Pomona II: Ryan Schnitz final summary

Ryan's Red Keeps Antron Alive

Qualified seventh for the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Ryan Schnitz headed into round 1 against Pro Stock Motorcycle championship contender Antron Brown. Schnitz hoped to spoil Brown's chances, but went -.007 red instead.

"I wasn't trying to push the tree, I was just trying to cut a really good green light," said Schnitz, who ran over .030 quicker on the lap than he qualified. "We had made a small fuel change for today's slightly better conditions. The tire was coming around, the track was coming around, and our motor is in good shape. We had a really good run, but it came up red."

Brown was unable to take advantage of the championship opportunity, losing in round 2.

"This was a tough loss for the Trim-Tex/Muzzy's team," said Schnitz. "But we're really looking forward to running the NHRA series next year." The Schnitz/Muzzy team was the subject of much speculation at Pomona, further fueled by posting the Buell for sale on the Muzzys.com site. Both Muzzy and Schnitz have long careers with Kawasaki, and there have been rumors that the team will return to wearing green next year. "We'll make an announcement after the 2007 rules are put in writing," said Ryan. "Our bike is for sale, and our plan is to have a new chassis next year based on everything we've learned so far. But anything's a possibility for next year--it might be a Buell, it might be a Kawasaki, it might be a Suzuki. We'll just have to wait and see.

"Our season this year wouldn't have been possible without the support of Joe Koenig and Trim-Tex. I really want to thank Joe, and of course Rob Muzzy, who I've been racing with for five years now. I also want to thank my dad Dave and Schnitz Racing, not only for product support but also for coming to the races and helping with the tuning and mechanical work it takes to run in this class."

Ryan races next at the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, March 15-18, 2007.

-credit: schnitz racing