Kopp is Third, Coolbeth Sixth but Holds Series Points Lead

2008-07-14 18:29
GROVE CITY, OHIO (July 13, 2008) - Moroney's Harley-Davidson/Screamin' Eagle rider Bryan Smith mastered a tricky mile track and rode a Harley-Davidson XR-750 to his first win of the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins season at Beulah Park, near Columbus, Ohio. The event was delayed until Sunday afternoon after heavy rain on Saturday evening interrupted the action following the fourth heat race. Fellow Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew rider Joe Kopp was third on the Latus Harley-Davidson/Screamin' Eagle entry and Jared Mees placed his Harley in fifth. Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth finished sixth and now leads the series by seven points.

It was the first AMA Grand National Twins race held at Beulah Park, a sand-based horse racing track that provided a slick surface with a narrow racing line. Smith took the lead on lap five of the 25-lap Grand National main after battling through a pack that included Chris Carr, KK Supply / Roeder Harley-Davidson rider Geo Roeder and Kopp. Kopp and Carr each lead two early laps before giving way to Smith. Smith then steadily built his lead and was not challenged as he raced smoothly to the finish. Carr finished second, his best result of the season. Roeder faded and finished 11th.

"I found the fast line down low fairly early and just stayed there all day," said Smith, who is now just eight points behind Coolbeth in season points. "I'm just going to keep chipping away at the championship."

The results at Beulah Park tightened the AMA Grand National season standings, as both Smith and Kopp gained on Coolbeth, the series leader coming into the weekend. Coolbeth now has 111 points, with Kopp in second place with 104 points and Smith in third with 103. Carr is fourth with 80 points. Mees is seventh with 53 points.

The 2008 AMA Grand National Twins Championship will race again on July 19 at the Darke County Fairgrounds half-mile in Greenville, Ohio.

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 Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.

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