Riders & Crew

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Noted NHRA racer, Ryan Schnitz, has joined the HTP Team for the 2010 Racing season. His very well-established riding career is highlighted by championships in the AMA/Prostar 600 SuperSport class in 2001 and 2002, and 1000 SuperSport in 2004. He was the first to bring a 600 down the 1/4-mile in under ten seconds and eventually established the ET national record at 9.792 seconds. More recent achievements include NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle wins in Columbus, Denver, Pomona, and Chicago. Schnitz is very excited to be making his high-anticipated return to the Sportbike Drag Racing Circuit under Team HTP.

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Formerly the "UNKNOWN" rider, Lavar's riding career was strictly "grudge-race" related until he joined the HTP Team. A mild-mannered rider in the pits, his tenacity at the tree is what inspired Crew Chief, Cecil Towner, to give Delee a chance on the Pro Circuit. His skills have gotten him much recognition in his short professional career. His debut on the HTP Pro Street Hayabusa included an impressive 7.42-second showing his first time out.

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Cecil was first introduced to AMA/Prostar in 2001 as a crew member of Jim Carroll's Formula Superbike program. Their championship victory gave him a taste of drag racing competition, and he dreamed of eventually creating his own program. In 2003, HTP Performance was created when Towner took a leap of faith, quiting his job, and buying a motorcycle dynamometer and an enclosed trailer. He offered mobile dyno services and horsepower readings for customers and bike week events. Within a year, Towner had expanded his modest mobile business to a successful Richmond-based motorcycle shop. Towner's dream was finally recognized when he was able to fund his own race team in 2007. His hard work and ethics have made him a highly-recognized and respected figure in both business and drag racing.

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A long-time motorcycle enthusiast, it was only natural that he would introduce his son to his love of all things on two wheels. Little did he know the effect "Santa" would have on his five-year old son when given a Honda CR 75. Over the years, he taught Cecil many things mechanical and riding-related. As his son's business and race team grew, he retired his easy-riding Harley days to join his fast and furious lifestyle. His new passion for Japanese bikes and drag racing is obvious from his hard work and focus at the track, and he plays a key role in this highly-respected father-son duo.