Coolbeth back on top at Topeka AMA Grand National
Press Release:
TOPEKA, KAN. (July 4, 2008) - Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth got himself back in the winning groove on Friday night. The two-time defending AMA Grand National Twins champion rode a Harley-Davidson XR-750 and led every lap to post a win on the Heartland Park half-mile. His third win of the season gives Coolbeth a 10-point cushion in the Grand National Twins points standings. His closest rival, Latus Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Joe Kopp, finished fifth.
With the victory in Topeka, Coolbeth regained the momentum that saw him win the first two races of the season and finish second in the third before running ninth last weekend at Lima, Ohio.
“We couldn’t do anything last week, so it’s great to be back on top and have things working again,” Coolbeth said after winning the 17th Grand National event of his career. “I think this was the smallest track we’ve ever raced on with the twins bikes, it’s barely three-eighths of a mile. We had trouble getting our gearing set in practice but the Harley-Davidson team found an engine and suspension set-up that gave me good drive out of the corners, and that’s what it took to win.”
A good start would be critical success in the 25-lap main on the fast-but-tight Heartland Park half-mile, and Coolbeth led the pack away from the line before Blue Springs Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Jared Mees dropped his bike in turn three to bring out a red flag. Mees and Jake Mataya were unable to make the restart due to mechanical problems. Again, Coolbeth led at the start, with Glassman/LZ Racing rider Sammy Halbert, American Harley-Davidson/Dick Ford rider Rob Pearson, Chris Carr and Bartels’ Harley-Davidson/Rogers Lake Racing rider Shaun Russell in tow. Pearson challenged Coolbeth in the early laps, but the factory Harley-Davidson rider slowly pulled away, leaving Pearson and Halbert to battle for second. On lap 23 the hard-charging Halbert got past Pearson to take second, his best finish and second podium of the season. Moroney’s Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Bryan Smith edged Kopp for fourth place. Coolbeth led Halbert by more than two seconds at the finish.
With the win, Coolbeth opens a gap on Kopp in the season points race, and after five events Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew riders lead the standings. Coolbeth has 98 points to 88 for Kopp, with Smith in third with 80 points. Chris Carr is fourth with 61 points.
The 2008 AMA Grand National Twins Championship will race again on July 12 at Beulah Park mile in Grove City, 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.
