Gainesville: Ryan Schnitz Friday summary

Schnitz Skates into Second

Ryan Schnitz made a fast lap in round 1 and a hairy one in round 2 and wound up second in the first day of Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

Schnitz led the first round with a beautiful 7.04 pass in the left lane right off the big red Muzzy's trailer.

"That pass equates to four months of focus," said Schnitz. "That's what dedication will do for you." Ryan and team boss Rob Muzzy worked extra hard in the shop and in the boardrooms during the off-season, as they seek major sponsorship for the red Buell that won three races last year.

Schnitz had his hands full in the second round when the back tire debeaded at speed in sixth gear. "I crossed the finishline, pulled the clutch in, and the bike skated all over the place," reported Schnitz. "I first thought it might be oil on the tire. I felt something hit my leg, and I think it was a bead screw. I got within about a 1/2 inch of Andrew (Hines, in the left lane) at about 140 mph!"

"I think everybody will improve tomorrow," continued Schnitz, who noted that the weather forecast called for cooler temps. "We should see some low 7 second passes, maybe a 6."

Schnitz expects to improve tomorrow also, as his round 1 leading pass was not a perfect one. "We had a brand new clutch, and it didn't slip at all. On the first pass they're usually very grabby, so the bike spun the tire through every shift. If it hadn't done that, I'd say that would have been a 7 flat."

-sr