Team Trim-Tex revving up for Reading

Having posted a semi-final appearance at Indianapolis' Mac Tools U.S. Nationals and a runner-up finish at Indy's K&N Filters Pro Bike Klash, Team Trim-Tex, an NHRA Pro Stock Bike team, is looking to translate their solid showing into a win at the upcoming Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, scheduled Sept. 11 - 14.

With the biggest event of the year split into two separate weekends due to a rain delay, Indy was a challenge as all teams had to regroup for the event's conclusion. Eliminations also proved challenging for fifth place qualifier Geno Scali.

For elimination round one, Scali met challenger Karen Stoffer. At the starting line as Scali let go of the clutch and began to grab the handlebars, he accidentally nipped the clutch lever again, causing the engine to rev up. Seeing that Stoffer had red lit and knowing that his time was already affected, Scali slowed the bike to save the motor, ending up with a 7.89-second run. "This was only the second time I've ever hit the lever again by mistake. I knew I had already lost lane choice for the upcoming round because of the bad 60 ft. time, so saving the motor seemed to be the right call," he said.

In round two, Scali also ran against someone who red lit. This time it was Fred Collis, whose poor light gave the Scali the win, though this run was much improved with a 7.28-second pass.

Between the second and third rounds, the team had to contend with a vibration in the motor. Because the turn-around is short between elimination rounds (75 minutes), Scali and crew chief Earl Deglopper couldn't diagnose the motorcycle to pinpoint if the cause was in the clutch or the motor, so they made the call to switch the motor. Scali lost to the eventual event winner, Reggie Showers, who bested Scali's 7.42-second pass with a 7.23-second run.

"It wasn't a complete surprise that we didn't have the numbers needed to win. We didn't get the right tune-up because of the motor switch," Scali said. "We definitely had some odd luck this race. But it's Indy, so it's always great to be there. I'm glad we were able to represent our team's sponsors at the event and at the Klash. My hats off to Reggie [who doubled-up with Klash and Indy event wins] and George Bryce [Shower's crew chief] on a job well done. I'm proud of his team's accomplishments. He achieved a dream we all have."

"Even with my mistake with the clutch lever, I'm lucky I got past that first round and was able to protect my points lead. The lights worked in my favor during eliminations," Scali said, referring to the red light starts of two of his opponents. "At this event, 10 of the 16 drivers had red lights. I benefited this time but definitely know what it's like to be on the other side. I would like to know from the fans what they think about the races when the winner is determined at the beginning due to a red light start. Is it fun for them to watch? If they have thoughts they would like to share, visit my website, www.genoscali.com, and e-mail me."

Before the team rolls into Reading's Maple Grove Raceway, they will visit a dealer of their primary sponsor, Trim-Tex Drywall Products (company of team co-owner Joe Koenig), in Sellersville, Pa. The team will show off the bike and field questions about drag racing and the Pro Stock Bike class.

After that, they'll be ready for the Pro Stock Bike class's eleventh race of the season. "I think this weekend we're going to see some quick bikes. I don't know that we'll see anyone break into the six-second mark, but I think some low 7.0s can be expected. As always, we're going to focus on going rounds on Sunday. Indy was just proof that some things can't be controlled, so we just have to be prepared for whatever happens and keep our focused on the task at hand," Scali said.