The demonic combustion properties of nitromethane fuel are mostly shown off in the world of drag racing but there are other motorsports that tip the can and tip the can hard. Motorcycle hill-climbing is one of them and this video which places us on the helmet of Harold “The Gasser” Waddel is proof. The film was taken at the Brick Mine Hill Climb in North Dakota and you’ll need to watch it a couple of times to get all of it. Why?
For starters you’ll need to revel in the skill that Waddell has to hang onto this dirt bike and actually get it to the top of the hill. Secondly you will need to key into the truly angry sound of this engine with its 100% load of the devil’s tears in it. Thirdly, you’ll need to pay attention to details like the dude with the little blower on the starting line, keeping Waddell from suffocating on nitromethane fumes.
The caption on the video says that the 600cc motorcycle makes some 200hp with its face full of nitro. The rear tires of these dirt bikes are wrapped in chains (like snow chains) which allow them to chew at the Earth like PacMan, climb obstacles, and accelerate on dirt like they are shot out of a cannon.
A truly under appreciated motorsport, this is a prime example of something we really need to see for ourselves.
