Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127993
Annual Trac Dynamics-built Suzuki GSX-R. As disappointing as his performance was, Hines was more upset about red-lighting for the second consecutive race. "I just flat screwed up," Hines said. "I let go of the clutch too soon. I saw the yellow light come on, but before 1 knew it, the bike was moving and the red light was on. ['m disappointed, but at the same time, thi is good for Antron. They run one of our (Vance & Hines) engines, so I'm happy for them. We just need to get our act together before (Seeling) gets too far ahead in the points." The other semifinalist was John Smith, who entered the event second in the points standings after his runner-u p finish in Gainesville. Smith, who became the first Pro Stock Bike rider to go faster than 190 mph with a 192.22 blast in Gainesville, qualified his Anoka-Ramsey Sport Center Suzuki in the fourth spot, but he ran into Seeling in the semis and fell behind and lost a close match, 7.30 to 7.37. "We tried some new things this weekend, and some of them worked and some of them didn't," said Smith's team owner, John Noard. "Given the circumstances, I can't say that ['m too disappointed with a semifinal finish, but I sure wish Angelle had red-lighted against us instead of Antron. We could have used the break." Seeling pushed the tree in the final and came up with the red-light start, but the way her Team Winston bike was running, there was really no need to, especially after qualifying on the pole with a track-record 7.26 and running the 'lwckest elapsed time in every elimination round. '1 knew I had Antron covered," Seeling said, trying to hide the rrustration of a missed opporturuty. "1 ffidn't want to make a mistake and have him beat me, so I tried to push it'a little. As far as the performance of our motorcycle, it was awesome all weekend, and [ know it's going fast enough that I don't have to do what I did. It was totally my fault, but I've very, very happy for Antron. I knew his day was coming." With the win, Brown became the first first-time Pro Stock Bike winner on the NHRA tour since Seeling claimed her first victory in September 1997, and his rise has further clouded an already murky championship picture. Despite his struggles, Hines remains the prohibitive favorite, with Seeling a close second, though a number of others are also still in the hunt. "As of right now, I think there are about six bikes that could contend for the championship," Brown said. "Matt and Angelle, of course, and John Smith. I believe Greg Underdahl is going to be there, too, and there's (Team 23 teammate) Tony Mullen and Craig Treble, and Dave Schultz. You can't count those guys ou!." Of course, after his performance in Dallas, all conversations about the points battle must also include Brown. "Once Antron started going fast, we knew that he'd be a threat," Bryce said. "It isn't a one- or two-man show anymore. It's going to be exciting. We'll go home, take the information that we gained here, and try to pick up a little more horsepower before the next race. Thi~ season is a long way from being over." eN Texas Motorplex Dallas, Texas Results: April 23-25, 1999 (Round 2 of 14) PRO STOCK FINAL: I. Antran Brown (Suz) 7.40, 185.49; 2. Angelle Seeling (s.,) 7.36, 177.69 FOUL. Upcoming Rounds: Round 3 - Atlanta, Georgia, May 14-16 Round 4 - Englishtown, New Jersey, May 21-23 Fa ~i~~_l.ARGrs7'of its You Won't this see many • Kevin Windham • Sebastien Tort8IIi Chaparral Motorsports 555 South 'H' Street Son Bernardino, CA 92410 Mill Stree, bi, off th. 215 FWY in San lernardino VisIt: . . .....,.'........._ Store hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am'8:oopm Saturday· Sunday' 8:00am-6:00pm S ).... e 1lcae ~ge"'s SO\e Ge' a head sto,' on a great opportunity! Become one of the first dealers in North America to offer this new line of engineered Elf Race Fuel for motorcycle, kart or other 2- and 4-stroke engine customers. Dealer opportunities available in selected areas. " " " " " "_ ......._ . . . _ cc. . . . More Details? Call TotIay! 1-800 ELF FUEL (353-3835) 1-888 ELF LUIE (353-58231