Anthony Vanetti gets another shot aboard Protect The Harvest/Lucas Oil bike

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 30) -- Anthony Vanetti has one goal for the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals this weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis: Qualify.

Vanetti returns to the Pro Stock Motorcycle class for the biggest race of the season, riding the Protect The Harvest/Lucas Oil Buell for Arana Racing. He attempted two races in 2015 but is still looking to make his first start.

Qualifying for the U.S. Nationals would be a dream come true, though he knows he has his work cut out for him.

"I was looking at the entry list, just seeing how stacked the Pro Stock Motorcycle field is," Vanetti said. "With people like Joey Gladstone, one of the best non-wheelie-bar riders in the nation, making his debut, it's super, super stiff competition. Then you have the Harley-Davidsons and everyone else in the class.

"It's just neat to be a part of it and race at this level. I just feel so blessed, and to finally get my opportunity is incredible."

In addition to his work with Lucas Oil and Morgan Lucas' part-time Top Fuel team, Vanetti has been racing his eight-second bracket motorcycle as often as possible to prepare for this race. He also tested at Lucas Oil Raceway last week, though that was cut short by bad weather.

"We made a couple of squirts," Vanetti said. "We made a 330-foot run just to make sure we had the starting-line procedure correct and the tune-up for my style of riding. We made a clutch adjustment for the second and went to the eighth-mile, thinking we were going to get four or five more runs, but after that second one, we got wicked weather and packed it up.

"Hector (Arana Sr.) was real happy with the way it left the starting line and everything up to the eighth-mile. He would've liked to have seen me go one or two more, but he's comfortable, and that's all that matters. Hector was smiling at the end of the day, and that made me feel proud inside."

No one will be happier than Vanetti should he make the field, and no one will have a bigger smile come Sunday night if that happens.

"I have a long list of people to thank," Vanetti said. "First and foremost to my family for always believing in me and supporting me, and thanks to Forrest, Charlotte, and Morgan Lucas and everybody at Lucas Oil. Gary Tonglet and his family have been a big help, too. Thanks to everybody who helps keep me fast and safe on my bracket bike, my buddies Nohl Haeckel, Freddie Camarena, and Rob.

"Definitely thanks to Hector Arana Sr. and his team for providing me with amazing horsepower and a super-fast motorcycle. Can't forget about my good friend and crewmember Joe Lucas, too. I couldn't do it without everyone, for sure."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 7:15 p.m., Friday; 2:45 and 6:45 p.m., Saturday; and 11:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., Sunday. Eliminations begin at noon, Monday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying action from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, plus the early part of Monday's eliminations live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Live TV coverage will then shift to the main FOX Network with action from 1 to 4 p.m. (All times listed in ET).

Anthony Vanetti will return to the Pro Stock Motorcycle class for the biggest race of the season: the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals this weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.

*****
Protect the Harvest seeks to inform American consumers, businesses, and decision-makers about threats posed by animal-rights and anti-farming extremists. The organization works to protect citizens' freedoms by creating lasting legal safeguards for farmers, ranchers, hunters, anglers, and animal owners, mainly by responding to the activities of radical groups by opposing efforts to pass laws or enact regulations that would restrict citizens' rights, freedoms, and hinder access to safe, affordable food. For more information, visit ProtectTheHarvest.com.

Founded in 1989 by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, Lucas Oil Products is the world leader of high-performance lubricants and problem-solving additives and produces and markets more than 270 unique formulations in more than 40 countries. Products include engine oils, greases, gear lubes, problem-solving additives, and car-care products. Please visit LucasOil.com for more information.

Visit MorganLucasRacing.com, ProtectTheHarvest.com, and GeigerMediaGlobal.com for more information.

Lucas Oil rider Hector Arana Sr. wants to add to his U.S. Nationals legacy with another victory

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 30) -- The times when Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. doesn't have a smile on his face are rare, and when he thinks about the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals this weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, the smile gets a little wider.

Arana is a past U.S. Nationals champion, having won the Big Go in 2009 during his championship season, and he wants to do it again.

"The U.S. Nationals: Does it get any better than that?" Arana said. "Indy is special, and that is one event everyone wants to win. That's an event that everyone wants to win it twice, too, including me. To do it more than once and go down in history, that's awesome."

Lucas Oil Raceway is also a home track for Arana Racing, which is based near the Lucas bottling plant in Corydon, Ind. Because of the closeness of his team and his association with Lucas Oil, Indy is always a busy race for Arana.

"It gets hectic because a lot of friends from work and everywhere are there," Arana said. "It's a little bit hectic, but other than that, it's awesome."

Indy is the final race before the Countdown to the Championship, which pits the top-10 drivers in a six-race battle for the Pro Stock Motorcycle title. Arana is sixth in the points standings, though he hasn't clinched a Countdown spot yet.

Racers can earn 1.5 times the points of normal national events at the U.S. Nationals, so Arana knows he has to be on his toes.

"I have to stay focused," Arana said. "We are going to take it one run at a time. We've got to be careful because the points are one and a half, so anything can happen at Indy."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 7:15 p.m., Friday; 2:45 and 6:45 p.m., Saturday; and 11:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., Sunday. Eliminations begin at noon, Monday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying action from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, plus the early part of Monday's eliminations live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Live TV coverage will then shift to the main FOX Network with action from 1 to 4 p.m. (All times listed in ET).

Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. is a past Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals champion, in 2009 during his championship season, and he wants to win it again.

***

Founded in 1989 by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, Lucas Oil Products is the world leader of high-performance lubricants and problem-solving additives and produces and markets more than 270 unique formulations in more than 40 countries. Products include engine oils, greases, gear lubes, problem-solving additives, and car-care products. Please visit LucasOil.com for more information.

Please visit www.LucasOil.com and www.GeigerMediaGlobal.com for more information.

Lucas Oil Racing TV's Hector Arana Jr. would love another U.S. Nationals title

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 30) -- Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. accomplished a goal during his 2011 rookie season that many NHRA competitors never get a chance to achieve: He won the U.S. Nationals, and it was his first victory and it jump-started his stellar career.

Now, Arana is back for the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals this weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, and he wants more.

"It's the Big Go," Arana said. "It's the race everyone wants to win. Fortunately for me, I've been able to accomplish that, but now I want another one."

Arana had been to one final round when he came to Indy in 2011, but things clicked that Monday, and he beat Jerry Savoie in the final round to secure the Wally.

"That's the first race I ever won, and it's a big race," Arana said. "It's a hometown race, and a lot of friends and family will be there. It's one of my favorite races, and we've run good there and I'm looking forward to it.

"Hopefully we can figure out our little issue with the horsepower and we'll be ready to go."

Arana's team is based in Corydon, Ind., about 145 miles from Lucas Oil Raceway. He lives in New York now, but his roots still run deep in Indiana.

A late-season surge has Arana ninth in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, and only the top 10 will battle for the 2016 title in the Countdown to the Championship. The Countdown begins after Indy, so doing well this weekend is crucial to his chances. Plus, racers can earn 1.5 times the points of normal national events at the U.S. Nationals.

Arana has been to the semifinals in each of the last two races, so he knows the potential is there to have another good U.S. Nationals.

"I want to go rounds, I want to keep riding this bike," Arana said. "It's a blast to ride, and it's leaving really good. We just had another .104 60-foot, and it's one of the most consistent bikes. A few other bikes are going faster, but if we get the power back, we're No. 1. We have 'the bike.' I believe that 100 percent, and I believe we will get there. I'm excited."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 7:15 p.m., Friday; 2:45 and 6:45 p.m., Saturday; and 11:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., Sunday. Eliminations begin at noon, Monday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying action from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, plus the early part of Monday's eliminations live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Live TV coverage will then shift to the main FOX Network with action from 1 to 4 p.m. (All times listed in ET).

Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. won the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals during his rookie season in 2011, and he would like to win it again this weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway.

***

Lucas Oil Racing TV is the first streaming TV network dedicated solely to the world of motorsports - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The new network is the world's premier motorsports destination. Programming includes live and pre-taped racing, expanded pre- and post-race action, behind-the-scenes content, unseen interviews, automobile build shows, and an extensive library of national and international motorsports content. The app is available through www.LucasOilRacing.TV for viewing on smartphones and tablets, as well as Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Android Tablets, and Roku. Subscriptions are $59.99 with a one-year agreement, or $6.99 a month for a pay-as-you-go plan. Sign-ups are available now on www.LucasOilRacing.TV.

Visit LucasOil.com, LucasOilRacing.TV, and GeigerMediaGlobal.com for more information.

Lucas Oil's Hector Arana Jr. dials up another semifinal finish

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 21) -- Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. continued to serve notice that he's a threat in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, and his dad, Lucas Oil racer Hector Arana Sr., isn't far behind.

In the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals on Sunday at Brainerd International Raceway, Arana Jr. raced to his second consecutive semifinal finish, and Arana Sr. continued to make progress as the Countdown to the Championship looms.

"Right time of the year," Arana Jr. said. "We've got the bike running consistent, and we're working on the tune-up. We're just a little bit down on power, but we're working on that. We've got the bike working well, we're going rounds, and we gained some more points again. We're still not safe yet because anything can happen."

Arana Jr. moved into the top 10 in Sonoma, Calif., and he expanded his lead over 11th place with another semifinal appearance in Brainerd. He qualified No. 3, beat Jim Underdahl in the first round, and beat Matt Smith in the second round before a red-light in the semi's against Andrew Hines ended his day.

"Now, I've got to slow myself down," Arana Jr. said. "I was good the first two runs, but I don't know if it was the adrenaline and the excitement speeding me up. I've got to grip that clutch handle a little bit tighter so I can let it out a little slower, and we'll be good to go."

Unofficially, Arana Jr. moved within 16 points of eighth-place Smith while pulling 55 points ahead of 10th-place Steve Johnson and 60 ahead of 11th-place Michael Ray. The top 10 race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle championship with the Countdown begining after the next race.

"In previous years, at this time of the year, we were going backwards, but now we're going forward," Arana Jr. said. "I'm very excited and looking forward to the rest of the season."

Arana Sr., sixth in the points standings, is looking forward to the U.S. Nationals and beyond, too, despite a first-round defeat in Brainerd. His pass of 6.885 seconds at 195.05 mph wasn't terrible, but Smith outran him with a 6.833 at 196.07 mph. Plus, Arana Sr.'s reaction time (.070-second) left him shaking his head.

"I improved a little bit, but for some reason I had a terrible light," Arana Sr. said. "It's one of those days."

But Arana Sr. was able to do some testing in qualifying and improve his Buell.

"The weekend was good," Arana Sr. said. "We did try different things because we're getting close to the Countdown, and I've got to keep searching. My development doesn't stop. I felt good in my qualifying position, so this was the time for me to try some things.

"The Countdown is where we need to stay consistent and keep doing the same thing over and over so we can have a good chance to win the championship. There's more left in the bike, and I've got to keep picking at it and keep going quicker."

Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. (above) continued to serve notice that he's a threat in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class with a semifinal finish, and his dad, Lucas Oil racer Hector Arana Sr. (below), improved in round one of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn.

 

Lucas Oil Racing TV is the first streaming TV network dedicated solely to the world of motorsports - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The new network is the world's premier motorsports destination. Programming includes live and pre-taped racing, expanded pre- and post-race action, behind-the-scenes content, unseen interviews, automobile build shows, and an extensive library of national and international motorsports content. The app is available through www.LucasOilRacing.TV for viewing on smartphones and tablets, as well as Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Android Tablets, and Roku. Subscriptions are $59.99 with a one-year agreement, or $6.99 a month for a pay-as-you-go plan. Sign-ups are available now on www.LucasOilRacing.TV.

Visit LucasOil.com, LucasOilRacing.TV, and GeigerMediaGlobal.com for more information.

Lucas Oil Racing TV pro Hector Arana Jr. goes for first Brainerd win from No. 3 spot

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 20) -- Hector Arana Jr. and his Lucas Oil Racing TV Buell keep getting better and better, and it's the perfect time of year for improvement.

Arana matched his season-best qualifying effort, No. 3, by ripping off a terrific pass in the final qualifying session for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals on Saturday at Brainerd International Raceway.

Arana has been quick all weekend, and his best run of 6.855 seconds at 193.82 mph put him in the No. 3 spot, his best qualifying effort since Englishtown, N.J., in June.

"That was my career-best 60-foot time, and we're sneaking up on the tune-up," Arana said. "We're still not quite there yet, but I have full confidence in our team that if we keep tweaking on it, we'll get there."

Arana had a slow start to the season, but he and his Arana Racing team have turned things around in recent races. He qualified No. 7 and raced to the semifinals in Sonoma, Calif., launching himself into the top 10 of the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings.

The top 10 will race for the 2016 title in the Countdown to the Championship, which begins in Charlotte, two races from now.

The season improvement mirrored Arana's performance in Brainerd, as he improved his elapsed time in each run.

"The most important thing is we improved on every run, and we've been consistent," Arana said. "Now, we've got to keep improving. Four more runs to go, but we'll focus on the bike and making one run at a time. As long as we can do that and I can do my job, we can get there."

Arana starts race day against No. 14 qualifier Jim Underdahl, whose best pass was 6.964 seconds at 192.93 mph.

Arana has never won in Brainerd, though he has raced to the final round in 2011 and 2012.

"This is one of my favorite places," Arana said. "It's beautiful out here, and it's the Lucas Oil event. I've made it to the finals twice here, and if I could get a win here, it'd be awesome."

Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air eliminations live from 1 to 4 p.m. CT, Sunday.

Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. matched his season-best qualifying effort, No. 3, by ripping off a 6.855 in the final qualifying session for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn.

***
Lucas Oil Racing TV is the first streaming TV network dedicated solely to the world of motorsports - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The new network is the world's premier motorsports destination. Programming includes live and pre-taped racing, expanded pre- and post-race action, behind-the-scenes content, unseen interviews, automobile build shows, and an extensive library of national and international motorsports content. The app is available through www.LucasOilRacing.TV for viewing on smartphones and tablets, as well as Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Android Tablets, and Roku. Subscriptions are $59.99 with a one-year agreement, or $6.99 a month for a pay-as-you-go plan. Sign-ups are available now on www.LucasOilRacing.TV.

Visit LucasOil.com, LucasOilRacing.TV, and GeigerMediaGlobal.com for more information.

Brainerd always puts a smile on Lucas Oil racer Hector Arana Sr.'s face

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 20) -- You wouldn't know by the smile on Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Sr.'s face that he didn't qualify in the top half of the field for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals on Saturday at Brainerd International Raceway.

Why? For starters, it's his sponsor's race, and Arana always is excited to show what he can do for Lucas Oil co-founders Forrest and Charlotte Lucas.

Second, Arana loves the Brainerd fans, especially those in the famed "Zoo," the campground next to BIR.

Finally, Arana is a big fan of the racetrack itself.

"This track is something else," Arana said. "(Track owners) Jed and Kristi (Copham) and the Safety Safari have done an awesome job. That track is one of the best, and the surface is good and smooth. It's always fast here.

"The other big thing is the fans. They are awesome. They welcome the racers to the Zoo, which is fun. This is the place."

And don't forget about longtime backer Lucas Oil, of course.

"It's sponsored by Lucas Oil, too," Arana said. "Does it get any better? No, it can't get any better."

Arana won this race in 2009, and if he wants to win this year, he'll have to do it from the No. 11 spot. He made a top qualifying pass of 6.917 seconds at 194.94 mph, recorded in the second qualifying session on Friday. Arana did a little testing on Saturday and did not improve, but he's ready for race day.

"The bike is running OK," Arana said. "We had two good runs, and then I decided to try something else because now is the time to try. It didn't pan out, but at least we know what to do next. That's one less thing they've got to try. We'll keep on going and keep looking for the power we need."

Arana will square off against No. 6 qualifier Matt Smith in the first round of eliminations. Smith's best pass was 6.879 seconds at 194.66 mph.

Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air eliminations live from 1 to 4 p.m. CT, Sunday.

Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Sr. will square off against No. 6 qualifier Matt Smith in the first round of Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn.

******

Founded in 1989 by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, Lucas Oil Products is the world leader of high-performance lubricants and problem-solving additives and produces and markets more than 270 unique formulations in more than 40 countries. Products include engine oils, greases, gear lubes, problem-solving additives, and car-care products. Please visit LucasOil.com for more information.

Please visit www.LucasOil.com and www.GeigerMediaGlobal.com for more information.

Sponsor's race a special event for Lucas Oil veteran Hector Arana Sr.

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 17) -- The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals this weekend at Brainerd International Raceway is a special event for every racer backed by the company founded by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, but the race is even more special to Hector Arana Sr., the 2009 Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, who has been associated with Lucas Oil since the mid-1990s.

"If you stop and think about how many years I've been racing with Lucas Oil, it's amazing," Arana said. "Not only have they stuck by me when things weren't going so well for me, but to give me the opportunity to have both of my boys race with me also and keep the family together, that's what it's all about with this company.

"They love this sport and they love to help people. They have the biggest heart. So everyone in our company, from the president to the regular guy that works there, it's all a big family."

Arana joined that family in 1995, racing a Lucas Oil-sponsored Pro Stock Motorcycle long before the company grew into the corporate giant it is today.

In his championship season of 2009, Arana won the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, receiving the Wally trophy from Charlotte Lucas that day.

"Morgan (Lucas) won also, and (Lucas Oil-sponsored driver) Frank Manzo won in the event," Arana said. "It is great to win and have the trophy handed to you by the sponsor. That's sweet. It's icing on the cake."

Brainerd has always been a popular race among NHRA competitors, mostly for the fun to be had in the famed "Zoo" campground. Arana, a popular racer among Pro Stock Motorcycle fans, likes to mingle with the fans in the Zoo.

"I'm looking forward to going to Brainerd because the fans there are so great," Arana said. "To go there and then go after the race and see the fans partying, it's great. They invite us to the pit and want to give us some drinks and have us participate with them, and that's a good feeling. I think that it's good that we can go back and participate with them and make more friends."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 and 5:30 p.m., Friday, and 1 and 3:30 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying action from 9 to 11 p.m., Saturday, and eliminations live from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in CT).

Hector Arana Sr. won the 2009 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., and would love to again receive the Wally trophy from Lucas Oil co-founder Charlotte Lucas this weekend.

Founded in 1989 by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, Lucas Oil Products is the world leader of high-performance lubricants and problem-solving additives and produces and markets more than 270 unique formulations in more than 40 countries. Products include engine oils, greases, gear lubes, problem-solving additives, and car-care products. Please visit LucasOil.com for more information.

Please visit www.LucasOil.com and www.GeigerMediaGlobal.com for more information.

Hector Arana Jr. hopes to use momentum to reach Lucas Oil Nationals winner's circle

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 17) -- Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. is hoping momentum from the most recent NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event will carry him all the way to the winner's circle at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals this weekend at Brainerd International Raceway.

Arana shook off some early-season blues to qualify in the top half of the field and race to the semifinals two weeks ago in Sonoma, Calif. That performance vaulted him into the top 10 of the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings with two races left before the top 10 race for the 2016 title in the Countdown to the Championship.

"We just keep the momentum going," Arana said. "We've got the bike consistent. We had some great 60-foot times in Sonoma, a .104 on every run: .1040, .1042, .1043, .1031 -- consistently fast. Now we just have to work on the back half, and I think I know just the trick to do that."

Arana will test those theories at an important event for him and his Arana Racing team this weekend. Backed by a Lucas Oil property in the Lucas Oil race, Arana would love to perform well in front of the Brainerd crowd.

He raced to the final in Brainerd in 2011 and 2012 and hopes to take that one step further this weekend.

"Lucas Oil races are always important," Arana said. "They're the greatest sponsors out there, and we wouldn't be out here racing if it wasn't for Lucas Oil. We love everything they have done for us. They treat us like family. They are family, so to win at one of their events is awesome.

"My dad has been able to do it and now I've got to do it. Like I said, we are on the right track, and I am very confident for Brainerd."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 and 5:30 p.m., Friday, and 1 and 3:30 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying action from 9 to 11 p.m., Saturday, and eliminations live from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in CT).

Lucas Oil Racing TV is the first streaming TV network dedicated solely to the world of motorsports - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The new network is the world's premier motorsports destination. Programming includes live and pre-taped racing, expanded pre- and post-race action, behind-the-scenes content, unseen interviews, automobile build shows, and an extensive library of national and international motorsports content. The app is available through www.LucasOilRacing.TV for viewing on smartphones and tablets, as well as Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Android Tablets, and Roku. Subscriptions are $59.99 with a one-year agreement, or $6.99 a month for a pay-as-you-go plan. Sign-ups are available now on www.LucasOilRacing.TV.

Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. is hoping momentum from the most recent event will carry him to the winner's circle at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals this weekend in Brainerd, Minn.

Visit LucasOil.com, LucasOilRacing.TV, and GeigerMediaGlobal.com for more information.