Treble rides wave of luck into Houston

Houston, TX. – Pre Race:

Craig Treble will roll into the O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park this weekend, intent on riding the wave of both luck and skill that carried him to the first Pro Stock Motorcycle final of the season two weeks ago in Gainesville, Florida.

 "We were lucky when we needed to be in Gainesville, but I think it will take more than luck to win this weekend in Houston," said Treble.

 The real surprise during the elimination rounds in Gainesville was the early exit of all V-Twin bikes before the semi finals.

 "I don't expect to see that happen in Houston, those bikes will be strong here, and throughout the rest of the season," said Treble.

 Although the V-Twins may have an advantage over the imports early in 2005, Treble believes his Vance & Hines powered, Matco Tools Suzuki is still a player to win any race they enter.

 "Vance & Hines made strides in all their engine programs last winter, which should give us all of the power needed to qualify and go rounds on Sunday," said Treble. "If we get some luck like we did at the last race, we can throw in some experience, and maybe get it done here in Houston."

Treble Hangs On To Qualify In Houston

 Houston, TX. – Qualifying Pit Note:

A pair of 7.17 second qualifying runs allowed Craig Treble to capture the 14th qualifying position in Pro Stock Motorcycle at the O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park.

 Opening with a 7.174 pass at 186 MPH early Friday, the Matco Tools Suzuki sat in the No. 6 slot Friday evening. After another 7.17 Saturday, the Treble bike clung to a spot in the tough 16 bike show.

 "We ran a decent 7.171 on Saturday morning, but by the time qualifying wrapped up, it was only good enough for the 14th spot," said Treble. "There is a strong group of 30 motorcycles trying to qualify for this Houston race."

 "We had some good luck at the last event, and I think we may be singing the same song here in Houston," said Treble. "We were convinced that we should have run better in qualifying, so after the field was set we went back to the trailer and ripped into the bike. Sure enough, with the help of the Vance & Hines guys we caught a minor problem and fixed it."

 Treble will face No. 3 qualifier Antron Brown on his Army Suzuki in round one.

Treble Leaves Houston in Third

Houston, TX. – Post Race: 

Riding a revived Matco Tools Suzuki, Craig Treble lasted until the second round of Pro Stock Motorcycle at the O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park.  

Treble started the day with a win over Antron Brown, running a strong 7.201 / 180.98 pass. The run was 6th best of the session; far better that his 14th place qualifying effort. 

"We stayed up very late last night and straightened out a few things on the bike," said Treble. "All I can say am I wish I would have done it before qualifying instead of after." 

The round one win over the Army bike would be as far as Treble would advance in Houston, dropping the round two match against G.T. Tonglet by only .005 of-a-second. 

"I know what the Vance & Hines V-rods are capable of, so I went for a good light and I got it. Fortunately or unfortunately, our bike feels like it is putting out 10 more horsepower today and we are having a hard time tuning for that." 

Thanks to the increased power from the Matco Tools Pro Stock Motorcycle, the Treble team is also feeling an increase of optimism. 

"We have some time before our next event, too much time really," said Treble. "I'm ready to pull the bike back out of the trailer and race again tomorrow."

Houston Photos 2005