Stoffer Leads PSM Class Entering St. Louis

Karen Stoffer, rider of the GEICO-backed NHRA Suzuki, is poised to to defend her second Powerade Point lead of the season at this weekend's O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals from St. Louis, Mo, May 4-6.

"It's great to be No. 1, but I'm trying to not get caught up in the hype," Stoffer said. "I just want to focus on making the best possible runs and going rounds. We want to be at the top at the end of the season."

Stoffer is off to the best start of her career. In early March she won the season-opening Gatornationals from Gainesville, Fla, to earn her first ever point lead. She relinquished the lead to three-time series champ Angelle Sampey at the subsequent race in Houston, TX, but regained the top spot after winning the Southern Nationals from Atlanta, Ga.

Stoffer's next challenge is in St. Louis, figuring out Gateway International Raceway's tricky launch pad. Stoffer has had difficulty with the track in the past. Last season she qualified 16th and went out first round.

"There's no question St. Louis has been a tough place for us to race," Stoffer said. "The team has been working very hard on the bike and experimenting with several different combinations, so we are eager our luck around."

O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals TV Coverage
May 4-6 8 • Madison, IL
05/05/2007 Qualifying 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
05/06/2007 Eliminations 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
05/09/2007 Repeat Eliminations 04:00 AM - 06:00 AM ET (ESPN2

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.