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Going into the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Ind. this past weekend, Matt Smith and his Torco Race Fuels Buell were looking to stay on top.
With the new point’s format in the NHRA, Smith’s Pro Stock Motorcycle points lead would now only be 10 points going into “The Big Go.” Needing to qualify well and go some rounds on raceday, Smith was ready to get things underway.
Qualifying in the fourth position (6.977et at 189.58mph) for the start of the Labor Day race on Monday, Smith, your defending U.S. Nationals Champion was ready for raceday.
Squaring off against former AMA Prostar Champ, Barry Henson first round, Smith would cut a good light and run a great elapse time in order to get the win.
Second round, Smith would have to face his Torco teammate, Chris Rivas. Rivas would leave on Smith, but Smith would have the upper hand at the finish line as he would get the win light and head to the semi-finals.
Having to now face his former teammate, Chip Ellis, Smith knew he had to leave on the No. 1 qualifier in order to win. Having never lost a semi-final round appearance this season, Smith was determined to keep that stat.
Leaving on Ellis by four and a half hundredths, Smith would get the win light and advance to his third straight final round at Indy.
Making only minor adjustments to his Torco Buell, Smith was poised and ready for the finals. Facing off against fellow top-eight rider Craig Treble, Smith knew he would have to be on his A-game. Going red by just a mere three thousandths of a second, Smith would throw it away and finish as the runner-up.
“I took a chance,” said Smith. “I actually didn’t think I was early. I thought I nailed it. No one can say I didn’t try. We are upset that we lost the race, but we gained some very valuable points and that is what matters right now.”
Smith remains you Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader as he extended his lead to 51 points over 2007 U.S. Nationals winner, Craig Treble.
Matt Smith Keeps Momentum as Points Leader
Going into the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Ind. this past weekend, Matt Smith and his Torco Race Fuels Buell were looking to stay on top.
With the new point’s format in the NHRA, Smith’s Pro Stock Motorcycle points lead would now only be 10 points going into “The Big Go.” Needing to qualify well and go some rounds on raceday, Smith was ready to get things underway.
Qualifying in the fourth position (6.977et at 189.58mph) for the start of the Labor Day race on Monday, Smith, your defending U.S. Nationals Champion was ready for raceday.
Squaring off against former AMA Prostar Champ, Barry Henson first round, Smith would cut a good light and run a great elapse time in order to get the win.
Second round, Smith would have to face his Torco teammate, Chris Rivas. Rivas would leave on Smith, but Smith would have the upper hand at the finish line as he would get the win light and head to the semi-finals.
Having to now face his former teammate, Chip Ellis, Smith knew he had to leave on the No. 1 qualifier in order to win. Having never lost a semi-final round appearance this season, Smith was determined to keep that stat.
Leaving on Ellis by four and a half hundredths, Smith would get the win light and advance to his third straight final round at Indy.
Making only minor adjustments to his Torco Buell, Smith was poised and ready for the finals. Facing off against fellow top-eight rider Craig Treble, Smith knew he would have to be on his A-game. Going red by just a mere three thousandths of a second, Smith would throw it away and finish as the runner-up.
“I took a chance,” said Smith. “I actually didn’t think I was early. I thought I nailed it. No one can say I didn’t try. We are upset that we lost the race, but we gained some very valuable points and that is what matters right now.”
Smith remains you Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader as he extended his lead to 51 points over 2007 U.S. Nationals winner, Craig Treble.
