Stoffer retains top ten standing By Jack Korpela GEICO-backed Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Karen Stoffer retained her top ten standing in the POWERade points series, securing the No. 9 spot, after a solid outing at the NHRA O’Reilly Spring Nationals from Houston, TX. Stoffer qualified for the competitive 16-bike field in the No. 14 spot with a 7.13 at 191 mph. “We knew Houston would be a tough race,” said Stoffer, who had won the event the last two years. “The competition here is always extremely competitive. It’s a very fast track.” In round No. 1 of eliminations Buell-backed Chip Ellis put an end to Stoffer’s bid for a third straight event win with a 7.11 at 187 to Stoffer’s 7.23 at 185 mph. Nonetheless Stoffer had a razor sharp reaction time of .006. “I’m very eager to win a race for this team. They have been through an awful lot with my injury last year,” Stoffer said. “I’ve been happy with my reaction times and I think we are very close to where we want to be.” Stoffer trails points leader Angelle Sampey by 147 points heading into the tour’s next race in Atlanta, GA, May 4th-7th. Stoffer extended a special thanks to all of the 2006 sponsors. Geico Motorcycle Insurance 1-866-326-2036, Mac Tools, Bates Leathers, NGK,Airtech, Wrath Motorsports, Square One Graphics, and Vance and Hines Motorsports.