Championship Drag Racing

O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals
Houston, Texas
(March 28-30)

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Driver Profile

Karen Stoffer Geico Motorcycle Suzuki

Houston, pre-race: At the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season-opening Gatornationals Karen Stoffer proved her GEICO-Suzuki will be a serious threat in the hotly contested category. Despite a first round loss due to a fuel delivery problem, Stoffer qualified eighth with a 7.03 in what proved to be a spirited field. The run solidified the team as the second quickest Suzuki in qualifying.

"We were pleased with our qualifying results. Since the first day was rained out and we only had two chances to make the show, we played it conservative on the first pass. All in all, the bike was very consistent," Stoffer said. "It was a bummer that after making thirteen consistent runs in testing and qualifying, on the fourteenth, which was the first round of eliminations, we ran into a fuel malfunction."

In opening eliminations Stoffer ran a 9.30 to No. 9 qualifier Chris Rivas' 7.05.

"We felt that we had a great set-up and we were confident we could win," Stoffer said. "It was just one of those deals."

Following the loss Stoffer and her team stripped down the motorcycle to discover the ailment. The team was able to fix the problem and is looking forward to the next stop on the NHRA tour, Houston, an event which Stoffer has won twice in her career.

"No matter what the conditions are, we will strive to be competitive," Stoffer said. "I said it in the beginning of the season and I stand behind the statement that it will take 6.80s to compete this season with the Buells and V-Rods. I feel we are up to the challenge."

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