Racing fans of the two-wheel variety will want to visit Smith Brothers' Harley-Davidson Bike Night at Street Fights on Sept. 6 to meet Michelle Smith, host of SPEED's American Thunder. Spectators also will see pro bike riders making passes down the strip at insane speeds, burnout competitions and other special events and promotions planned for the night.

Smith, however, will not be the only person turning heads at Bristol Dragway on Smith Brothers' Bike Night. Tara Brookshire of Bristol has a couple of hobbies that keep her in Thunder Valley for most of the year.

On Sept. 6, fans will be able to see Brookshire participate in her "summer hobby," tearing up the strip on her motorcycle. Her "winter hobby" will see her gliding over the ice at the York Ice Rink. In addition to these activities, you may buy your tickets from her at one of Bristol Motor Speedway's ticket windows during the March and August race weekends.

Brookshire, now 27, began skating when she was 15, and often made trips with a friend to Knoxville three times a week for lessons. After high school, she took a break from skating because the trip to Knoxville was becoming too tedious.

When the York Ice Rink opened at Speedway in Lights, Brookshire returned to the ice, even giving lessons to others. She competed professionally until an injury forced her to quit.

"I miss competing a great deal," she said, "but I practice as much as possible at the York Ice Rink. It is so close, and I can time it well to practice when it's not real crowded."

In January 2006, after the York Ice Rink had closed for the season, Brookshire purchased her first motorcycle. She was hooked immediately and she began riding the new bike everywhere.

"Other than weather and my skating injury, I have ridden bikes since I bought the first one," she said. "One of the reasons I started riding was because gas prices went through the roof, and motorcycles are cheaper on gas. I started on the Kawasaki 250 Ninja and had a blast. When I first brought it home, I thought it would be all I would need for a year or two. Now, I'm on a Honda 600rr and loving it."

Just as the York Ice Rink provides a place to enjoy her "winter" hobby, Thunder Valley is the perfect setting for Brookshire's "summer" hobby.

"I like that the track is close by and that it is run really well," she said. "It gives everyone a safe, legal place to see what their vehicles are capable of doing."

Brookshire enjoys making passes down the track, something she will be able to do many times during the special Bike Night at Bristol Dragway's Street Fights. Dragway officials will make the motorcycles the stars of the evening with events geared especially for them.

"When they tell us to gear up, my nerves go into overdrive," she admits. "I have trouble reaching the ground, so I think about that and not falling over. Then, I try to stage without red lighting. Getting to the line is the worst. Once the yellow lights come on, I'm ok because everything happens so quickly. After first gear, it's no big deal. I just try not to miss a shift."

If these two activities aren't enough to keep her busy, Brookshire works in the Bristol Motor Speedway ticket office during the March and August NASCAR race weekends.

"I enjoy it because the people are nice and appreciative when you are able to help them," she said. "There have been some people that remember me from year to year and come by the ticket office to say hello. That is always nice."

Brookshire works full time at the Wellmont Wellness Center in Bristol, and is pursuing a second degree in mathematics from King College.

Although she admits ice skating and motorcycles are worlds apart, there are a few similarities.

"Each hobby is a continuous learning experience. Every time I get on the bike, there is something new I figure out or work on," Brookshire said. "The same goes for skating. Also, I didn't start when I was a kid like many people. Some people will say that you will not do well if you didn't start young, but that hasn't stopped me from trying."

Gates open at 5 p.m. with tickets costing only $5 for spectators and $10 for competitors.

For more information about Street Fights' Bike Night and other Bristol Dragway events, please call (423) 764-DRAG, or visit www.bristoldragway.com.