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.

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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.

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