Stoffer aiming for top five in Reading By: Jack Korpela GEICO-backed NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Karen Stoffer heads to this weekend’s race at Maple Grove Raceway, renown as one of the tour’s fastest tracks, in hot pursuit of a top five position in the POWERade point series. After a productive weekend at the NHRA US Nationals two weeks ago Stoffer has moved into within 60 points of fifth place Matt Smith. “It’s exciting,” Stoffer said of the opportunity to garner a career first top five. “The team is working really hard and I think we have a great chance if we can keep our focus and not let anything crazy happen.” Last season Stoffer appeared to be headed for a strong finish in the POWERade points, but fell out of the top ten when her near-career-ending accident in the pits forced her to miss the final race. Thus far this season Stoffer has compiled a record of 12-12 in head to head competition. She is 4-3 in the last three races. Currently she is the top ranked Vance and Hines powered Suzuki in the series. Stoffer is no stranger to success in Reading. In 2002 she went to her very fist final there. “It’s a really fun track to race at because it’s so fast,” Stoffer said. “I have a lot of great memories there. Hopefully we can make some more this weekend.” Watch for Stoffer during this weekend’s ESPN event coverage. Sept. 16 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Qualifying Sept. 17 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Eliminations Sept. 21 3:00 a.m.-5:00 a.m. Repeat Eliminations 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.