Stoffer Hangs Tough Despite Early Season V-Twin Dominance

After four NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle races this season the V-Twin-based machines have garnered unprecedented success and dominance in the Powerade point series. Steadfast Karen Stoffer and her Geico Suzuki have fought off the onslaught of Harleys and Buells to remain in the coveted top ten.

Stoffer is certainly accustomed to residing in the top portion of the standings. Last season she earned the No. 8 plate, marking the fourth consecutive season she has finished tenth or better. This year her high rank in the series remains the same, however the class scenery has changed dramatically.

When Stoffer made her professional debut back in 1996 the Suzuki was the clear bike of choice in the category. In fact it was essentially the only viable option. Since then the Pro Stock Motorcycle class has given birth to the Harley Davidson V-Rod and S&S Buell. The V-Twins have quickly become dominant and have scored the championship title the last four seasons.

In 2008 the V-Twin machines are perhaps on the brink of their most successful season yet. After just four races the Harleys and Buells have respectively won each event and comprise seven of the top ten spots in the series.

After the season-opening Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. the NHRA mandated all Buell entries to add five pounds, increasing their minimum weight to 625 pounds, while allowing the Suzuki-based entries to strip five pounds, taking their minimum weight requirement down to 605 pounds.

Based on the category's overall results, the rule change has done little to aide the inline-four-cylinder entries. Nonetheless Stoffer has weathered the storm clawed her way up to the No. 8 spot in the point standings.

Stoffer's season got off to an inauspicious start in Gainesville where the team was mired with electrical problems and suffered a first round defeat. At the next two races in Houston, TX, and Atlanta, Ga, the team turned in solid qualifying efforts but fell victim to a pair of close opening round defeats.

At the O'Reilly Midwest Nationals from Madison, Ill. May 2-4, Stoffer enjoyed her most successful outing of the year. Despite what proved to be challenging atmospheric conditions the team qualified sixth and went on to defeat Shawn Gann in the opening round. The pivotal victory secured Stoffer's spot in the top ten.

"It was a very challenging event. It seemed like the weather changed each round. It was a tuner's race for sure," Stoffer said. "Gary (Stoffer) did a great job making the right calls on the bike."

Unfortunately for Stoffer her break-out weekend was halted in round No. 2 when she was defeated by eventual event champion Andrew Hines and his Harley V-Rod, who ran a monster 6.90 to Stoffer's respectable 6.97. After the loss Stoffer remained upbeat.

"We feel great about the weekend. We were consistent and we went really fast," Stoffer said. "Our biggest problem was running into the what has been the quickest and most consistent machine out there for the last few races."

Stoffer advanced three spots in the series following the event and has earned a total of 154 points. Hines continued to build on his lead and now anchors the top spot with an astounding 405 points.

"We know we have our work cut out for us with all of these tough teams out here," Stoffer said. "At this point each and every round counts. We have to make perfect tuning calls on our Suzuki to keep it competitive with V-Twins."

Stoffer now aims to qualify for the NHRA's playoff-style Championship Countdown later this season. To do so, she will have to remain in the top ten following the NHRA US Nationals in Indianapolis, Ind, over Labor Day weekend.

Many fans are wondering if NHRA will step in and tweak the rules once again to even the playing field.

"We can't count on that," Stoffer said. "Another rule change would help but we have to be prepared to do our best the way things are right now."

Stoffer will continue her championship quest at the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Route 66 Nationals from Joliet, Ill. June 5-8.

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, Kymco, and Suzuki Extended Protection