Stoffer Reclaims Point Lead with Atlanta Victory

"Two out of three aint bad."

In fact, winning two out of three events in the ultra-competitive NHRA drag racing series is downright remarkable.

Karen Stoffer, rider of the Geico Pro Stock Motorcycle, produced her second win of the year at stop No. 3 on the NHRA PSM tour, The Summit Southern Nationals from Atlanta, Ga, April 27-29. Stoffer, who also won the season-opening Gatornationals in March, reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the PowerAde championship standings with a 32-point lead over second-place Matt Smith.

"It's a perfect season for us to get off to a hot start with this new points system," Stoffer said of NHRA's recent playoff-style championship structure. "It means a lot to us to be able to maintain this consistency. This is what we have been striving for. I'm very proud of what we've been able to show the first three races."

Stoffer qualified fourth with a 7.01 at 190 mph. On race-day the team preserved through challenging track conditions and recorded consistent winning elapsed-times of 7.05. 7.07, 7.06 and 7.06 to defeat Steve Johnson, defending champion Andrew Hines, 2003 champion Geno Scali, and Matt Smith. The event victory was the fifth of Stoffer's career.

"Everything we've learned over the last three years is really coming through for us. We understand a lot of the tracks now," Stoffer said. "It's a tough field out here. It's very challenging and that's what makes our wins even more special. We've been able to capitalize on some things."

Stoffer was without a foul start on the weekend and attributes much of her success to the technical set-up on the motorcycle.

"Gary (Stoffer) has been working very hard on the clutch. His tune-up really helps me stay green and not red-light. He gave me a great bike." Stoffer said of her husband/crew chief.

Following Stoffer's win in Gainesville earlier this season, NHRA commentator Alan Reinhart said the Geico team won their one race for the year. Stoffer says proving him wrong felt great.

"Out of everything that happened in Gainesville that was one of the most memorable moments for me. It got under our skin but when I came back and told the team, it helped to motivate them," Stoffer said. "I hope (Reinhart) will make another comment like that to push us even harder."

Stoffer got a surprise on Sunday when her fellow Geico teammate Mike Wallace and his NASCAR Busch team made a stop at Atlanta Dragway after competing in Talladega, Ala, on Saturday evening.

"They loved it," Stoffer said. "They were very excited about drag racing and had a wonderful time and enjoyed watching us win. We are hoping to get out to one of their races real soon."

Stoffer also had new sponsor Genuine Scooters on hand and unveiled her popular new clothing line from Speed Dawg apparel.

"We had a lot of friends with us this weekend," Stoffer said. "I'm not sure what kind of mojo we have found here, but I hope we can duplicate it."

Stoffer went on to extend special thanks to all of the 2007 sponsors and supporters.
Geico Motorcycle Insurance 1-866-326-2036, Speed Dawg, Mac Tools, Bates Leathers, NGK, Airtech, Wrath Motorsports, Square One Graphics, Vance and Hines Motorsports, Suzuki Extended Protection, and Genuine Scooters.