After a frustrating weekend in Denver, Jim Underdahl is feeling the pressure of securing a Countdown berth after losing two spots and falling to 9th in the points chase. This weekend’s FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals needs to be time to make a big move. Only three races remain for the regular season, and Underdahl’s Forest Lake, MN based team is feeling the pressure of not making the countdown. “There are good riders and good bikes below us in the points, and all they need is one good race to jump into the top 10. We need to make sure we have everything together on the first hit Friday,” Underdahl mentioned. The team made a couple tune-up mistakes early in Denver’s qualifying, which left them behind the rest of the weekend.
Infineon Raceway is the perfect place for Underdahl to make the move. Sonoma is where Jim scored his first round win in 2009, and last year ended with a quarter-final finish with a win over L.E. Tonglet. “I love this race facility, and we always run really fast here. I’ve also had some good luck come my way. I could use a little this weekend too,” smirked the 25 year old Suzuki rider.
A fresh engine from Vance & Hines and some chassis and electrical modifications this week should get the team where they need to be. Ben Kriegsfeld stated, “I need to thank everyone at the shop in Tempe, Ariz. (AGP Turbo) for making the new components for the bike in short time. With the fresh bullet going in, along with a new electrical system, we’re going to fly this weekend. No more excuses.”
