SONOMA, CA – July 21, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The trip out West has already been a good one for defending Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith, who blistered the track record book in Denver en route to a win last weekend.
But now the five-time world champ has the chance to make it a great two-race span at his sponsor’s race, this weekend’s 34th annual Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals at scenic Sonoma Raceway. With the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship just two races away from this weekend, Smith’s third victory of the season on his Denso Auto Parts motorcycle would go a long way in positioning himself well for the playoffs.
He was impressive on the Buell in Denver, shattering track records and picking up back-to-back wins at the facility, but Smith has also won on his Suzuki earlier this year. Now he’s looking for his first Sonoma victory since 2007 and no matter what bike he chooses, as long as he or his wife, Angie, picks up the win at the Denso-sponsored event, that’s all that matters in his mind.
“We might run the Suzuki on Friday and if we’re not happy with it, maybe we’ll pull (the Buell) out for Saturday,” Smith said after his Denver victory. “I’m not sure yet, but I want to run the Suzuki. The Suzuki seems to have more of an advantage at sea level. But I want to do what’s best for my sponsor. I want Angie or myself to win the race at Sonoma. You always want to win your sponsor’s race, so it would be great if Angie or myself could get it done this weekend.”
Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won the 2021 event, and this year’s race will be broadcast on both the FOX broadcast network and Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including live eliminations coverage starting at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 24 on FOX. It is the eighth of 15 events during the Pro Stock Motorcycle season, officially starting the second half of the season in the class. It’s a year where Smith has come on strong after some early struggles and he’s eager to keep rolling.
He won in Virginia on the Suzuki, defeating rival Steve Johnson in the final round and Johnson’s points lead has dwindled in recent races. Johnson now leads Angelle Sampey, who recently won in Norwalk, by just 10 points and the veteran has a slim 19-point advantage over Smith. Others to watch in Sonoma include defending event winner Karen Stoffer,…
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