Championship Drag Racing

Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Clermont, IN
(August 30-September 4)

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Karen Stoffer Geico Motorcycle Suzuki

Indianapolis, Monday: Geico-backed NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Karen Stoffer manufactured a productive weekend at the famed Mac Tools NHRA US Nationals at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Ind, thus propelling her into contention for a top-five spot in the POWERade point series.

In Friday’s opening qualifying Stoffer captured the pole with an impressive lap of 7.06. By the conclusion of the fifth and final qualifying session on Sunday Stoffer had improved to a 7.04, leaving her third in the massive field of 29 competitive motorcycles.

“It was special to have the pole for the first night but I’m kind of glad we didn’t stay there,” Stoffer said. “The No. 1 spot always seems to be a curse.”

Stoffer scored a critical first round win over Tom Bradford, who has been in hot pursuit of the Geico Suzuki in the point standings. Stoffer motored out a 7.07 at 185 mph to Bradford’s 7.11 at 186 mph.

“That was huge from a points standpoint,” Stoffer said. “I think we have some strong momentum going into the next race. We were a good gelled team here this weekend. We felt really good about our Vance and Hines motor program. We made a big step. We didn’t go the rounds we wanted to go but it was still a productive weekend.”

In round No. 2 Stoffer was pitted against three-time series champion Angelle Sampey. Stoffer slowed to a 7.22 and Sampey was able to get the upset win with a 7.13.

“I was just a little too quick on one of my shift points and she was able to get around us,” Stoffer said.

At one point in the event Stoffer had moved into the top-five in the point series. Buell rider Matt Smith was able to sneak ahead of Stoffer after winning the event, but at only 60 points out of fifth, Stoffer has solidified her chance at a career first top-five finish.

“We have been plagued by so many freaky things in the past that we are trying to achieve consistency,” Stoffer said. “We want to beat the odds every time we go out.”

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