Harley-Davidson Museum steps on the gas for its special summer exhibit



MILWAUKEE -- If you love speed, power and grit, there is a new exhibit in town just for you. Some of the world's most well-known drag racing artifacts are now on display in Milwaukee at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

The best way to sum up drag racing: it's a sport of acceleration.

"They start from a dead stop. They can shoot up to 330 miles an hour in a quarter mile in less than four seconds," said David Kreidler, Curator of Exhibits.

Some vehicles accelerate faster and louder than a fighter jet!

From four wheels to two wheels...

"This car is one of the most popular cars in all of the history of drag racing. One of the bikes we have here on exhibit, The Beast, was raced in 1951 and 1952 at Santa Ana," said Kreidler.

Drag Racing: America’s Fast Time



Even power tools hit the strip.

"In Ohio, it is called the Triple Crown of power tool drag racing, and these people will take power tools and create drag racers out of them," said Kreidler.

Drag Racing: America’s Fast Time



It took Harley-Davidson two years to put this exhibit together. These artifacts come from all over the country. Places like California, where drag racing was born, Pennsylvania -- even North Carolina.

The "Drag Racing: American's Fast Time" exhibit features nine bikes and two cars -- but also clothing and artwork. You'll find it all inside the garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

"You could race everything, you could race anywhere, and anyone could race," said Kreidler.

Drag Racing: America’s Fast Time



Prepare to delve deep into drag racing history, explore the culture, and marvel at the engineering.

"This is a sport of real ingenuity and really surprising culture," said Kreidler.

The public is invited Thursday night, June 16th for a sneak peek of the new exhibit. It will officially open Friday, June 17th -- and will run through September 5th.