Excellent reaction times not enough to save Treble in Memphis.

Monday Post Race: After an even dozen NHRA POWERade events under his belt so far in 2003, Craig treble just may have gotten a handle on his season long nemesis, the Red Light.

In Memphis at the 16th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil, Treble was able to complete all four qualifying sessions, and two rounds of final eliminations with no red light starts, a significant step for the team. "It has been at the top of our list this year on what we needed to address with our Matco Tools Pro Stock Bike." explained Craig.

What may turn out to be the key of the team is the début of the new Matco Tools Suzuki " I really have a good feeling about what this bike is capable of" Treble said. "We will be learning what it wants and what it likes as we get more runs during national event conditions, but I think this piece has great potential."

Treble put the Matco Tools Bike in the No. 9 position after consistent runs of 7.21 and 7.22 in Friday and Saturday qualifying. A strong 7.21 in round one of final eliminations gave the Matco Tools bike lane choice in round two over defending event and season champion Angelle Savoie, but the learning curve on the new bike proved to steep, resulting in a losing 7.310 pass. "We gave it a tweak, and it changed a ton, we obviously still have some learning to do with this bike" Said Treble

Consistency is key for Treble in Memphis

Memphis, TN - Saturday Pit Note: An early morning qualifying session, coupled with cool and crisp air produced another day of track record breaking runs, and shuffling of the Pro Stock Bike qualifying order at the 16th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil.

Craig treble was amazingly consistent, backing up yesterdays two 7.21 runs with another 7.21, followed by a 7.22 Saturday afternoon. "We have been running 7.21's this weekend no matter what we give the bike to work with." Said Treble.

"The good thing is that I have won races being consistent, and that's what we hope to do tomorrow in final eliminations. Our new Matco Tools Suzuki is much more comfortable for me to ride, and it works better on the starting line which is something our team was looking for this year."

The Matco Tools Bike will be taking on Karen Stoffer on her Jonoco Racing backed Suzuki in round on of final eliminations Sunday morning at Memphis Motorsports Park. "Karen and I are old NHRA Division 7 rivals so we know what to expect from each other. She is as serious as you can get." Explained Craig

Treble prepares for Saturday morning in Memphis

Memphis, TN - Friday Pit Note: The NHRA POWERade professional tour rolled into Memphis Motorsports Park this weekend, ready to give the local fans something they haven't seen at the O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals in years, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle.

After two qualifying sessions, Craig Treble had put the Matco Tools Suzuki in the No. 8 spot with Bracket Racing like runs of 7.211 and 7.213, both at 185 MPH. "We were consistent today that's for sure, but those two runs couldn't have been more different," Explained Treble. "We opened with a pass that ran through the clutch, then followed with an over aggressive pass that hurt us off the starting line."

Even with track record runs being laid down on Friday, the Pro Stock Bike riders are looking forward to an early morning qualifying session on Saturday. "Someone could go in the 7.0's tomorrow in the early session, that's what all the signs are pointing too." Said Craig. "Today we hit on both sides of the sweet spot and missed the tune-up we were looking for. Tomorrow if we can get the Matco Tools bike off the starting line like we want, the 7.0 run just might be us."

New Matco Tools Suzuki Ready To Rock & Roll In Memphis

Pre Race: With just a few promising runs on the new Matco Tools Pro Stock Suzuki, Craig Treble has all the confidence needed to put the bike into the winners circle at the O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals, held at Memphis Motorsports Park.

"We had just the single qualifying run in Reading Pennsylvania before the event was postponed, but that run put us in the No. 3 spot in qualifying. Since then we have tested with a fresh Vance & Hines bullet, and we are anxious to get to Memphis and make some passes." Said Treble.

The two previous NHRA POWERade national events have been disrupted by poor weather, something the Pro Stock Bike teams all hope is done for the remainder of the season. "It has been a tough year for the NHRA as far as Mother Nature has been concerned. Almost half the events we run at have been affected, resulting in shortened and postponed events. Hopefully Hurricane Isabel will keep her distance and we can get the race in as scheduled." Stated Matco Tools Suzuki Crew Chief Calvin Aswege.

The Pro Stock Bikes will be returning to Memphis Motorsports Park for the first time since 1999, Trebles first full year as an NHRA Pro. "It will be like going to a new track for everyone, like an inaugural event almost. The weather won't be as cool as Reading was, but I would think it will still be good enough for nice strong runs this weekend." Said Craig. "The east coast has tons of motorcycle drag racers, so I think the return of NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Bike racing to Memphis will bring out lots of fans this weekend."

2002 Highlights:
Collected $15,000 for winning the K&N Filters Pro Bike Klash,
Established a career-best for wins, final round appearances and elapsed time
Finished a career-best second in the POWERade standings
Craig Treble:
Best Elapsed Time: 7.062
Best MPH: 193.18
NHRA Pro final rounds: 12
NHRA Pro wins: 5

Visit the Craig Treble Matco Tools Pro Stock Bike web site to find results, pictures, and information before and after every NHRA POWERade national event. www.craigtreble.com

Craig Treble Team Scream 2003 Sponsors: