Treble intends to step it up in Atlanta

Atlanta, Ga. – Pre Race:

Given the fact that the NHRA POWERade drag racing series is one of the most competitive arenas in which to win a world championship, one would think that sitting in third place after two of fifteen events would be cause for optimism. Not for Matco Tools Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Craig Treble.

"We had a few things come our way at the first two events, but we need to step it up in Atlanta," said Treble. "We have a strong bike, and in the first two races we have stumbled onto some good stuff that we need to use too our advantage this weekend. This is no time to sit back or be content."

Treble will enter the 25th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway, fresh from a solid testing session in Memphis, Tenn.

"We spent some time testing after the last NHRA national event and came away happy with the numbers we got out of the bike," said Treble. "Atlanta hasn't been very good to me over the years; it's the track that broke my qualifying streak back in 2003. Hopefully we have used up all our bad luck in Georgia and can go some rounds on Sunday."

Treble qualifies middle of the pack

 Atlanta, Ga. – Qualifying Pit Note:

Craig Treble took to the track at Atlanta Dragway, laying down an out of the trailer, 7.214 second, 186.43 MPH qualifying shot in the first session Friday, ensuring himself to one of the sixteen slots in the Pro Stock Motorcycle field at the annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac.

"We had a set-up in mind and that's what we went with in the opening session," said Treble. "Considering my unlucky past here in Atlanta, we just wanted to make sure we made a good, safe pass to put the Matco Tools bike firmly in the show."

After making a pass that virtually guaranteed the team a spot in the race on Sunday, The Treble team used the rest of qualifying to find a tune-up that would work best for the Matco Tools Suzuki.

Two Saturday qualifying passes consisting of 7.240/182.95 and 7.385/179.16 did not move the Treble team up the ladder, but did provide much needed information for the race on Sunday.

"We didn't make a lap in the second session Friday due to an ignition problem, and the last two runs on Saturday only told us what the bike does not like. We ran good enough to qualify 9th, and that's not a bad spot to start from."

Treble will face No. 8 qualifier Ryan Schnitz Sunday morning in round one of Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations. This will be the first meeting between Treble and the former Prostar standout.

"We have Ryan tomorrow morning and it will be the first time that we will race each other," said Treble. "We will give the Matco Tools bike a tune-up and hope for good results on Sunday. It's time to get the Georgia monkey off my back"

Treble maintains third place

Atlanta, Ga. – Post Race: 

The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway has a history of throwing Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Craig Treble a curve, a trend that continued at the 2005 edition of the event.

"We did put the bike in the show, and that in itself is reason for us to celebrate. This is Atlanta," said Treble.

The day started off well enough for the Matco Tools Suzuki, disposing of newcomer Ryan Schnitz after both riders suffered problems on the run.

"An electrical problem jumped up and almost bit us in round one against Schnitz," said Treble. "The bike nosed over and I thought I broke a motor, that’s how quickly it went away on me."

A between round engine swap and complete electrical component inspection reveled no obviously faulty parts, but a solid 7.250 / 178.50 lap against No.1 qualifier Andrew Hines in round two eased Treble's mind considerably, and sent the Matco Tools Suzuki into the semi finals.

"We had a nice pass against Andrew on the Vance & Hines V-Rod. We aren’t exactly sure what component we replaced that helped bring the bike back to life, but getting past the top qualifier at any event is a pretty big deal."

If Treble had believed his Atlanta demons would be held at bay this year, the semi finals would prove to be his undoing in 2005.

"I felt pretty confident going into the semi-final race against Rivas," said Treble. "I did my normal routine and selected the spot on the starting line that looked the best to launch from."

At the hit of the throttle, the Matco Tools Suzuki immediately spun the rear tire, putting Treble out of the race as Rivas speed to the finish line to earn a spot in the Pro Stock Motorcycle final.

"I do not know what was on the track, but our motorcycle was in something that had been left from the previous pair of cars that ran right before us," said Treble. "Nothing came out of or off our motorcycle, and without a doubt, it cost us the round."

Treble will leave Atlanta maintaining his third place in NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle points.

"I also want to congratulate Chris Rivas for his first NHRA national event final round appearance. We are old friends from back in our NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle racing days, and I am happy to see a fellow division 7 rider doing well."

Atlanta Photos 2005