Sept. 27, 2006
Editor’s Note: The Hawkeye Chopper will be on display at Hubbard Park Friday (Sept. 29) when ESPN GameDay takes center stage as energy ramps up for Saturday’s football game between the nationally ranked Iowa Hawkeyes and Ohio State Buckeyes.
What happens when the passion of a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes is combined with a lifelong dream of building a custom motorcycle?
A Hawkeye fan’s ultimate fantasy is created…The Hawkeye Chopper.
The creative and mechanical masterminds behind this one of a kind project are David “Pooch” Prochello and his wife, Julie, from Pooch’s Custom and Theme Cycles in Dakota City, Neb.
The Hawkeye Chopper, officially licensed by the University of Iowa, is an amazing work of art. The chopper itself is almost twelve feet long, and features many unique characteristics which make it very distinct from other choppers…such as a real pigskin seat, custom cut spinners, mega-phone shaped air intakes and dozens of “hidden” individually air-brushed feathers.
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Proceeds of the sale of raffle tickets for a chance to win the Hawkeye Chopper will benefit the American Cancer Society.
And, if you’re heading to the Iowa State Fair on Friday, you can see the Hawkeye Chopper up close and meet its creators at the University of Iowa booth in the Varied Industries Building. |
The mechanics of this chopper feature a 127 cubic inch, 140 horsepower Ultima Engine, centrifugal clutch, a Road Max 6 speed, right side drive transmission and a frame that is 7″ up 9″ out with a 60 degree rake.
Beyond the magnificence of this bike, the main goal behind the creation of the chopper was to provide a fundraising opportunity to give back to local charities. In collaboration with the University of Iowa, The Greater Iowa City/Coralville Area Sports Authority and Pooch Custom & Theme Cycles, avid Hawkeye fans and motorcycle enthusiasts can purchase a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win the Hawkeye Chopper.
From the raffle tickets sold, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Russell and Ann Gerdin American Cancer Society Hope Lodge and The Greater Iowa City/Coralville Area Sports Authority.
The Russell and Ann Gerdin American Cancer Society Hope Lodge is an effort led by the American Cancer Society to build a facility in the area to house adults (free of charge) who are receiving cancer treatment at the UI Hospitals and Clinics, Mercy Hospital, and the VA Hospital.
“The American Cancer Society is extremely excited that part of the proceeds are going to benefit the Russell and Ann Gerdin American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, we are pleased to have been chosen,” said Marcia Holley, the capital campaign director of the American Cancer Society.
The Greater Iowa City/Coralville Area Sports Authority is a non-profit organization that falls underneath the umbrella of the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau. The purpose of the Sports Authority is to promote the Greater Iowa City/Coralville area as a destination for amateur sporting events on a state, regional and national level.
The raffle will be held throughout the remainder of the year and will continue no later than February 28, 2006. Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at home football games and other select events in the area. Click HERE to find locations to purchase raffle tickets, review the official rules, checkout Hawkeye Chopper merchandise and more…including checking out the chopper itself!