Getting It Straight In Atco

   Earlier in the season we had some issues getting the bike to go down the track nice and straight. In Rockingham we lightened up the left side of the bike by removing some excess material from the clutch housing. This improved the ride of the bike but it was still suffering from a slight pull to the left. Ricky got down to basics and began investigating the general weight placement on the bike. After some close observations and shifting of weight, the bike was running straight as an arrow.
   Friday in practice the air was good and the track was great. The bike was really on the move. We ran a 8.45s E/T that day, and so did teammate Frank Capone. This was winning weekend in the making.
   Saturday in qualifying we made a 8.56s pass first round. After inspection the qualifying pass was disqualified, the bike was under weight by just a few pounds. It was a simple mistake. After losing the weight from the left side no weight was added in its place to keep the bike legal. After making the need weight adjustments we closed out qualifying with a 8.68s run, putting us in 5th.
   Sunday morning, the sun was rising on a beautiful day in Atco, NJ. Eliminations were soon to start. Everyone was in full race mode. First round was called and before you know it we were in the burnout box. The bike fired and really sounded ready for victory lane. After getting the tire nice and sticky the bike found it's way to the pre-stage. Now staged up and ready to go the yellow lights flash and we're tearing down the track. In the next lane over was Bruce Chandler, 4th in qualifying. He ran right out and beat us to the 60 foot mark, but we ran him down on the big end and crossed the line just a hair in front.
   What was thought to be a solid victory was sadly a loss. We red lighted on the launch and Chandler knocked us out of the running.
   Teammate Frank Capone found himself facing Chandler in the finals. Capone also red lighted against Chandler and he won the Pro Modified division event in Atco, NJ. Chandler won the event remarkably by keeping his head in the game and staying focused. Every rider he faced red lighted and eventually put him in victory lane. So congratulations to him and we'll see you soon!