Stoffer looking forward to second half By: Jack Korpela A wildly successful first half of the 2006 season has earned GEICO-backed NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Karen Stoffer the No. 5 spot in the hotly contested POWERade point series heading into the next event, the NHRA Mopar Mile High Nationals from Denver, Co. “We have great sponsors that give us great support, and we have a hard working team,” Stoffer said of the reason for her accomplishments throughout the first seven races. “I’m really looking forward to finishing the second half strong. I think we have some good momentum. We have been fortunate to be one of the best Vance and Hines bikes out there.” After her near career ending injury last November, Stoffer has successfully rebounded and is on pace for her all-time best finish in the championship series. Stoffer finished in the No. 10 spot the last two seasons. Currently she is tied for fifth, only 147 points behind leader Angelle Sampey. “We are focused on keeping what we have going,” Stoffer said. “This class gets tougher every year. For 2006 we have done a ton of testing and it has really paid off for us.” Stoffer isn’t concerned about the outbreak of red light starts in the class and feels as if she has a handle on the launch. “I’m not real worried about us going red, even though I red lit at Denver last season,” Stoffer said. “Gary (Stoffer) does a great job of setting up the bike. It gives me a lot of confidence on the line.” Stoffer embarks on the second half of the season July 14th, from Bandimere Speedway in the Rocky Mountains of Co. The 5,800 feet of elevation presents the smaller motored Suzuki riders with one of their greatest challenges of the season. ESPN2 Schedule July 15 - 10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. - Qualifying July 16 - 9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. - Eliminations July 17 - 2:30 a.m.-4:30 a.m. - Repeat Eliminations (All times Eastern) 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.