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Drag Bikes: Chicago Police Officer Challenges all Street Racers to a Race

11 July 1998

JOLIETT, Illinois - David Gushiniere, 35, has been drag racing "for fun" fifteen years now. Originally he did it just like every other kid, on the street. Now, some years later, he does it legally, and he is having the time of his life. His challenge to all is simple, "wanna race?"

The four-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department has been responding to the quarter mile call whenever time permits, and while working on the Tactical Gang Unit, he takes every opportunity he can to preach the word to the street crowd.

This year, Team Kawasaki has added a custom black and white-theme to one of their bikes, and Gushiniere was the first to be called for the job.

"We thought it would be a great way to promote the sport" explained Kawasaki's John Hoover. "The AMA/Prostar Streetbike Shootout was created specifically to help get the illegal street racers off the street, what could be better than a chance to beat a cop."

Although the bike Gushiniere is riding is not entered in the shootout, it does pull double duty competing in both the 600 Supersport and Street E.T. classes, and is currently the #9 qualifier in the 600cc class.

Chicago, Columbus and Indianapolis, all will be host to the shootout. At each event, a local officer will be chosen to pilot the factory ride.