Arana Racing riders readying for duel attack on two trophies up for grabs in Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif. (July 25) -- Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Hector Arana Sr. and his son Hector Arana Jr. are heading west from Denver for their biggest weekend of the NHRA season. That's because the annual Pro Bike Battle takes place during Saturday's qualifying action of the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals, one of two prizes both men have a chance of claiming.

Currently sixth in the national points, Hector Sr. is qualified fifth in the Pro Bike Battle, and Hector Jr., who is 13th nationally, is seventh on the Battle grid. The Pro Bike Battle invites only the top-eight qualifiers from the last 12 months, a tough accomplishment that makes it a prized jewel to Pro Stock Motorcycle racers.

"It's the best of the best from the last year, and it's great that Hector and I made the cut," Hector Sr. said. "It shows a high level of consistency over a full year's worth of qualifying, and consistency is what wins races and championships. It's what we all want."

Hector Sr. will open the Battle against Chip Ellis, and Hector Jr. will face Andrew Hines.

"There might be some guys right now that are running a little bit better, but if there's one thing I've learned, even in races I've won in the past, it's that you don't need to have the fastest bike to win," Hector Jr. said. "You just have to be focused, do your job, hit your shift points on time, cut a good light, and stay calm.

"I won the national event in Sonoma in 2013, so I have food feelings going into this event. That weekend was a lot of fun. Actually, to my point, that weekend we didn't have the best motor, but we were able to stay consistent. I did my job right and we were able to go rounds. It wasn't the fastest bike, but we squeezed every last bit out of that engine. Now we just have to do the same with these and we'll be good to go."

Having two trophies to race for is enough work by itself, but coming from the mile-high climes of Denver to sea-level Sonoma also presents some challenges.

"We have a lot of work to do to switch everything back to our normal tune-up," Hector Sr. said. "We also have to arrive with the heads and oil pan off so NHRA can inspect the engines, so it's a lot of work.

"We've been struggling with both bikes, but maybe it's good we're struggling now. Things will turn around in the Countdown (to the Championship playoffs) for us. Usually we start real strong in the Countdown and then tail off. We're gonna change that this time. Everybody goes through a period where they struggle. The strong will keep on and look for a way to get back on top. If it's not made for you, then it's time to quit and go home."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 4:30 and 7 p.m., Friday, and 1:10 and 4:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying action from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, and 7 to 8 p.m., Saturday. FOX will carry eliminations live from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in PT).

Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Hector Arana Jr. (above) and his father Hector Arana Sr. (below) will face their biggest weekend of the NHRA season, racing in the Pro Bike Battle during Saturday's qualifying action of the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals.

 

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