Schmidt prepares for the final

Schmidt and Grimes paired for the wild finish

SCHMIDT TAKES OVER LEADER BOARD!

"Oh, my gosh, that was crazy!" That's what Phil Schmidt had to say about his wild ride in the final round that earned him his second national win of the season. Schmidt's weekend kicked into high gear after an impressive third-round blast in qualifying, not only securing the Orangevale, CA, rider the #1 spot, but also giving him an eighth-mile speed (209 mph) that bettered the record eighth-mile number of 208 mph. He noted that being the top qualifier has traditionally been an omen in eliminations, but luckily for him this wasn't the case in Texas.

When racing returned to a quarter-mile finish on Sunday, Schmidt laid down a string of nice six-second passes (6.67, 6.79, 6.48) before reaching the finals against #11 qualifier Tommy Grimes, who arrived there with 6.68, 7.57, 6.86 numbers before the final round that was anything but consistent for either rider. Schmidt was off the line first with .113 to a .126 from Grimes. Just as Schmidt said about the run, it was crazy from there!

"The tire totally erupted at the launch," he said. " I saw Tommy go way out ahead of me and I knew I had to do something, so I pedaled it, and thankfully it didn't blow up. I annihilated the tire and it coughed. It definitely coughed! The CMA chaplain told me that fire came out of the right side of the bike, but I checked it at the end of the track and there was no sign of damage. It could have possibly come out of the intake manifold. I actually pedaled it three different times. It took off real good and the tire went up three different times, and then it accelerated really hard on the big end. Once it got going, I blew right on by Tommy. He was having problems, too."

Grimes said he didn't see the wild bucking bull ride run going on beside him. "But I heard it," he said with a chuckle after the race. "I knew Phil was coming. He was pedaling and fighting it over there and I knew it was only a matter of time before he caught up. Rider error was the problem on my end," he noted. "I left n high gear. At first I thought, I got it, I got it, and then I went fat and I heard Phil coming and that's when I said to myself, oh, my, there's too much room here. And he went by me!"

For Schmidt, the second national win of his career has moved him from the sixth spot all the way to the top of the national championship leader board.

The new points leader thanked his sponsors Superior Sprockets and Harris Welding, and his son Brian (who works on his crew) and his wife, Jennie.

Schmidt's tire erupts enroute to victory!

Streeter suits up for the final round

STREETER'S WINNING PERFORMANCE: CONSERVATIVE AND CONSISTENT!

John Breckenridge of Sultan, WA, got things rolling in the Pro Fuel competition with a top qualifying spot at 4.29/176 mph on the eighth-mile. Tak Shigematsu of Ehime, Japan, finished the day in the second spot with a 4.35 best pass. Shigematsu entered the class on a bike built by DJ (Don Johnson) for first-time fuel bike owner Dana Meeks, who said he couldn't ask for a better shakedown pilot than Shigematsu. It was the second consecutive event in which Shigematsu was put in the seat to test a brand-new Pro Fueler. The first time resulted in a new national record and the event win. In Texas, Shigematsu made DJ's tuning skills look good again, despite coming up short to the #3 qualifier, Chris Streeter of Cleveland, OH, in the semifinal round.

The win against Shigematsu earned Streeter's Lake Erie Racing team their second final-round appearance of the '08 season, but he and the bike barely made the call.

"The first round, I broke a jackshaft and I had no spare," Streeter explained.

"Julian Seaman loaned me one, but it didn't fit quite right, so I had to make a bunch of spacers by hand, with lots of grinding going on in our pits. By the time we got it in, it was time for the next round and we had no time to fire the bike. We headed to the lanes covered in sweat and grease, barely making it for the round against Tak." They did make it, though, and the thrashing between rounds paid off when Streeter advanced with a 6.75 at 201 mph over Tak's 7.11 at 176 mph.

Streeter lined up in the final against another two-time finalist and the #4 qualifier, Douglas Horne from Aberdeen, MD. Horne earned his way there after defeating #1 qualifier Breckenridge in his semifinal round.

In the final, Horne had a slight advantage on the tree, a .040 to a .047 from Streeter, but what Streeter would refer to later as a "conservative strategy" paid off when he clocked a 6.99 at 196 mph for the win against a 7.81 at 154 mph from Horne.

"Last year, we didn't even qualify here in Texas," said Streeter in his post-race interview. "It was the first time ever I didn't qualify at an event, and I didn't want that to happen again. So, we decided to play a little conservative and just wanted to go rounds, go fast, and be consistent." Consistent, indeed: Streeter's numbers on elimination day included a 6.72 at 201 mph to defeat Randal Andras in round one and that 6.75 at 201 mph in the semi over Shigematsu.

Streeter's second victory moved him out front in the Rush Pro Fuel national standings, 15 points ahead of Horne's second-place position. Streeter thanked his sponsors Barnett Clutches, Chromatic, Streeter Technologies, Spectro Oil, Holidaysburg NAPA, and Kowalski Meat Treat.

Moore, Bahnmaier & Jones

JONES TAKES HIS TURN IN THE WINNER'S CIRCLE!

Thirteen teams took the track to compete for a spot in the eight-bike field on qualifying day. And after three rounds, the Mid-Continent Motorsports team had two bikes in the show sitting at No.1 and No. 2 in the order.

Two-time defending champion Rick Moore was #1 with a 4.63/153 mph and his teammate, Chuck Jones, was #2 with a 4.73/151 mph.

On race day, things took an uncharacteristic turn for the team when the champ, Moore, was ousted in the opening round after losing a belt; the #8 qualifier, Russell Wrobel, advanced to the second round. Jones advanced quickly in his first round after #7 qualifier Curly Jim Fontaine lost his belt at the tree. Jones advanced to the final over the #3 qualifier, Terry Stewart. Meanwhile, Wrobel lost his semi round to Rickey House, the #4 qualifier. Jones and House met for the final round. Unfortunately for House, problems with the bike forced him to send Jones on a solo pass for the win.

It was the second final-found appearance of the year for Jones. The first, in St. Louis, resulted in a win for his teammate, Moore. Jones, adding humor to his winning celebration, said he thought the team made Rick Moore break his bike so that Jones could have a turn at winning!

For the most part, Jones said, the weekend was uneventful. He thanked Mike Bahnmaier and the Mid-Continent Motorsports team, along with Mike's Metal Polishing, Saum Engineering, Gates Belts, and Nungesser Engineering, with a special thanks to his employer, Cycle Rama.

The Kresto Pro Drag points standings have Rick Moore out front just 26 points ahead of Jones.

RENO FINALLY GETS HIS WIN!

Shaun Reno noted at the St. Louis event that he had a pair of #1 qualifying spots and a national record so far this season. "All I need now is a win," he added.

In Ennis, TX, Reno collected that win along with his third #1 qualifying spot of the year. From a spectator's perspective his weekend appeared to be fairly easy. His top qualifying spot earned him a bye in the first round of eliminations; in the second round, he won the race at the tree when his opponent, Jordan Cruz, redlit. In the final, he was paired with #2 qualifier Bruce Beltramini. The Texas event marked Beltramini's third consecutive final-round appearance. He entered the Lonestar Nationals with a runner-up finish on his record and one win, his first, which he earned at the St. Louis event.

The No. 1 and No. 2 qualifiers lined up in the final, and Beltramini collected his second runner-up finish after a -.338, 8.40/153 mph to a -.039, 8.21/155 mph win for Reno.

Reno said later that the HeadBlade team struggled a lot last year and made some changes mid season. "Some small mistakes kept us out of the winners circle," he noted.

"Today I made a small mistake in the semis. It was rider error. I shifted too early, so I guess I was just too excited about racing, but I got it together and I'm finally in the winner's circle." Reno is one of four different winners the class has seen just four races into the season.

He said the team is in for the long haul this season when it comes to chasing the championship. "The only race we will skip is Woodburn, OR," he said. He is currently third in the standings behind Greg Krenik in second place and Beltramini in the lead.

Reno thanked his crew, Ricky Stewart, and his wife, Kim. He also thanked both grandmothers for their support, along with sponsors HeadBlade Ultimate Headcare, Hampton Roads & Southside Harley-Davidson, Snap-On Tools, MSD, Energy One, and S & S Cycle.

Reno and Beltramini in the final

Lozano clocked a 7.21 at 192mph in the final!

LOZANO COLLECTS ANOTHER WIN!

Mike Lozano of San Antonio, TX, is making waves in Pro Gas competition as he edges closer to the lead spot in the national standings. Lozano, a No. 1 plate-holder in 2005 and 2006, collected the win at Texas Motorplex, giving the LBR team back-to-back wins and putting them just 24 points behind the current leader, Dale Raudenbush.

Lozano started the weekend by capturing the #1 qualifying spot with a 7.24/185 mph pass in the third round. On elimination day, he clocked another 7.24 to advance over Tim Johnson's redlight start. On a second round bye, he clocked a 7.32 that sent him to the finals against Dale Raudenbush.

Raudenbush, the #2 qualifier, defeated Karen Wagner (who broke) in the opening round with a 7.41 at 168 mph. In the second round, he took out Rick Moore in a nice race that ended with a winning 7.57 to a 7.78 from Moore before Raudenbush's eventual match with Lozano in the final.

Lozano scored his second consecutive win with a 7.21 at 192 mph (the quickest and fastest pass of the weekend) against a -0.17 redlight and a 7.72 at 146 mph from Raudenbush.

"It was a good weekend for us," Lozano said in the winner's circle. "We tried a few new things in qualifying and pulled it together in that third round. We were real consistent on race day and that's what we needed. The crew did a great job and we are just happy to be here."

He thanked his sponsors Jesel Valvetrains, Mac Tools, Dumoz Int., Lozano Bros. Porting, Redline Oil, and Barnett Clutches.

Borho shows confidence preparing for his final with Krenik

SWEET VICTORY FOR BORHO!

So far in 2008 there have been four final rounds of Pro Modified competition. Greg Krenik, of Corrales, NM, the No.2 plate-holder, has competed in all four of those finals-and all but one of them have been with Randy Borho, the No. 1 plate-holder in the other lane. The dynamic duo has wasted no time rehashing last year's season-long battle for the championship title.

At the Lonestar Nationals, Krenik was on the podium first with a #1 qualifying position with an 8.61/149 mph best; Borho was second with an 8.65 at 150 mph.

On race day, Krenik breezed by Darryl Thatcher's troubled start with an 8.63 at 149 mph, and then got a free ride through the semis when his opponent, Gerry Holmes, broke. He had earned his way to the final and moments later would meet up with Borho-again. Borho opened his day with an 8.69 at 149 mph to advance over a wounded 10.42 from John Jenkins. In the semis, he was consistent (8.68/150 mph) and advanced over a 9.14/143 mph pass from Donnie Huffman. Borho's bike didn't budge on consistency when he lined up with Krenik in the final. He clocked another 8.68 at 150 mph and Krenik scored an 8.65 at 150 mph, but it was Borho's .027 light against Krenik's .061 that decided the winner, and it was Borho taking the holeshot win. Another close finish!

Krenik later pointed out just how close the last three races between him and Borho have been. "A 0.003, 0.007, and now a 0.004 margin-a good show for the fans," Krenik noted.

Borho and his crewmate, Steve Stute, were visibly happy during our post-race chat. They both started by saying that Krenik had the faster bike all weekend. Borho went on to say that he and the team fought shifting problems and electrical issues both days. "I'm still not sure if we've got that solved. It was a good win for us, though. Usually if I beat Greg, it's because I have the faster bike, but I definitely didn't have the faster bike this time, so it was a sweet win to beat him on a holeshot. Greg is really good at the tree so I was fortunate to win that way against him. I hope it doesn't become a habit though-I need the faster bike!"

Borho concluded by thanking George Latus and the entire Team Latus Harley-Davidson crew. He and Krenik have two wins each. Borho's round-one redlight at the Arizona event has him trailing Krenik by 60 points in the standings. Stay tuned for Georgia!

Smitty rolls to the box for his upcoming win!

VERL SMITH: "RACING FOR THE BEST, AND RACING FOR VETS!"

AHDRA's Lonestar Nationals marked the fourth event of the series and remarkably, just as with Pro Stock, the Street Pro category has already yielded four different winners.

Verl "Smitty" Smith of Portland, OR, is the latest competitor to join the winner's circle rotation. He qualified #3 in the class at Texas Motorplex with a 9.37 best in Saturday's qualifying.

On elimination day, he upset #2 qualifier Danny Worth to advance to the final against the #1 qualifier, current points leader and former class champion Andy Simon.

Simon's top qualifying time was an 8.95 at 151 mph; he clocked a 9.03 at 152 mph in his first round of eliminations and advanced to his third consecutive final round. His performance stats gave him the obvious advantage headed into the finals with Smith, but as most racers say, "Anything can happen on race day!"

Neither Smith nor Simon got off to a quick start. Smith's reaction was a .136 to an even slower .162 from Simon, who had problems with his clutch and finished way off his mark (10.091/122 mph), while Smith took the win light with a 9.52 at 145 mph. It was Smith's first victory of the '08 season.

"We struggled a lot," Smith admitted later. "We tested on Friday and ran a 9.20 and we kept getting slower all weekend. The crew chief decided to try something different for the final, knowing that we had nothing to lose. And it worked out." Smith-who proudly races under the banner "Verl Smith Racing for Vets" -is generous with his time and dedication to honoring veterans by sharing with them his passion for racing. He coordinates a bike show prior to all of AHDRA's events and brings his bike and others to VA hospitals and homes, much to the appreciation of his fellow veterans. You can bet he will be telling them about his big Texas win at his next visit!

Verl Smith Racing for Vets is supported by Celorie Bros. Dump Trucking, Biker's Choice, MOMS, Fueling, Stringer Engines, Oak Grove Choppers, Mickey Thompson Tires, Avon, Outlaw Racing Fuels, STD, Davey Rocket Corp., Alliance Mechanical, Bitchn Seat Co., Old School Choppers, and Spyke, Inc.

BURDYNSKI HOLDS ON TO POINTS LEAD WITH TEXAS WIN

The Croneberger-Burdynski contest continued at AHDRA's Lonestar Nationals in Texas. The pair has raced against each other in three consecutive final rounds.

Croneberger, of Cressona, PA, started the weekend with the #1 qualifying spot at 9.92/131 mph, while Burdynski secured the #2 spot at 10.05/131 mph.

On elimination day, Croneberger struggled with an opening round bye before his meeting with Burdynski in the final. Burdynski advanced to the final after a win (10.07) over the defending champion, Charlie Douglass, who posted an 11.39.

In the final, Burdynski and Croneberger started things off with identical reaction times (.093) before Burdynski pulled ahead and reached the stripe first with a 10.06 at 131 mph to Croneberger's 10.24 at 129 mph.

A relieved Burdynski said he was desperate for this win. "I've been to every final in this class and Bruce won the last two, so I had to have this one or Bruce was going to run away with it. Bruce is one heck of a rider. He's got that 60-ft. that I don't have," said Burdynski. "I was pretty consistent with the 10.0's here and he was kind of Jekyll and Hyding a little bit."

I asked "The Juggler" about his early redlight exits from his other categories-SEP and Super Sport. "Oh, I like to push the tree, maybe too much," he replied. "I consider myself best at the tree and I'm not afraid of the redeye, but sometimes by not being afraid, it gets me!"

Burdynski thanked his sponsors Cycle Rama, KT Cycles, and Chucky's Choppers. "I also want to thank Tony Dekerlegand, Joe Wright, my daughter Sabrina and her friend for being here, and my son Zachary, who seems to be my good luck charm. I hope to bring him along to Georgia!"

Burdynski & Croneberger battle it out in thier 3rd consecutive final

ROBERTS SETS A RECORD AND GERENCER GRABS THE WIN!

Mike Roberts was disappointed at AHDRA's St. Louis event because he wasn't able to set a record, but the Clinton, OH, rider said he hoped he would set one in Texas. Wish granted. Roberts, the reigning champion of the category, made his record-setting pass on his opening qualifying run, 9.206/140 mph, resetting his own 9.207 national record and securing the #1 qualifying spot at Texas Motorplex. Lou Gerencer was the #2 qualifier with a 9.52/139 mph best.

In what has become somewhat routine, Gerencer and Roberts advanced to the finals-just as they have at every event so far this season, and with all ending routinely, too, with Roberts in the winner's circle. But despite Roberts having the better performance numbers all day against Gerencer in Texas, in the end it would be the tree that interrupted the SSC 124 routine.

Gerencer left with a .116 to a .248 from Roberts, who clocked a 9.48 to a 9.51 from Gerencer. But it wasn't enough for the win this time.

Roberts left with a new national record and maintains his points lead, 84 points ahead of Gerencer. For Gerencer, he had this win on the books and would be back in the lanes moments later for his second final of the day-this time in the V-Rod class.

Gerencer is sponsored by Hoosier Harley-Davidson, Louie and Gail Gerencer, Power Shield Coatings.com, Simeris Tavern, and Cutter's Foam.

Roberts & Gerencer

Gerencer grabbed double wins in Texas

GERENCER TAKES TWO IN TEXAS!

As mentioned in the 124 Challenge report, Lou Gerencer was pulling double duty in the finals at Texas Motorplex. The Elkhart, IN, rider took #1 qualifying honors (9.38/142 mph) to begin his successful weekend on the Hoosier Harley-Davidson V-Rod.

He maintained 30's for his opening pair of rounds-a 9.36 followed by a 9.38 to advance to the finals, his second of the season in the V-Rod category. Meeting with Gerencer in the final was #2 qualifier Larry Edmondson, Jr. Like Gerencer, Edmondson was competing in his second final of the season. The defending title-holder in the class had one win under his belt headed into the finals in Texas.

Edmondson had the early advantage with a .038 leave, but Gerencer made up a slower .053 light with a 9.48/142 mph charge against a 9.62 at 139 mph from Edmondson.

Gerencer's second '08 win puts him 66 points in front of second-place Edmondson in the standings. Gerencer is sponsored by John and Nila Wise, Hoosier Harley-Davidson, Mom and Dad, Simeris Tavern, Powershield Coatings.com, and Cutter's Foam of Elkhart, IN.

GONATAS MAINTAINS HIS LEAD DESPITE ANOTHER TONGLET BLOCK

Nick Gonatas, Jr. has successfully made his way to each and every final round this season in the Destroyer category. He has qualified #1 at all but one of the events, and from that, he has managed only one win-at the season opener in Gainesville. Since that opening win, Gonatas has been fighting off the horsepower and skill of the defending national champion, L.E. Tonglet, and his teammate and the No. 2 plate-holder, Douglas Horne. Both have prevented him from returning to the winner's circle. In Texas, Gonatas was #1 on qualifying day with a 9.14/141 mph. Tonglet and Horne were #2 and #3 with a 9.15/141 mph and a 9.19/143 mph, respectively.

On elimination day, the trio found themselves in the semifinal round. Gonatas had a sure thing to the final, by simply breaking the beam on his bye run, but on the other side, Horne had to tackle Tonglet to get there. It was one of the most exciting rounds of the day when the pair left with nearly identical reactions-a .015 from Tonglet and a .018 from Horne. From there, it was a real side-by-side drag race, and it was Tonglet getting there first with a 9.31 at 140 mph to Horne's 9.33 at 141 mph. And that was just the semi-ahead was a Gonatas-Tonglet battle for the Texas title!

Gonatas left with an extraordinary .002 reaction and Tonglet answered with a nice .024. Then Tonglet kicked in the needed horsepower to get there first with a 9.25 at 141 mph to a 9.35 at 138 mph from Gonatas.

Tonglet collected his second win of the season; as for Gonatas, he heads to AHDRA's Georgia event with his one win and his third straight runner-up finish.

Those runner-up spots aren't so bad, however. The Youngstown, OH, rider has earned enough marks with his perfect final-round record to maintain the lead spot in the standings. He leads Tonglet by a 41-point margin and Horne needs 111 points to catch him. Standing by in the fourth and fifth spots and perfectly capable of moving in on the threesome are Wanda Poff and Jeff Stevens. Don't miss the Destroyer action in Georgia!

Tonglet & Gonatas final

Muller was happy she chose to race on Sunday

LAURA MULLER EARNS FIRST CAREER WIN

Laura Muller of upstate NY put away some anxieties about racing on Sunday and showcased her courage instead when she earned her first career win at the Lonestar Nationals at Texas Motorplex.

Muller's anxiety was in part from ongoing carburetor problems that left her in the #14 qualifying spot. But capping off her worries was witnessing the collision with the retaining wall in Saturday's qualifying that happened to her cousin, Brian Seymour.

"We went with him to the hospital, so I missed the final round of qualifying," Muller said. Still upset about the accident, Muller said she had no plans to race on Sunday, but Seymour, who had returned to the track after being treated for a broken ankle, insisted that she go out there and race!

Muller did jump back on her race bike and advanced by some of AHDRA's finest with amazing reaction times. Although it is disguised with a bright pink paint job now, some may recognize Muller's Donnie Huffman chassis/Sportster as Charlie Walker's former ride.

Muller came out in the opening round and prevented Wanda Poff, the current points leader, from advancing on a near dead-on 9.701. Muller stopped her with a .035 to a .108 reaction time for the holeshot win. In round two, her opponent, Jim Sweet, redlit and Muller left with an even better .027 reaction on a 10.05 finish. In the semifinal round, a stellar, .002 start and a 9.88 finish beat Jeff Mackenzie's 10.06, and Muller was on her way to the finals to race Canadian Dick Fish.

Fish, who not only enjoys racing in the Super Gas category, but also recently secured the title sponsorship of the class, qualified fifth in the competition at Texas Motorplex. When he met Muller in the final, it was a close race from the very start. A .031 reaction from Muller over a .081 from Fish ended with a double breakout final, a 9.94 from Muller for the win over a 9.92 from Fish.

In the winner's circle, Muller shyly said, "Oh, no, I beat the class sponsor!" She said winning her first-ever race felt better than she expected. "It's incredible," she said., thanking her sponsors OWO Racing, Boozefighters M/C, Picture Perfect Custom Homes, Freedom Bail Bonds, Sacramento Motorcycle Service Center, Plush Racing, and Harley-Davidson of Charlotte, NC.

Harvey & Barber face off in the final

ENERGIZED BY NOS, DANNY HARVEY EARNS A 2ND CAREER WIN!

Charley Douglass of Staunton, VA, set the pace for Super Sport qualifying with a 10.31 that secured him the #1 qualifying spot after three rounds. He successfully advanced through a pair of rounds before his race with Danny Harvey of Farmington, NM, the #5 qualifier.

Harvey defeated Douglass in the third round with a 10.38 to an 11.17. On the other side, Kevin Barber, the #7 qualifier, eliminated Charley's dad, Gary, in the opening round with a 10.32 before getting by the redlight from points leader John Burdynski in round #2 and defeating Danny Boyer in the semifinal round.

Barber of Romulus, MI, staged for the final against Harvey, who left first with a .024 to a .078 from Barber. Harvey won with a 10.39 to a 10.23 from Barber against a 10.30 index.

Harvey said the bike ran great over the weekend. "Better than ever before," he added. "It's the first race the bike actually shifted every time!"

It was his second AHDRA win. He earned his first in 2007 in Super Gas competition at Texas Motorplex. "It looks like Texas is a good track for us."

Harvey thanked his newest sponsor, NOS Energy Drink, along with Durango Harley-Davidson, Border States Electrical Supply, Joy Mining Machinery, and Pillar Innovations.

Wagner is 4 for 4 on final round appearances!

WAGNER FITS NICELY IN 10.90 INDEX RACING!

Jay Wagner came out in Gainesville and earned his first-ever AHDRA win competing in the Super Gas category. The Warsaw, IN, rider says he's been eliminated in the first round of that category ever since the Gainesville win.

But take a look at the Super Eliminator standings and you'll see that the 10.90 index suits him much better. Wagner, who has now appeared in a final at every AHDRA race in 2008 (three of them consecutively in the Super Eliminator class), has now earned two runner-up finishes in the class, a win in Texas, and a strong lead in the national points standings.

He qualified in the #7 spot and moved his way through the field with a 10.89, 10.99, another 10.99, and a 10.86 in the semifinal round. The respectable numbers landed him in the final against the #9 qualifier, Larry Maynhart, whose numbers were less consistent throughout the day with an 11.02, 10.47, 11.20 and a 10.96 in the semifinal.

In the final, Maynhart clocked a .184 reaction time followed by a shy 10.899 (ouch!), to a .043 start and 11.05 winning number from Wagner.

Wagner said he was thankful to the bike owners, Bill and Kelley Edwards.

He also thanked his sponsors Mom and Dad/Maverick Motorcycles, Joe Baker Trucking, B & K Racing, and Flora Racing Heads. He also thanked Rick Hicks for his help. He says he'll compete next at AHDRA's Commerce, GA, event.

WINTERS GRABS ANOTHER WIN!

Kevin Winters captured his second national event win of 2008 at Texas Motorplex. The Richmond, IL, based rider took Super Eliminator honors at AHDRA's recent St. Louis event, but in Texas, he was the top man in SEP 11.50 index racing.

Winters didn't start his weekend off at the top, however. His best pass in Saturday's qualifying, an 11.484, landed him at the bottom of the pack in the 15th position out of 16 entries.

On Sunday, he climbed back in the competition and advanced successfully through three rounds to get to the finals. He met up with two-time finalist Reggie MacKay for the final round.

MacKay-who earned a runner-up finish in the class in Arizona-would take home another second-place trophy when he lost the double breakout race with Winters. MacKay lost with an 11.27 to an 11.44 from Winters.

The Texas event marked the third time Winters has competed in a final this season and his third class in doing so. He has a runner-up finish and two wins so far and trails the points leader, Keith Carper, by only ten points in the SEP standings. He also holds a second position currently in the Super Eliminator standings.

Winters said winning feels great. "I really fought in qualifying," he commented. "I was at the bottom of the order and never expected to get this far today." He thanked all of his competitors for some great racing. He also thanked his sponsors DP Brakes, F& S Enterprises, McHenry Harley-Davidson, O'Leary's Pub, Hal's Speed Shop, Miller Motors, and his wife. "I also want to thank Donnie Huffman for all his help," Winters added.

Winters and Mackay in the final

Huffman's 3rd winner's circle celebration

HUFFMAN GOES TO HIS THIRD '08 FINAL!

Donnie Huffman, who announced last year that he would be competing on a limited AHDRA schedule in 2008, has made "cutting back" look easy. The rider from Lakeland, FL, has entered three events so far for the season, and at those three, he's managed a trip to a final round at all of them-and in three different classes.

Huffman started the season with a runner-up finish in Gainesville in Super Eliminator competition, and then took a win in the SEP class in St. Louis. In Texas, he added a second win when he defeated Jack Wagner in the Syn3 ET final.

Following the Texas win, Huffman said he had a special dedication for this one. "I want to dedicate this win to Dan DeGood," he said. "The last time I was in the winner's circle in Texas, it was 2006 and I got double wins and Dan won in the ET class. So, this win means the most to me so far because it brings back good memories of racing with Dan."

I asked Huffman if he had anything to do with the success of a fellow pit mate, Kevin Winters, who I noticed had given credit to Huffman in a couple of recent interviews. Winters, like Huffman, has earned a pair of wins already this season and a runner-up finish-and again, like Huffman, in three different classes.

"Well, I have been helping him with his bike and telling him a few things about index racing," Huffman replied. Again, crediting DeGood, Huffman said, "Dan helped me a whole lot and taught me so much. I'm just doing the same as he would and passing along some of that knowledge."

Following his win in Texas, Huffman is in second place in the national standings. He trails leader Bill Rowe Jr. by 90 points.

Huffman is sponsored by Harley-Davidson/Buell of Lakeland, FL, Vanson Leathers, Metzeler Tires, S & S, and Cierra Transport.