|
HINES LAUNCHES 2008 SEASON WITH FINAL ROUND
APPEARANCE
Runner-Up Finish Moves Three-Time Champ into Second in Point Standings
GAINSVILLE, Fla. (March 17, 2008) - Andrew Hines
started his pursuit of a fourth NHRA Pro Stock Bike title with four
straight 6-second passes at the track where he recorded the class's
first-ever sub-7-second run, but it wasn't enough to secure his 14th
career win on his Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson V-Rod.
Despite a heart-breaking loss in the final round of
the 2007 season at Pomona that cost him a fourth championship, Hines came
out swinging at the season-opener in Gainesville with a No. 3 qualifying
spot and four consecutive 6-second passes that thrust him into a final
round showdown against eventual winner Matt Guidera on his Mohegan
Sun/Rocklin Motorsports Buell. En route to the finals, Hines bested Junior
Pippin and Angie McBride with 6.96-, 6.95-second passes in the first and
second rounds, respectively, before knocking off reigning champ Matt Smith
in the semifinals with a perfect .000-second reaction time and a
6.793-second pass that matched Smith's elapsed time. Hines then lost in
the finals with a 6.98 to Guidera's 6.94.
"It was a disappointing loss, but making it to
the finals in the first race of the season helps keep the team's morale
up," Hines said. "Last year at this time we were struggling to
find the right setup, so to start out of the box so competitively is
great. Both motorcycles are running real well, and as long as we keep the
V-Rods running consistent, the round wins will keep on coming."
Hines' teammate Eddie Krawiec, who qualified
fourth, beat Michael Ray in the first round with a 6.97 before
red-lighting in a second-round loss to Chip Ellis.
"What a way to start the season, with both
bikes qualifying and Andrew making it to the finals. The Gainesville fans
are so enthusiastic about our bikes and the riders really enjoy this
event," said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso. "Last
year we really struggled at the season opener and this was a refreshing
change for the 2008 season."
Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by
and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle
racing. Screamin' Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use
applications, while Screamin' Eagle parts offer street-use performance
options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit
www.harley-davidson.com for more information.
The Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock
Motorcycle team is sponsored by Ford Truck, Dunlop, Matco Tools and S100.
|