Arana, the 2009 Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, loves Norwalk for many of the same reasons a lot of NHRA competitors do: The Bader family treats racers well, and Norwalk is a top-notch racetrack. But there's another reason as well.
"That place is a beautiful facility," Arana said. "It's not just beautiful, but to give me my first win, I could never forget that. Not only was it my first win, but I had my boys with me, working with me. We won that event, and it's a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life."
The year was 2008, and Arana had been toiling in the class since 1990 trying to get his first victory. After 19 years of blood, sweat, and tears, he finally broke through in Norwalk. He beat No. 4 qualifier Matt Guidera, No. 5 qualifier Matt Smith, and No. 1 qualifier Eddie Krawiec before outrunning No. 10 Craig Treble in the final round.
As he recalls the time immediately after the final round, Arana breaks out in a big laugh.
"The reason why I laugh is because it was 19 years, on and off, that I was going to the races but hadn't won," Arana said. "I finally won! They gave me this trophy, and I'm taking pictures, but (NHRA) says, 'Hector, we need the trophy.' "
Arana wasn't giving up the Wally that easily, however.
"Uh, uh," Arana told them. "This is my trophy."
"Hey, we need the trophy," NHRA officials replied.
"No, I worked for 19 years! This is my trophy."
NHRA officials persisted.
"I hear the Pro Stock winner being interviewed, and I look back, and he's got a trophy," Arana said. "Here comes the Funny Car winner, and they said, 'Hector, trust us, we'll have your trophy at the staging lanes.' "
Arana was then told to look at the bottom of the trophy.
"I looked underneath the trophy, and sure enough it said 'Top Fuel,' " Arana said with a laugh. "I apologized to the others who had to do an interview with no trophy to hold on to!"
Arana has since added six more victories and the 2009 championship to his résumé, but that day in Norwalk will always be special.
Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 5 and 7:45 p.m. ET, Friday, and 12:30 and 3:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying action from 8 to 9 p.m. ET, Friday, and 7 to 8 p.m., Saturday, and eliminations from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday.
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| Lucas Oil rider Hector Arana Sr. scored his first career victory in Norwalk, Ohio, and hopes to be successful again this weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals. |
Please visit www.LucasOil.com and www.GeigerMediaGlobal.com for more information.
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