By Katie Sullivan
Corning, CA, 2/27/2012. – Katie Sullivan of Kalifornia Katie Racing is staged to be competing alongside a new rider to the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class. This isn’t just any rider however, this new rider hold’s a special place in Katie’s heart. For the first time ever in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class, a team will be competing with both father and daughter riding.
Charlie Sullivan, 51, owner of Sullivan Drilling Inc., has been racing since he was a teen. In addition to competing on many different drag bikes, Charlie also enjoyed some time behind the wheel of an alcohol funny car. Raising three children, he spent 15 years at local tracks running Jr. dragsters and has said, “I wouldn’t trade the time we spent together as a family at the race track for anything.” Charlie put his racing aside when Katie set her heart on racing drag bikes. They raced together for the first year until Katie moved to a faster bike and a higher competition level, then Charlie took on the role as her crew chief.
“I can’t even explain how much my father has done for me,” says Katie, ” I have worked so hard to get where I am today, but none of this would be possible without my dad and my whole family.” Katie, 21, a full time business student and owner of Tough Girl Designs, goes on to say, ” To watch my dad out there competing with me again is beyond incredible. There isn’t a person in the world I think deserves it more than he does.”
The Sullivan Family Race team also went on to talk about the support they have received from so many people. Katie stated ” The support from our family, friends, and fans has been really amazing. We also are continuing partnerships with MotoWear International, JP’s Paint & Body Works, and Girls For A Change. We owe such a huge thank you to all the people standing behind us.”
The Sullivan Family Racing team is headed to Valdosta, GA to test their equipment and get a few rides down the track in. The next weekend, both Sullivans will compete side by side in the Gatornationals, happening in Gainesville, FL, March 8 – 11. As of now Charlie’s plan is to just run the one race in Gainesville, fulfilling a dream years in the making, and both Charlie and Katie could not be more excited.
About Girls For A Change:
Girls For A Change (GFC) is a national organization that empowers thousands of teen girls to create and lead social change. GFC provides girls with professional female role models, leadership training and the inspiration to work together in teams to solve persistent societal problems in their communities. Explore our web site to learn more about how you can join our movement and how girls are transforming our world and reinventing girl culture through GFC! www.girlsforachange.org