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Matt Smith went into Gateway International Raceway with one thing on his mind, and that was to win. After two previous finals this year resulting in runner-up positions for both, Smith was on a mission to get his Torco Race Fuels Buell in the winner’s circle.
After a long wait on Friday night due to rain, Smith finally got this chance to make a pass in qualifying. Breaking the track record on his first pass, Smith went on to take the No. 1 position with a 6.970 ET at 188.96 mph.
With conditions about the same from the night before, Smith knew Saturday’s morning session would be a great one. However after forgetting to take out the shift clip from the night before, Smith would be forced to shut off his bike during the second session. Still hanging on to his No. 1 spot, Smith went into the final qualifying session with a new tire and still managed to run a great number.
Going into race day Smith knew what he had to do if he wanted to win. Facing Michael Phillips first round, Smith knew he had to stay green. With Michael cutting a stunning light, Smith would have to drive around him for the win. Stopping the clocks with an incredible 6.948 ET, Smith would go into the second round.
Squaring off against the point’s leader, Karen Stoffer second round, Smith knew it was now or never. As Stoffer went red, Smith would once again get the win. This time however slowing to a 7.013 ET, after getting back to his pits Smith realized the valve core stem was loose resulting in a flat rear tire.
“I knew the bike felt funny after the run, but I couldn’t exactly tell what it was,” said Smith. “After getting back to the trailer I saw that the tire was deflated, which in turn was why we slowed down so much.”
After addressing this issue, Smith went into the semis and took on Hector Arana. Running the third quickest run in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle history at a 6.917 ET, Smith advanced his way into the finals.
With girls winning every race so far this year, Smith knew he had his work cut out for him. Smith was somewhat behind on the tree, but eventually flew by Angelle Sampey for the win. Running the quickest in history at a 6.901 ET, Smith would take home the maximum points possible for a race, 138 points, which in turn made him the new point’s leader as well.
“I saw the win light and I was like finally,” said Smith. “Then I turned the corner and they told me what I ran. I don’t think I have ever been this excited. So many people have helped me get this far, I just can’t thank them enough. My dad, Evan Knoll, Mark Stockseth, Sonny Leonard, my crew guy James, my family, Red Line Oil, Mac Tools, just everybody. And we are leading the points, holy cow, this is a great weekend.”
You can catch Smith and the rest of the Pro Stock Motorcycle class back in action again at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, IL, June 7-10.
Matt Smith Runs the Tables at Gateway
Matt Smith went into Gateway International Raceway with one thing on his mind, and that was to win. After two previous finals this year resulting in runner-up positions for both, Smith was on a mission to get his Torco Race Fuels Buell in the winner’s circle.
After a long wait on Friday night due to rain, Smith finally got this chance to make a pass in qualifying. Breaking the track record on his first pass, Smith went on to take the No. 1 position with a 6.970 ET at 188.96 mph.
With conditions about the same from the night before, Smith knew Saturday’s morning session would be a great one. However after forgetting to take out the shift clip from the night before, Smith would be forced to shut off his bike during the second session. Still hanging on to his No. 1 spot, Smith went into the final qualifying session with a new tire and still managed to run a great number.
Going into race day Smith knew what he had to do if he wanted to win. Facing Michael Phillips first round, Smith knew he had to stay green. With Michael cutting a stunning light, Smith would have to drive around him for the win. Stopping the clocks with an incredible 6.948 ET, Smith would go into the second round.
Squaring off against the point’s leader, Karen Stoffer second round, Smith knew it was now or never. As Stoffer went red, Smith would once again get the win. This time however slowing to a 7.013 ET, after getting back to his pits Smith realized the valve core stem was loose resulting in a flat rear tire.
“I knew the bike felt funny after the run, but I couldn’t exactly tell what it was,” said Smith. “After getting back to the trailer I saw that the tire was deflated, which in turn was why we slowed down so much.”
After addressing this issue, Smith went into the semis and took on Hector Arana. Running the third quickest run in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle history at a 6.917 ET, Smith advanced his way into the finals.
With girls winning every race so far this year, Smith knew he had his work cut out for him. Smith was somewhat behind on the tree, but eventually flew by Angelle Sampey for the win. Running the quickest in history at a 6.901 ET, Smith would take home the maximum points possible for a race, 138 points, which in turn made him the new point’s leader as well.
“I saw the win light and I was like finally,” said Smith. “Then I turned the corner and they told me what I ran. I don’t think I have ever been this excited. So many people have helped me get this far, I just can’t thank them enough. My dad, Evan Knoll, Mark Stockseth, Sonny Leonard, my crew guy James, my family, Red Line Oil, Mac Tools, just everybody. And we are leading the points, holy cow, this is a great weekend.”
You can catch Smith and the rest of the Pro Stock Motorcycle class back in action again at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, IL, June 7-10.
