LE Tonglet vs. Underdahl in Gatornationals opening round

It was the start of a new NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season for reigning champion LE Tonglet and the Tonglet Racing Nitro Fish team, but it seemed like a rerun of last year.

Tonglet came into the Tire Kingdom Gatornationals without making laps on the Suzuki GSXR in 2011, but he still advanced to the semifinals before going to the sidelines.

He began the day with a win over Jim Underdahl (6.843 seconds at 193.49 mph to 6.881 at 194.49) before taking on Harley Davidson driver Andrew Hines, who lost to Tonglet by four points in the close championship battle.  Tonglet got the win, leaving first (.020-.029-second) and crossing the finish line first, 6.825 at 195.51 to 6.852 at 196.24

In the semis, Tonglet faced Eddie Krawiec, the other half of the Harley team.  Tonglet’s .015 reaction got him off the line first, but Krawiec closed with a 6.825 at 198.85 to a 6.861 at 196.07.

“All in all, it was a great weekend,” said Tonglet.  “I think we did well without any testing.  We spun the tire in second gear against Krawiec and that cost us.   We always seem to get both Harleys in our bracket on Sundays.

The performance was better than his initial appearance here last year when he lost in the opening round.  He is fourth with 74 points.