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Running strong at the first two NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle events Matt Smith was determined to keep his hot-streak alive in Atlanta.
Coming straight out of the box in the first qualifying session on Friday afternoon, Smith unloaded an incredible 7.017 elapse time, three and a half hundredths over the number two spot to take over the number one position. With the air getting better by the minute for the night session, Smith would post a new track record of 6.988et and would become the only bike to break into the six second zone at Atlanta Dragway.
Going into Saturday’s morning session, Smith improved slightly but failed to take back his number one spot from Angelle Sampey. Running another stellar 7.017et in the final qualifying session, Smith and his Torco Race Fuels Buell would receive the Full Throttle Pit Crew Award for being the most consistent team throughout qualifying.
Starting in the No. 2 position for Sunday’s race, a red-hot Smith would face off against Chris Rivas first round. Running low elapse time for the round with a 7.001et at 187.65mph, Smith would get the win light. Squaring off against the Army Suzuki rider Antron Brown second round, Smith would cut a great light and would once again get the win light running a 7.064et.
Coming into the semi-finals, Smith would have to face off against his former teammate Chip Ellis, knowing that his motor was somewhat hurt but with no time to change it Smith knew he would have to be great on the tree.
Leaving the starting line four and a half hundredths before his former teammate (.025 to .069), Smith would hold on to get the holeshot win and get his chance at his second final of the year.
With a unusual quick 30 minute turn around before the finals, Smith and his Torco crew would be forced to run their hurt motor in the finals. Hoping and praying for it to stay together for just one more run, Smith’s v-twin motor would break at the release of the clutch lever. With Smith’s Buell moving just inches, he would finish the race as the runner-up.
“We are excited but disappointed at the same time,” said Smith. “We have an incredible bike, but the motor just quit on us there at the end. At first we thought it was the setup, but after further examination we realized it was hurt pretty badly. The crank was cracked after second round, but we had to run with what we had at that time because we didn’t have enough time to change motors. We did all we could do, but just couldn’t capitalize at the right time. The crank shaft finally broke as soon as I let go in the finals, so we will just fix it and get after it again at St. Louis.”
Taking back the second place position in the Championship point standings, Smith will continue his dominance this weekend in St. Louis.
Smith Staying Hot in the Pro Stock Motorcycle Class
Running strong at the first two NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle events Matt Smith was determined to keep his hot-streak alive in Atlanta.
Coming straight out of the box in the first qualifying session on Friday afternoon, Smith unloaded an incredible 7.017 elapse time, three and a half hundredths over the number two spot to take over the number one position. With the air getting better by the minute for the night session, Smith would post a new track record of 6.988et and would become the only bike to break into the six second zone at Atlanta Dragway.
Going into Saturday’s morning session, Smith improved slightly but failed to take back his number one spot from Angelle Sampey. Running another stellar 7.017et in the final qualifying session, Smith and his Torco Race Fuels Buell would receive the Full Throttle Pit Crew Award for being the most consistent team throughout qualifying.
Starting in the No. 2 position for Sunday’s race, a red-hot Smith would face off against Chris Rivas first round. Running low elapse time for the round with a 7.001et at 187.65mph, Smith would get the win light. Squaring off against the Army Suzuki rider Antron Brown second round, Smith would cut a great light and would once again get the win light running a 7.064et.
Coming into the semi-finals, Smith would have to face off against his former teammate Chip Ellis, knowing that his motor was somewhat hurt but with no time to change it Smith knew he would have to be great on the tree.
Leaving the starting line four and a half hundredths before his former teammate (.025 to .069), Smith would hold on to get the holeshot win and get his chance at his second final of the year.
With a unusual quick 30 minute turn around before the finals, Smith and his Torco crew would be forced to run their hurt motor in the finals. Hoping and praying for it to stay together for just one more run, Smith’s v-twin motor would break at the release of the clutch lever. With Smith’s Buell moving just inches, he would finish the race as the runner-up.
“We are excited but disappointed at the same time,” said Smith. “We have an incredible bike, but the motor just quit on us there at the end. At first we thought it was the setup, but after further examination we realized it was hurt pretty badly. The crank was cracked after second round, but we had to run with what we had at that time because we didn’t have enough time to change motors. We did all we could do, but just couldn’t capitalize at the right time. The crank shaft finally broke as soon as I let go in the finals, so we will just fix it and get after it again at St. Louis.”
Taking back the second place position in the Championship point standings, Smith will continue his dominance this weekend in St. Louis.
