Treble advances to semi-finals in Sonoma
 

Sonoma, CA. - Post-race: At the 17th annual FRAM-Autolite Nationals, Craig Treble took the Matco Tools Suzuki into the semi final round of Pro Stock Bike, then fouling to eventual winner Angelle Savoie. 

"We avoided any red lights back in Denver when it seemed everyone in eliminations was leaving the starting line too early," said Treble. "But in this case here in Sonoma, I knew I had to leave on her to have a chance at winning the round." 

Treble started the day with a first round victory over No. 12 qualifier Mike Berry, using a 7.115 second, 183.52 mph run to defeat Berry's 7.278 second, 181.84 mph attempt.

Maintaining the consistency that defined the weekend for the Matco Tools Suzuki team, Treble ran a 7.122 second, 187.63 mph pass to turn back Mike Phillips in round two and advance to the semi final match against Savoie on her Army backed Suzuki. 

Savoie was on a mission as she qualified in the top position, and had run 7.0's in every round of eliminations. In the semi final battle with the Matco Tools Suzuki, Savoie clocked a 7.048 second, 192.55 mph shot, to Treble's best of the day but losing 7.110 second, 184.45 mph pass. 

"We went out and ran our best of the weekend in the semi's with that 7.11 run," said Treble. "We needed a good solid run to hang with her, but the .04 from the Army bike was pretty stout. 

We earned a few rounds worth of points in Sonoma, so as long as we can keep that up the POWERade championship is still possible."

Treble fifth in rain shortened qualifying.
 

Sonoma, Saturday: Consistency was the word of the day for the Matco Tools Suzuki team as Craig Treble rode into the No. 5 qualifying position at the 17th annual FRAM-Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Calif.

"Our two runs today were fair at best, and leave room for improvement tomorrow," said Treble. "The passes were consistent, but short of what we think we can do here in Sonoma."

The Matco Tools Suzuki posted two runs in Saturday qualifying, a 7.121 second pass at 186.46 mph, followed by a 7.118 second 187.44 mph run.

"Our last hit today was third best of the session, so we know we are running with the top qualifiers on that last pass," said Treble. "If we can just get a few small things straightened out we should be running fast tomorrow."

One of the "small" things that need to be addressed is the tendency for the bike to pull right in the last half of the track.

"The bike is moving around due to a headwind situation. We are going to try a couple of ideas to hopefully get around that issue," said Treble. "That alone will let us run faster because when I have to fight the bike it scrubs away elapsed time."

Treble preparing for Saturday qualifying
 

Sonoma, Friday: Taking the steady course that has served him well this season, Craig Treble used both Friday qualifying sessions to set the table for the Saturday morning qualifying run at the 17th annual FRAM-Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Calif.

"Historically, the Saturday morning session is the one that sets the field for Sunday's eliminations," said Treble. "If we can use what we learned today we should be able to improve or qualifying position."

Treble rode the Matco Tools Pro Stock Suzuki through a pair of runs, a 7.166 second pass at 184.42 mph, followed by a 7.174 second 189.36 mph run.

"We ran through the clutch on the first hit, and bogged the motor on the second so I am hopeful that we can set-up to hit the sweet spot on our next attempt," said Treble.

Sonoma may be host to history.
 

Sonoma, CA. - Pre-race: There are a handful of racetracks on the NHRA POWERade tour that can be counted on to annually produce jaw dropping elapsed times and history making runs. Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California is one of them.

At the 17th annual FRAM-Autolite Nationals, track records and NHRA national records alike could be in jeopardy.

Add the challenge of Pro Stock Bike riders fighting to be the first one in the Mickey Thompson 6-second club, and there is a chance for a historic weekend

As Craig Treble returns to the scene of his first number one qualifying position, the Matco Tools Suzuki rider can only hope that the good fortune he has found in the last two trips to Infineon Raceway will only continue.

"Last season we set the track record and qualified No. 1 for the first time," said Treble. "We ran a 7.062, and I just hope that we see that same weather again. If we do, there will be more record setting runs."

Couple last season's track record with the class win at the inaugural event in 2002, and it is easy to see why Treble is anxious for this race. 

"We will be getting our best engine back and in the bike in time for qualifying on Friday," said Treble. "If we can continue our streak from the last three events and use some of the good luck we have had in Sonoma in the past, we may be able to win this one again."

The Mile-High Nationals is the 9th of 15 events on the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Bike Drag Racing Series tour

Sonoma Photos 2004