Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood announced Thursday a new five-year contract extension that will keep the All-Harley Drag Racing Association’s popular Screamin’ Eagle Eastern Finals at The Rock at least through the 2011 season.

 This year’s 16th annual event, featuring the quickest and fastest Harley-Davidson motorcycles on the planet including the 224 mile-an-hour Top Fuel Harleys, is scheduled Oct. 13-14.

 “The AHDRA Finals always has been one of our favorite events,” Earwood said.  “(AHDRA General Manager) Craig Tharpe and his people put on a great show and we’re pleased to be able to guarantee our fans the best Harley show in America for at least five more years.”

 “Rockingham Dragway always is a favorite stop for our racers and fans,” Tharpe said.  “The track always is well-prepared, there’s enough camping to accommodate everyone and the local fans are very knowledgeable.  We’re looking forward to the continued growth of the Screamin’ Eagle Eastern Finals over the next several years.”

 Defending champions include Jay Turner of Julian, N.C., in Top Fuel; John Breckenridge of Sultan, Wash., in Pro Fuel; Connie Cohen of Bristol, Conn., in Pro Gas; Rick Moore of Reading, Pa., in Pro Drag; and Junior Pippin of Conyers, Ga., in Pro Modified.

 Both ends of the AHDRA national record in the featured Top Fuel division were set last year at Rockingham Dragway.  Doug Vancil of Albuquerque, N.M., lowered the ET record to 6.236 seconds while Turner bumped the speed record to 224.66 mph.