Karen Stoffer's perfect lights are impressive, but she won't dwell on them

Even though Karen Stoffer didnt win the recent Route 66 Nationals in Chicago, she accomplished something that no other 91做厙 Pro had ever done with four-straight .00 reaction times during eliminations. Stoffers quick reflexes were responsible for holeshot wins against point leaders Eddie Krawiec and Hector Arana Jr. She also left first against Matt Smith in the final, but was powerless to stop the reigning champ, who easily covered her 6.88 to a 6.90. Despite the final result, Stoffer remains satisfied that she did almost all she could to put her Big St. Charles/Skillman Auto Suzuki into the winners circle.
That was the first time in my career Ive had four lights like that and its interesting that we didnt change the [clutch lever] all day, said Stoffer, who has now been in 21 final rounds and has eight wins in her career. I try to give the team consistency and Gary [Stoffer, husband] and Tim [Kulungian, crew chief] have collaborated to help make our team more competitive. Tim has made adjustments based on the info that Gary has provided and its made a difference in my riding. I generally dont get involved as far as changing my routine. I try to be as consistent as possible getting the clutch out and just let them do their deal.
Stoffer has taken several steps forward in her first season with Jerry Savoies White Alligator team. In addition to her runner-up finish in Chicago, shes also been the low qualifier in Charlotte and enters the Norwalk event ranked No. 5 in the class, the highest ranked Suzuki rider in the field.
I feel very comfortable over here but I still dont think weve reached out potential, Stoffer said. Ive made a few mistakes as a rider and were still trying to refine our combination. Id like to think our best days are ahead of us. Its great to go up there and cut .00 lights but at the end of the day we didnt get the Wally and thats disappointing. In fact, we not only didnt get the Wally but I got absolutely pummeled by Matt Smith in the final. Thats the only way I can describe it. I did all I could do and its a bummer to do you absolute best and still get pummeled. The truth is that we had a few breaks in Chicago. Eddie [Krawiec] bogged otherwise we might not have beaten him, either.
Arriving in Norwalk, Stoffer is returning to the site of her most recent national event victory. She won the 2015 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals when Angelle Sampey fouled in the final.
Were capable of winning this race or just about any other one, Stoffer said. We just need to bring all the elements together at the same time. I just need to keep doing my job. I know everyone wants to talk about my lights in Chicago but when I won Gainesville in 2007, I won three of four rounds on holeshots. Its just a matter of trying to do your best and lift the team up.