Mike
07-01-2008, 09:34 AM
Kopp wins Lima Grand National with thrilling last-lap pass
LIMA, OHIO (June 28, 2008) -
Time almost ran out on Latus Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Joe Kopp, who rode in second place for more than 24 laps before managing to pass Aprilia USA rider Henry Wiles and win by inches in the AMA Grand National Twins main on the Allen County Fairgrounds half-mile. It was the second win in two nights for Kopp, who lead every lap for a less-dramatic victory at Bedford, Pa., on Friday night. The victory pulls Kopp to within one series point of Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth, who finished ninth at Lima.
Wiles led from the start of the 25-lap main, with Kopp always within striking distance but never able to get a run to make a pass attempt. The pair pulled away from the pack early in the race, and encountered a lapped rider as they entered turn three of the final lap. Wiles took a high route around the lapper, leaving an opening low for Kopp, who got a great drive out of turn four to take the lead. Kopp beat Wiles to the finish line by inches, robbing Aprilia of its first-ever Grand National win. It was the closest finish in 24 years of Grand National racing at the historic Allen County track. Jack Daniel’s/Gutterridge Harley-Davidson rider Nick Cummings was a distant third, more than five seconds behind the leaders. Moroney's Harley-Davidson/Screamin' Eagle rider Bryan Smith was fourth.
“This was one of the most exciting races I've been in,” said Kopp, the 2000 Grand National champion, who now has three wins at Lima. “Wiles was fast all night, but when we went into turn three I think the lapped rider kind of stood him up a little and that was all I needed.”
Two straight wins and an off night for Coolbeth has Kopp just a point behind the defending champion in the AMA Grand National Twins season standings. After four events, Coolbeth has 75 points, Kopp has 74, and Smith holds third with 65 points. Chris Carr is fourth with 49 points.
The 2008 AMA Grand National Twins Championship will race again on July 4 at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas.
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.
LIMA, OHIO (June 28, 2008) -
Time almost ran out on Latus Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Joe Kopp, who rode in second place for more than 24 laps before managing to pass Aprilia USA rider Henry Wiles and win by inches in the AMA Grand National Twins main on the Allen County Fairgrounds half-mile. It was the second win in two nights for Kopp, who lead every lap for a less-dramatic victory at Bedford, Pa., on Friday night. The victory pulls Kopp to within one series point of Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth, who finished ninth at Lima.
Wiles led from the start of the 25-lap main, with Kopp always within striking distance but never able to get a run to make a pass attempt. The pair pulled away from the pack early in the race, and encountered a lapped rider as they entered turn three of the final lap. Wiles took a high route around the lapper, leaving an opening low for Kopp, who got a great drive out of turn four to take the lead. Kopp beat Wiles to the finish line by inches, robbing Aprilia of its first-ever Grand National win. It was the closest finish in 24 years of Grand National racing at the historic Allen County track. Jack Daniel’s/Gutterridge Harley-Davidson rider Nick Cummings was a distant third, more than five seconds behind the leaders. Moroney's Harley-Davidson/Screamin' Eagle rider Bryan Smith was fourth.
“This was one of the most exciting races I've been in,” said Kopp, the 2000 Grand National champion, who now has three wins at Lima. “Wiles was fast all night, but when we went into turn three I think the lapped rider kind of stood him up a little and that was all I needed.”
Two straight wins and an off night for Coolbeth has Kopp just a point behind the defending champion in the AMA Grand National Twins season standings. After four events, Coolbeth has 75 points, Kopp has 74, and Smith holds third with 65 points. Chris Carr is fourth with 49 points.
The 2008 AMA Grand National Twins Championship will race again on July 4 at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas.
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.