Geico-backed Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Karen Stoffer accomplished two milestones at the NHRA Fram Autolite Nationals from Sonoma, Calif, July 25-27.

Stoffer recorded a 6.96 in qualifying to earn the first No. 1 position of her career. It also represented the first time a Suzuki has qualified on the pole this season. Stoffer was joined in the press room Saturday evening by Funny Car racer, Ashley Force, who also snagged the first pole position of her career.

"It was very cool to be up there with Ashley," Stoffer said. "As a team it proved to us that we have a very fast motorcycle that is capable of winning."

Stoffer perpetuated her momentum on Sunday when she recorded a career best 6.90 in the opening round of eliminations to defeat Fred Camarena.

"It was pretty awesome to go that quick," Stoffer said. "It makes all of our hard work pay off."

In round No. 2 Stoffer's luck ran out as she encountered an issue with the motorcycle that slowed her to a 7.23. The pass was not good enough to get by the 6.96 of eventual event winner Matt Guidera.

"We bogged hard off the starting line and had a problem with the bike," Stoffer said.
"We're not exactly sure what happened so we will be thoroughly investigating the bike before the next race."

Following the event Stoffer remained ranked No. 11 in the hotly-contested PowerAde Point Series. However the weekend proved to be productive as Stoffer closed the gap from herself to No. 10 Hector Arana to a mere 25 points.

"We need to turn this thing around and claw back into the top ten," Stoffer said. "It's been a hard time for the team. We have never been in this position before. We are going to keep marching forward. We know we have the bike, we just need to put all the pieces together on Sunday."

Stoffer now looks ahead to the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., August 7-10.

"I'm excited heading into Brainerd," Stoffer said. "We are looking to turn our luck around and have a strong showing on Sunday."

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, and Kymco.