2006 Carquest Auto Parts Nationals

Schnitz Seventh in Chicago

"Well, we did good today," said Ryan Schnitz, sitting in seventh place on his Trim-Tex/Muzzy's Buell after the first day of Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying at the NHRA event at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.

"Our first round wasn't so great. We were just drying the new Trim-Tex paint, making sure we didn't peel the decals off it going down the track," laughed Schnitz, referring to his sponsor.

"We're seventh in a really, really tight field. It's looking like Pro Stock Car out there today. We've got really good air here and everybody has a chance to run their best numbers this weekend.

"The data's showing things that our bike wants and we're getting there. We put our Gainesville 7.01 tune-up back in and went a 7.08, so we're getting there. We've changed valve springs, and the gearing may have been off a little bit for the change in weather and crosswind speed. We'll change the clutch a little bit and with those few changes, we're looking to run a 7.05 or even better."

It's notable that Schnitz isn't taking aim at former teammate (from AMA/Prostar days) Chip Ellis's pace setting 7.01. "Chip's was an outstanding first round qualifying pass," said Ryan. "They're working as hard as anybody and they have a really good set-up right now.

"But Joe (Trim-Tex president Joe Koenig) is excited, we're excited, and we're looking forward to a great weekend."

Schnitz Tenth After Chicago Rains

Frequent showers limited Saturday NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying to one round in Chicago. Ryan Schnitz ran his one lap very consistent to his best of the weekend on his Trim-Tex/Muzzy's Buell, but failed to improve.

"I basically had the same set-up as our second round on Friday," said Schnitz. "It was consistent and basically a clean pass. But some other teams went quicker and we did drop some spots.

"Conditions on Sunday should be about the same again, so we're gonna try and go some rounds and get to the money round. We're excited about the race and are looking forward to putting on a good show for everybody." Schnitz faces seventh place Craig Treble in the first round. Treble's 7.079, compared to Schnitz's 7.081, shows just how tight this field is.

Schnitz thanked Trim-Tex Drywall Products, Muzzy's, Schnitz Racing and NGK.

Schnitz/Muzzy/Trim-Tex Take Chicago!

After struggling with performance limiting issues since the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season opener in Gainesville, Ryan Schnitz put the Trim-Tex/Muzzy Buell in the winners circle at sponsor Trim-Tex's hometown race in Chicago. "Joe Koenig (Trim-Tex president and fine motorcycle drag racer in his own right) is ecstatic," said Schnitz. "He's very happy to win this event. He used to sponsor the AMA/Prostar event that was here and he sponsors the local bike event here, so he's really excited about this win."

Qualified tenth, Schnitz faced number seven qualifier Craig Treble in round 1. "We all knew that we were gonna have a tough first round. I knew I had to cut a good light, 'cause Craig always cuts great lights. Fortunately, we got a great light and got the win."

Schnitz nailed another .002 against Matt Smith in round 2.

After that round, the Trim-Tex/Muzzy team faced a serious thrash to prepare for the semis. "We noticed that we'd chunked the tire and had to put on an older tire," said Schnitz, but the tire was only the tip of the iceberg. The Buell was also missing a tooth off the front sprocket. The team was running an 18 tooth sprocket for a 530 chain, and didn't have a spare. "We had to switch to a 630 chain 'cause we didn't have a front sprocket that size," reported Schnitz, whose bike has suffered from a chain problem. "So we had to use an older chain. And we've had some serious chain issues, stretching them and wearing them out. So in the semis we had to go back to the 630 that we knew wasn't working as well, and we had to run Andrew Hines, the champion. Fortunately for us, Andrew had a -.002 redlight."

That round put Ryan into the final against fellow Buell campaigner Matt Guidera. "Every race, Matt rides better and better and they're getting a better handle on the bike," said Schnitz. "He's always been good on the tree, so we went up there ready to cut a solid green light."

eliminations final round
(W) Ryan Schnitz .041 7.064 at 182.03 mph
Matt Guidera -.004(R) 7.105 at 185.08 mph

Guidera cut the tree too close this time and went four thousandths red. "We were able to pull off the win and get the monkey from the last few races off our back," said Schnitz. "But Matt's gonna be there in a number of finals this year."

For his winning efforts, Ryan earned a ride in Koenig's Ferrari to a high priced steak dinner. "I want to thank Kurt Matte," finished Schnitz. "He was head mechanic again this weekend and we're gonna see if he can go to Englishtown and St. Louis with us."

Ryan also thanked Trim-Tex Drywall Products, Muzzy's, Schnitz Racing and NGK.

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