Stoffer Upsets Defending Champion Hines in Denver

Historically Bandimere Mile High Speedway in Denver, Co, has been a difficult track for Geico-backed NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle standout Karen Stoffer. The oxygen-starved, high altitude makes it difficult for Stoffer to suck the much-needed air into her Suzuki four-cylinder engine. In recent years the track has favored the beefier V-Twins, because of their larger motors, which give them the ability to push more air through.

Stoffer knew heading into the event, the Mopar Mile High Nationals, qualifying would be tough - and she was right. The team snagged the No. 15 spot in the 16-bike field.

"Denver has always been very challenging for us," Stoffer said. "We have to draw from all of our resources and data to make the best possible tuning calls we can."

On Sunday the Geico team pushed forward and scored a huge first round upset over No. 2 qualifier and three-time defending class champion Andrew Hines and his Harley Davidson V-Rod.

Stoffer was eventually defeated by former class champion Angelle Sampey in round No. 2. Stoffer's big first round win leaves her ranked No. 4 in the Powerade point series, solidly in contention for the NHRA "Countdown to Eight" championship series.

"We know we have the power to stay in the hunt," Stoffer said. "It's just a matter of being consistent over the rest of the season. Everyone on the team is working very hard and I'm excited about the next few races."

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