INDIANAPOLIS (September 5, 2022) – In addition to his five world championships, Matt Smith is now a two-time winner (Matt says 2.5 time winner) of the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals after riding his Denso Buell to a final-round victory over Karen Stoffer. Smith gave up an early advantage to Stoffer, but rolled to a 6.872 to earn his third win this season and the 35th of his career, which ties him with “Big Daddy” Don Garlits. Smith also took the lead in the championship standings heading into the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Smith made his first qualifying run Friday aboard his Suzuki, but quickly exercised his option to change bikes and rolled out his last year’s Denso Buell. That proved to be a wise decision as Smith qualified No. 2 with a 6.800 and then rolled though four rounds of eliminations on Monday against Scotty Pollacheck, Hector Arana Jr., and two-time Indy champ Jerry Savoie. Smith was also extremely consistent with four runs on Monday between 6.859 and 6.893.
“We started on the Suzuki and our goal was to finish on a Suzuki,” said Smith. “I have a new motor for that bike so now I have two and we made the first run on Friday and it just wasn’t happy. I had a bad 60-foot time, and I just got frustrated and decided to bring out the V-twin. On Saturday morning we went to No. 1 until Angelle came around us but I set top speed at 201 mph and had low E.T. of eliminations and the last three qualifying runs. I think I had the bike to beat. Honestly, I didn’t do my job on the starting line; I couldn’t get the clutch out on time but we found a way to get it done.
“When it’s on, I can run with any Suzuki out there but we’re still struggling a big so I’m going to run the V-twin at the next two races for sure. I told them earlier this year if they piss me off I’m going to bring the red rocket [Buell] back out. Now, they had better watch out for me. I’m going to defend this championship. I can tell you that. Tonight, we’re going to celebrate. We’re going to live it up because this is the U.S. Nationals.”
Stoffer qualified in the bottom half of the field but quickly shed her underdog status when she upset championship leader Joey Gladstone in round one with a nearly perfect reaction time. Stoffer later topped Angie Smith and Steve Johnson to reach the final for the third time this season and 30th of her career.
The NHRA Countdown to the Championship, NHRA's six race playoffs, kicks off with the Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, September 16-18.
See the full story and recap from NHRA National Dragster staff:
See the Monday photo gallery from NHRA National Dragster staff:
Unofficial Camping World points standings:
Content: nhra.com
Photo: RPM / NHRA