Denver: Junior Pippin Saturday notes

PIPPIN MAKES THE SHOW FOR DENVER

DENVER, Colo., July 12 , 2008- Junior Pippin, the 55-year-old rookie rider of the PiranaZ Racing/Pippin Racing S&S-powered V-Twin Pro Stock Motorcycle (PSM), qualified 12th for tomorrow's Mopar Mile-High NHR Nationals here at Bandimere Speedway.

Pippin progressively improved his performance throughout the weekend, chipping away at the elapsed time. His qualifying times were 7.715 e.t. at 170.67-mph, 7.654 e.t. at 170.19-mph and 7.434 e.t. at 176.49-mph respectively. His fourth run down the track resulted in a slightly slower time of 7.551 e.t. at 170.58-mph, but Pippin solidly qualified with his third qualifying run. "As always, we're very happy to make the show," said the Conyers, Ga. native. "We stayed positive and we're optimistic about tomorrow. We'll keep plugging away at the motorcycle until we get it right."

Pippin faces Steve Johnson, the fifth qualifier with 7.332 e.t. at 178.83-mph, during the first round of eliminations. Undeterred, the rookie commented he'll give it all he's got.

"We are the underdog tomorrow, but we'll tune it up and see if we can get the S&S-powered V- Twin down the track first."

-credit: jpr