Denver: Junior Pippin final report

PIPPIN OUT IN FIRST ROUND OF ELIMINATIONS AT DENVER

DENVER, Colo., Ju ly 13, 2008- Junior Pippin, the 55-year-old rookie rider of the PiranaZ Racing/Pippin Racing S&S-powered V-Twin Pro Stock Motorcycle (PSM), lost during the final round of eliminations today at the 29th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. Pippin was up against the number five qualifier, Steve Johnson, and ran a 7.592 e.t. at 171.16- mph. Johnson beat the Conyers, Ga. native with an elapsed time of 7.352 at 180.28-mph, and moved into the final round.

"I had a decent light," said Pippin. "The motorcycle just would not run. We missed something in the tune up."

Always the underdog, Pippin was happy to qualify and make it into eliminations.

"Like I've said before, every day I get to race is a blessing and it was a good race. We'll figure it out. We'll make it right."

-credit: jpr