CHICAGO (June 1) -- Pro Stock Motorcycle favorite Karen Stoffer expects big things to happen at this weekend's 13th annual United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals. With her GEICO Powersports Suzuki team on a definite upswing, Stoffer is looking for a breakout race at Route 66 Raceway.
"We have all the parts and pieces we need to be successful," Stoffer said. "We feel like we have the bike 90-percent figured out. We have the best sponsors in the sport. It's time for something big to happen for us."
The current national record holder after running the quarter mile in 6.847 seconds earlier this year in Gainesville, Fla., Stoffer has regained frontrunner status at the last two national events, qualifying a lofty fifth at races in St. Louis and Atlanta. She has also been solidly in the Full Throttle top 10 all season. The only thing missing is a win.
"Ever since the NHRA started the Countdown to 1 (playoffs) we've managed to be a part of it," Stoffer said. "That's something we're very proud of. At the same time, it's been a battle, downright painful at times, because it's gone to the last race of the regular season. We're over that. We want to be running strong when the playoffs start so we can truly be a part of the championship chase.
"The best way to stay in the hunt is to win races. It has been awhile since we've ended a race in the winner's circle and I'm pretty much at a loss for words as to why that's the case. We need to change our racing fortune and Chicago would be the perfect place."
The Chicago race marks the midway point of the 11-race regular season. A big showing in the Windy City could lift Stoffer as high as second in the world rankings, although the veteran rider from Nevada is looking that far ahead.
"We need to come out of the trailer and have a good opening pass in qualifying," Stoffer said. "As simple as that sounds, it's really what we're focusing on. A good first round will allow us to step it up Friday night when the conditions should be the best, and then we'll go from there.
"This team knows how to win. We've done it lots of times in the past. Now we need to do it again. We are all very excited to get back to racing and see what happens."
Qualifying sessions begin at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. CDT Friday.
