Kent Stotz sets SBS Speed Record
at 200 mph
October 07, 2004
Kent Stotz made a strong move in the Streetbike Shootout points
chase at the AMA/Prostar Schnitz Memphis Blues Nationals at Memphis
Motorsports Park, moving from the 4th spot to the 2nd position
with a final round finish. Stotz, riding his Honda Rider's Club
of America sponsored Honda CBR1100 XX also made history, becoming
the first Streetbike Shootout rider to set the speed record at
over 200 mph. The record now stands at 200.11 mph.
The record run came in the semifinals against Kawasaki factory
rider and reigning champion in the class, Rickey Gadson. Gadson
got the holeshot on his ZX-12R but Stotz powered by him for the
win with a 7.302 elapsed time at 200.11 mph. The run stood up
as Low E.T. and Top Speed of the meet.
 “The
most interesting aspect of the record is that I use the smallest
motor in the class at 1138cc,” said Stotz, a four-time class
champion. “The Velocity Racing turbo system produced well
over 500 horsepower reliably all weekend to help me make this
happen. I asked George Bryce at Star Racing to port the head for
200 MPH, and God Bless him, he did!"
In the final Stotz met points leader Barry Henson on his Velocity
Racing Hayabusa. Henson got the holeshot as he cut a .021 reaction
time to Stotz's .039 - both stellar lights for the class. Stotz
made up ground by the 60 foot mark and they swapped the lead three
more times before they crossed the finish line with Stotz backing
up his 200.11 MPH record with a 199.73 MPH pass. Stotz was quicker
with a 7.371 E.T. to Henson's slower 7.379 but lost by a hundredth
of a second due to the reaction times. It was the quickest and
fastest side-by-side Streetbike Shootout race in the history of
the class.
"Coming into the final with the performance advantage and
the best reaction times of the event, I just wanted to run my
own race and let Barry chase me,” said Stotz. “He
did a great job."
“The list of stock Honda Genuine parts on this bike is amazing,”
continued Stotz, who noted that he uses the stock bore OEM cases,
throttle bodies, head gasket, head bolts, valves, cams, and Honda
Pro Oils HP4 20-50 motor oil. Aftermarket equipment on the 68
inch turbocharged Honda Blackbird includes JE pistons, Falicon
Knife rods and clutch basket, and a Robinson Industries back-cut
trans.
"You don't set records like this without the best equipment
everywhere on the bike,” said Stotz, “from the RC
wheels, Hyperpro Suspension, Pingel air shifter, Airtech body
work, right down to the Joe Rocket Leathers that fit great and
make me feel comfortable and safe on race day. This is a high-profile
team. We have sponsorship propositions constantly but I only accept
the absolute best products. There is little room for error.”
Stotz wanted to thank Barry Henson for his Velocity Racing turbo
system with the best track support anywhere. Part of that track
support came from Steve Nichols whom Barry works with to develop
the ECU's necessary to produce and control the 500 plus horsepower.
Kent also had trusty companion and long time crew chief Mark Harrell,
with Kent’s wife Sharon and father Fritz supporting him.
Stotz also thanked Schaumburg Honda Service Center for their support.
The World Finals in Gainesville, FL, should see a hot battle with
Stotz, Henson and Gadson all in position to claim the season championship.
Stotz notes that the recording holding bike will be for sale at
the conclusion of the Gainesville event as he will build a new
Blackbird for the 2005 season.
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