is speed. It does not come in an oral form; rather it is 120 horsepower traveling up to 180 mph on the track at Pacific Raceways.

Although it is incredibly fast, risky and physically and mentally demanding, they do not deny the urge to motorcycle road race.

Motorcycles are the machines that drive the natural high. The mind and heart are driven by the speed, competition and control of the motorcycle on the racetrack's surface.

"Racing is like an addiction, it gets in your body," said Greg Zanghi, general manger of Eastside Motorsports and former pro racer. "There is nothing in the world that can duplicate the feeling you get when racing with 30-50 other people to get across the finish line, pushing yourself, it is an adrenalin rush."

Riders race machines that weigh no more than 400 pounds and can do zero to 100 mph in less than four seconds, said Zanghi. "It is hairy, but it is an amazing feeling."

Whether it is the bikes, the track or the natural high that attracts them to the racetrack they keep coming back for more. The number of riders and fans continues to grow each year at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Wash.

The passion for motorcycle road racing helps build relationships among families, friends and even strangers. Racing fans and riders are part of a racing family. Pacific Raceways would not be alive and flourishing today without the riders, fans, friends and families. The track breeds racers and involvement from the fans.

Although motorcycle road racing is a form of motorsports it is in a class of its own.

The scenery can dramatically change in the blink of an eye. Racers can crash, riders can change positions or a different rider can take the lead. Motorcycle road racing is not all about winning.

"They do not just want to win, they want to know that they beat some of the best people out there to get that victory," said Darren Murrey, expert rider at Pacific Raceways.

Motorcycle road racing is the most physically challenging form of racing, said Murrey. "It is amazing to be able to do, let alone watch."

Some come to witness the fast pace, others come to catch a glimpse of the latest motorcycle technology. They stand along the track with amazement in their eyes as they watch the exhilarating speeds.

"You are not just sitting behind a wheel of a car," said Murrey. "You are interacting a lot more, all the way until you are laying down on the pavement. On top of that you have speeds that are some of the fastest exit speeds of a corner that you have ever seen on a racetrack."

Perhaps the spectator community is trying to live vicariously through the riders. Sometimes it is too over whelming and the spectators succumb and try road racing.

After races and in between races groups gather in the pits to talk with the motorcycle racers.

Motorcycle road racing captivated Zanghi. He too once stood in the stands. Now he sits on the cushioned seat of a motorcycle going around the track at 180 mph. He felt the natural high of racing.

"I rode sport bikes and I became friends with motorsport riders, and I got involved," said Zanghi. "I sold a '66 Cadillac, bought a race bike and started racing amateur and pro as well."

The sport cries out to onlookers to take a piece of the action if they dare.

"It is pretty common," said Murrey. "You will get guys that come on a track day on their street bike that want to race. Being around it puts people over the edge to go out and get involved."

The riders' excitement encourages openness among the racer community. Riders often discuss what precuts they are going to use or what is the best bike out in order to get more people involved.

"You will find a lot of guys that are so excited about what they are doing they want to show it off or they want people to participate," said Murrey.

Pacific Raceways is not only a place where fans can watch motorcyclists race, it is a place where racers can race legally. The track offers motorcyclists something not possible on the public roads. Riders are able to race, reach incredible speeds, do it legally and have spectators cheer them on, all at the same time.

"Road racing is an adrenalin sport, it is pretty hard to describe, 177 miles per hour and be able to ride it and turn it and make that bike handle in a way you could not possible do it on the street," said Zanghi.

On and off the track motorcycles are in Zanghi and Murrey's thoughts.

"It is a way of life for some that race, it is a passion it is an inner drive, no one can understand unless they race. I can not describe how it is to crash, driving into the pavement and sliding. For anyone to put it into words it is difficult."

Riders are not the only ones that experience the racing high; so do the fans.

"You do get a rush from watching," said Murrey's friend Raegan Smithson. "Your adrenaline and your heart starts pumping from the anticipation of what could happen."

The intensity of racing, seeing people compete on motorcycles is what attracts the fans, according to Zanghi. "I am still a fan."

Even though people at the racetrack are bonded through their passions they come from different walks of life.

"It is very tight, everyone tends to know everyone," said Zanghi. The pits are an open area where people are free to walk around and talk to the road racers and crew.

It is a very friendly place, said Zanghi. He lets kids sit on his bike and welcomes questions.

Several of Murrey's friends attend races on a regular basis. His racing passion has extended to his friends and family.

"Scott [Amel] liked it because he has always wanted to be around racing and be involved," said Murrey. "He used to race dirt bikes and Raegan races motocross."