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Romine
Racing News
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Mike Romine and Mark Conner teamed up at the AMRA race in Stanon, Michigan on July 10 and 11 to deliver the 1-2 punch to the competition. Consistent six second passes at over 200 m.p.h. for both bikes helped Mike and Mark attain their goal of meeting in the final.
After Saturday qualifying, Mike sat in the #1 spot with a 6.92 and Mark was second with a 6.94. Saturday evening, Mike relaxed in the shade, 'We are very happy with today's qualifying. As teammates, our goal is always to qualify #1 and #2. It doesn't always work out that way, but this time it did.' Mike made qualifying passes of 6.92, 7.15 and 6.98. Mark made only 2 passes and his times were 6.94 and 8.61. Mark decided to sit out the second qualifying round because an earlier inspection of the track had convinced him that he would like to stay out of the left lane, if possible. Mark mused, 'I feel that the right lane is much better, but there is a bump in it also. I found it during my second qualifying pass. Hopefully, I can stay in the right lane and drive around the bump.' Mike also felt that the right lane was in better shape, but wanted to see what the bike would do in the left lane if he was forced to run in it.
Sunday eliminations saw Mike run low e.t. of the race with a 6.87 in the first round, then follow up with a 6.94 in the second round. Though it was a good time, Mike was concerned, 'I am afraid that 6.94 is not going to be good enough for lane choice in the final. If Mark wins his second round, I bet I'll be in the left lane for the final.' These would prove to be prophetic words as Mark did indeed win his second round with a 6.90 pass - his best run of the weekend. Upon arriving back at the team pits, Mark was jubilant, 'I got lane choice! I get to stay in the right lane!' Mike was philosophical, 'Yeah, Mark's got me covered, but this is racing and I'm not giving up yet.'
In the final, Mark again found that dreaded bump in the right lane and ran an 8.04 as Mike had his hands full in the left lane with a 7.00 pass. Mike stated, 'Mark was way out on me, so I saw him hit the bump. My bike was really moving around because that lane is so rough, but I was able to get by him. This was just a great race for the team. I would have been happy - win or lose - but winning IS better.'
Mike Romine is sponsored by Romine Cams, Chromatic, Performance Machine, Lucas Oil, Fram, Autolite, Ross Pistons, Mickey Thompson Tires and Competition Distributing.
Mark Conner is sponsored by Alamo City Harley-Davidson, Lucas Oil, Fram, Autolite and Competition Distributing.
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