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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COOLBETH GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE AT MARYSVILLE GRAND NATIONAL Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Factory Rider Takes Second Win of Season
MARYSVILLE, TENN (June 21, 2008) – Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth remains undefeated on the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins series, as the two-time defending Grand National Twins champion took the win on the Mountain Raceway Park half-mile. It was the 16th career Grand National victory for Coolbeth, who rode a Harley-Davidson XR-750 motorcycle.
Blue Springs Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Jared Mees, who was fast qualifier for the race, crashed hard in the first turn at the start of the 25-lap main, bringing out a red flag that stopped the action. Mees eventually remounted, but Reiman's Harley-Davidson/RCS Racing rider Sammy Sweet, who was collected in the crash, was unable to continue.
On the restart Moroney's Harley-Davidson/Screamin' Eagle rider Bryan Smith and Latus Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Joe Kopp lead into the first turn, but Coolbeth split them with a great drive out of the corner and had the lead when the pack crossed the line to count the first lap. Coolbeth and Kopp pulled away, leaving behind a fight for third that involved Smith, American Suzuki rider Jake Johnson, Glassman/LZ Racing rider Sammy Halbert and Chris Carr. The veteran Carr held down third place from lap 4 through lap 21, but Halbert made a pass for the position on lap 22. Two laps later Smith dropped Carr to fifth. Halbert held on to third at the finish to take the first Grand National first podium spot of his career. Kopp stayed in touch with Coolbeth, but the Michigan rider was able to maintain a cushion and finished 1.06 seconds ahead of Kopp at the finish.
After two races, Coolbeth leads the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins series with 46 points. Smith is second with 34 points, followed by Kopp and Carr, who are tied with 28 points.
In the Expert Twins class at Marysville, Action Motorsports/Lancaster Harley-Davidson rider Brandon Lee Robinson won the heat race and led the final 10 laps of the 12-lap main on a Harley-Davidson, and leads the series after two events.
The next stop on the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins Championship schedule is June 27 at Bedford Speedway in Bedford, Pa.
Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin' Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin' Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.
The Screamin' Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.
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