After
rain-delayed Reading, Team Trim-Tex recharges for Memphis
Participating in
the Memphis O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, Tenn.,
Sept. 18-21, is a long overdue homecoming for NHRA Pro Stock
Bike driver Geno Scali. The Pro Stock Bike class has not raced
in Memphis since the 1999 NHRA season, while Scali himself
has not graced the southern track since 1997.
"I look forward
to every event on the NHRA circuit, but I really am glad to
be going back to Memphis," said the Team Trim-Tex driver.
"The last time I was at this track was in '97 when my
motorcycle's wheelie bar broke during the first qualifying
session, causing the bike to flip into the air about 32 feet
out from the starting line. Fortunately I didn't get hurt,
but the bike was damaged considerably."
Scali rode Brian
Ayers' bike for the next day's qualifying sessions, landing
in the fourteenth spot on the eliminations ladder. Though
he lost in the first round, he has had success at Memphis
Motorsports Park. He won the IDBA World Finals there, clinching
the IDBA Top Gas Motorcycle championship in 1994.
Now Scali and company,
which includes crew chief Earl Deglopper and co-team owner
Joe Koenig, would like to match that success at this year's
Memphis NHRA event. "This should be a great race. Cool
weather is expected, with no rain in sight, and the fans are
pumped for the return of the bikes. We're proud to be returning
and plan on giving a good show," Scali said. "Plus
at this race, all the bike teams are on more even footing
as most of us don't have much track experience in Memphis,
so our first couple runs will be experimental as we get a
handle on the track conditions."
A win for the team,
who currently is in first place in the NHRA POWERade Championship
points, would help them retain their points position, but
also would be a one-of-a-kind birthday present for Scali,
who turns 39 on Sunday, September 21. "Winning would
definitely be the best present I could get. I'm a lucky guy,
though. I'm finally doing what I love doing full-time and
having a great time this season racing with Team Trim-Tex."
The Pro Stock Bike
class makes their first qualifying pass Friday, September
19, at approximately 3:00 p.m. (CST).
