Stoffer Looks to Memphis to Close Gap

After a tough first round defeat at the NHRA O'Reilly Super Start Nationals from Dallas, TX, September 18-21, Geico-backed Karen Stoffer is eagerly anticipating this weekend's Mid South Nationals from Memphis, Tenn. With two events in the championship countdown gone and three to go Stoffer is hopeful that Memphis will be the race she has been waiting for to start making up some ground.

"We have to make our move in Memphis. That's the plan. Back-to-back first round losses were very tough to take but we feel really good moving forward. We've made progress the last two races with our tune-up and Memphis has always been a good track for us," Stoffer said. "It's a warm track but if we can get the right tune-up early we'll be ok. We are getting more comfortable with our new fuel injection.
It's a learning experience but we've been getting in the ball park rather quickly."

In Dallas Stoffer qualified in the No. 8 spot with an impressive run of 7.03. In the opening round of eliminations Stoffer fell to No. 9 qualifier Steve Johnson when Stoffer fouled-out with a painfully near perfect -.002. Stoffer outran Johnson with a 7.09 to Johnson's 7.12.

"We had the motor I just cut the tree too close," Stoffer said. "When you are the first pair out as the No. 8 and No. 9 qualifiers you know your opponent is right there with you so you have to throw it down on the tree. Red lights are always tough."

Heading into Memphis Stoffer is ranked tenth in the championship chase and trails leader Matt Smith by 197 points.

Stoffer went on to extend special thanks to all of the 2008 sponsors and supporters. Geico Motorcycle Insurance 1-800-44-Cycle, Speed Dawg, Mac Tools, Bates Leathers, NGK, Airtech, Wrath Motorsports, Square One Graphics, Suzuki Extended Protection, and Kymco.