Daytona Harley-Davidson Drill Team

Daytona Harley-Davidson Drill Team Sports Their Stuff

They’re an elite group of 12 riders and they are among Daytona Harley-Davidson’s finest riders. Having been organized for four years, the Daytona Harley-Davidson Drill Team has been acknowledged as one of the finest precision riding groups in the US today.

The Drill Team makes itself available for a variety of functions, including charity runs to benefit the needy, nursing home and convalescent facilities, parades, conferences, rallies and conventions - both within the motorcycle enthusiast community, as well as the general public.

During the Christmas holiday season, you will find them at area municipal parades. They are also on hand for Veteran’s Day and any number of special events. When performing for a nursing home recently, Team Members took the time to give patients "a safe thrill ride". "The response we got from those folks was really amazing," Drill Team Coordinator, Roger White said. Recently the Drill Team performed for the local Hog Rally and took a 10-hour-ride to perform in Mobile Alabama.

Each year, during Bike Week and Biketoberfest, members of the Daytona Harley-Davidson Drill Team participate in charity runs sponsored by the local Harley-Davidson dealer. White notes that members look forward to helping those who are less fortunate. "There’s a satisfaction in helping people in need and a pride in making a difference." Bike Week also represents an opportunity to participate in the Biker’s Parade held on the last Sunday of the event. This year, Daytona Harley-Davidson Drill Team members led the 4,000 vehicle parade.

Members of the Drill Team have been chosen because of their desire to enhance the image of motorcycling - to promote safe riding, rider skills, and good will for the sponsoring dealer, Daytona Harley-Davidson. Group members have riding experiences that range from three to 50 years. The Drill Team features 1990 to 1998 Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The 1340 cc. models include Dyna series and Classic and Ultra Classic dressers. Each motorcycle is owned and maintained by individual team members. The drills, choreographed by members, are precise movements executed by riders whose skills make riding these 700+ pound machines look like child’s play.

Performances range from 16 to 20 minutes in length with Drill Team members performing countless exercises in a 90’ x 150’ area. Riding in Red and Blue teams, they perform such precision maneuvers as "Opposing Circles", "Opposing Circles to Starburst", "Double Circles to Fly By", Diamonds to Double Fly By with Flag", "Heart to Four Way Cross", "Chinese Fire Drill", Figure Eight to Two Circles", "Four Abreast to V", and others.

Each of the 31 routines takes hours of practice and requires precise timing, organization and skill. Team Members are required to memorize and practice each week. "It takes at least three months to get the basics down and another three months to get the timing down. All of the bikes are involved in our eight-rider routines," White says.

White notes that there is still room for four more riders for the Drill Team. To reach the Daytona Harley-Davidson Drill Team, call Brad Seagraves at Daytona Harley-Davidson at (386) 253-BIKE (2453).

Who they Are:

Roger White serves as Drill Team Coordinator. He is a former motocross rider who began riding in the early ‘60’s and has been riding motorcycles ever since. Today he is owner of a construction company specializing in home remodeling and repair. Roger has been in the construction business for over 35 years. His first love is riding and as Roger aptly notes, "I like doing something the average person is unable to do. I like the challenge of riding my bike and pushing it to the max." Roger is over 50, but you wouldn’t know it by the way he rides. He is married and he and his wife, Linda have seven children and five grandchildren.

Linda White, Roger’s wife, has been riding for three years. Sporting a ‘96 Dyna Superglide, Linda says she enjoys the friendships and the "great adventures" of members of the group. Linda is currently working on a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has been a teacher for 19 years.

Roger Kraus has been riding for 20 years and performs on a 1992 Ultra Classic. He is married and has four children and one grandchild. Says Roger, "I want to improve my riding skills and enjoy the times with fellow team members and the performances.

Neal Schwarzenbacher is a native of Wisconsin and has been in Florida for five years. His riding experience dates back 48 years when we started riding a 1949 Harley Davidson Hummer - his first full time job was riding a Harley Davidson service car for an Oldsmobile dealer. Later he graduated to a 53 Harley Davidson Hydra Glide 74 in 1957. Several bikes (and years later) Neal purchased his 1998 Ultra Classic. Neal and his wife, Judith, have 14 grandchildren and nine children in their combined families. He joined the Daytona Harley-Davidson Drill Team to "enjoy the fellowship of riding and improving our riding skills".

Michie Choen, also known as "Mic-Dog" rides a 1997 Harley Ultra Classic. He’s been riding for 30 years and serves as Assistant Director for the Daytona Beach Chapter of the Harley Owners Group. "I like to ride and being the best." Michie says. He is 43 sells suntan lotion products and is single.

James Slemp rides a 1994 Harley Ultra Classic and has been riding for seven years. He is manager for logistics support for the US Air Force and assistant coordinator for the Drill Team. James likes to "promote the art and skills involved in motorcycling" and "enjoys the adventures involved" in riding. He is married and has been a Florida resident for 52 years.

Wynona Gay Slemp - James’ better half - rides a ‘95 Dyna Low Rider. She is a medical secretary and has been riding for six years. "I wanted more experience in riding and to go to more functions with my husband. I enjoy the friendships and families of all our members." Wynona Gay and James have one son and three grandchildren.

Leon Hale rides a 1996 Electra Glide and has 24 years of riding experience, including a few years of trail riding and motocross. He is a computer technician, and is married. He "lives for the enjoyment of riding" and likes the friendship and shared interests with other riders.

Samuel Abrahamsen rides a 1991 Ultra Classic and owns his own computer repair and mail order business. He and his wife, Beverly, have three sons. Sam has been riding for "on and off" for 30 years. "It’s fun and I like the other members. It also helps me improve my riding skills." He is a Florida native.

George Meister rides a 1995 Ultra Classic with extra chrome. He’s a retired division chief for a local fire department and has been in the fire service for 35 years. George has been riding for eight years and likes the "experience and people on the team". He is married to his wife, Nell.

Carol Hawkins hales from New York, but has been in Florida for five years. She rides a red 1990 FXR and points out, "It was my husband’s and we had it lowered so I could ride it." Carol is a special education teacher and has been in the educational field for 18 years. She has been riding for 12 years. Carol, who is now widowed, says she "was invited to join the Drill Team and has enjoyed participating and socializing with other members. They’re a great group!"

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Last Updated: January 17, 2009