Stoffer Aiming High in Atlanta By: Jack Korpela It’s been nearly a full month since her last race and GEICO-backed Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Karen Stoffer is eager to build upon her ninth-place 85 POWERade points at this weekend’s third race of the season, The NHRA Summit Southern Nationals from Atlanta, GA. Stoffer has enjoyed a successful start to the 2006 season thus far, putting in solid performances in both Gainesville and Houston. Stoffer seems to have fully recovered from her horrendous and near career-ending accident in the pits last season. “I feel great,” Stoffer said. “I am getting more comfortable on the bike each time down the track.” Last season Stoffer entered this race No. 2 in points, but fell to No.4 after a rare first round loss. Stoffer is confident that this year’s Southern Nationals will catapult her back into contention for the points lead. “We learned a lot about what kind of tune-up we need at this track last season,” Stoffer said. “The team has been working very hard and I feel like we have all the tools we need to put together a strong showing.” Stoffer continued to stress the importance of qualifying on the top half of the ladder for Sunday’s eliminations. “We’ve had some great qualifying runs this season. It’s just a matter of getting our best runs in the session with the best atmospheric conditions,” Stoffer said. “The competition is so difficult out here and qualifying in the top eight makes a tremendous difference on race day.” Stoffer only trails points leader Angelle Sampey by a mere 147 points heading into opening qualifying. Watch for Stoffer on this weekend’s ESPN 2 event coverage – ESPN2 Schedule May. 6 Qualifying 9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. May. 7 Eliminations 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. May. 9 Repeat Eliminations 2:00 a.m.-4:00 a.m. 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.