Graybeard Hector Arana Sr. still as giddy as a kid when he thinks about Reading race

READING, Pa. (Sept. 27) -- World champion Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. maybe be one of the longest-tenured riders in the world's quickest and fastest two-wheel category of racing, but that doesn't stop the 58-year-old from acting like a kid at Christmas every time he rolls through the gates of Maple Grove Raceway, the site of this weekend's 32nd annual Dodge NHRA Nationals.

"Reading is an awesome place," the 2009 champ said. "I'm already looking to the weather, which is what we always do when Reading shows up on the schedule, and it looks like it's going to be one of those years where the track could be very, very fast.

"Mr. Weatherman says it's going to be in the low 70s and maybe even the 60s on Sunday, so it's going to be mineshaft conditions, which means quick e.t.s. I just hope we can get some of those low e.t.s out of our Lucas Oil Buells so we can get the boost we need to pump us up and give us a little more confidence down the stretch."

Arana runs a two-bike operation with his son Hector Jr. astride the second team bike. Both men are sponsored by Lucas Oil, a partnership that goes back many years.

The duo are also regulars in the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs, which continue this weekend in Reading. Arana currently is participating in his eighth straight playoff chase, and his son is running in his sixth consecutive Countdown.

"It's important for both of us to do well in the playoffs and bring as much glory as possible to Forrest and Charlotte Lucas and everyone else at Lucas Oil Products," Arana said. "They have supported us for so long, through all the ups and downs, and we love to give them Wally trophies because that's the best way to say thank you back to them.

"I'm liking our chances. Both bikes are running well and we feel like we have the ability to win any of the races we enter. I've been around a long time, and I don't think it's ever been tougher than it is right now in this class, but that makes it more challenging and more satisfying when you do well. Hopefully this weekend is a big one for us."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., Friday, and 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at 1 p.m., Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying action live from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday. Eliminations will air live from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in ET).

Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. is excited about the performance potential of his Buell at this weekend's 32nd annual Dodge NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pa.

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.

Another 'home race' has Lucas Oil pro Hector Arana Jr. pumped up to perform

READING, Pa. (Sept. 27) -- He may hail from Miami, but for the last year and a half, Hector Arana Jr. has called East Northport, Long Island, home, making this weekend's 32nd annual Dodge NHRA Nationals another "home race" for the established star in the drag racing's Pro Stock Motorcycle class.

"I really kind of have two home races now, Englishtown (N.J.) and Reading, so that gives me two chances to win in my backyard," said Arana, an 11-time national event winner. "I like that because we lived in Florida and I've won Gainesville before and we lived in Indiana and I won Indy also, so I want to win up here now that we live close by."

Arana already has tasted success in Reading, as he raced to the victory circle back in 2011, but he wasn't living in New York at the time. But all that changed when he got engaged to retired Pro Stock drag racer John Nobile's daughter, Nicole.

"I moved up here because Nicole is here, so naturally we want to spend as much time together as possible," Arana said. "Before, we spent most of our time together around the races, but that's tough because I was working on my bike most of the time. Now we're able to have a more normal life together. It's worked out well."

Like most racers on tour, Arana has been eying the forecast for the weekend and he likes what he's been seeing so far. Due to its location in the middle of Pennsylvania's bucolic Dutch Country, pure oxygen is in large supply in the picturesque valley where Maple Grove Raceway is located. The extra O2 gives the naturally-aspirated Pro Stock Motorcycles an additional boost of horsepower.

"If weather conditions are just right, we could see national records this weekend," Arana said. "We would really like to be in the mix to run those kinds of numbers. We have the power to do it; we just need to put it all together the right way.

"We've had a decent year and even got to the final round at Indy earlier this month but we want more. Reading would be a great place to win. I know I'd be happy to get it done."
 
Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., Friday, and 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at 1 p.m., Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying action live from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday. Eliminations will air live from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in ET).

This weekend's 32nd annual Dodge NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pa., is another "home race" for Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr.

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.

Hector Arana Sr. rides to quarterfinals; Hector Arana Jr. takes tough loss in round one in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 25) -- Hector Arana Sr., rider of the Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle, is fairly pleased with his weekend of racing in St. Louis even though he's a bit perplexed about the performance of his two-wheel racer on Sunday.

"It's throwing me for a curve," Arana said. "My tune-up is pretty good, the clutch combination is good, so I still can't put a finger on it why it's not running as fast as we did in Friday and Saturday qualifying. For some reason we are slowing down, and I don't quite know why yet."

Arana qualified in the top half of the 16-motorcycle field in the No. 7 position with a very good 6.880-second, 195.34-mph run. He defeated Karen Stoffer in the opening stanza of today's eliminations.

In the quarterfinals, Arana faced off against Angelle Sampey. Despite a terrific .007-second reaction time, he could not hold off the hard-charging Sampey, 6.916 at 193.96 to 6.882 at 195.08.

"We did OK this weekend, though," Arana said. "We'll be ready to go again in Reading (Pa)."

Hector Arana Jr., rider of the Lucas Oil Racing TV Buell, came very close to an opening-round upset over Andrew Hines, but an uncharacteristically subpar reaction time cost the younger Arana a chance at victory. Hines captured the holeshot win, 6.908, 194.52 to 6.911, 193.49.

"We ran the best we have all weekend, but unfortunately I started thinking too much on the starting line and I was a little too late leaving on Andrew," Arana Jr. said. "He was able to get the holeshot on me. I just have to go back and clear my mind, move past that, and get beyond that point and go from there."

Arana Jr. qualified in the No. 11 spot (6.910 seconds, 194.18 mph) for Sunday's eliminations.

"We are starting to really fine-tune the tune-ups," Arana Jr. concluded. "We are starting to sneak up on them and get a little bit better.

"Hopefully everything works out and we'll be ready for Reading."

Arana Jr. now sits in seventh place in championship points. Arana Sr. follows his son by only eight points in eighth.

The father and son dynamic duo will next compete in the third round of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs in Reading, the 32nd annual Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, Sept. 29-Oct. 2.

Lucas Oil rider Hector Arana Sr. defeated Karen Stoffer in the opening stanza of eliminations en route to the quarterfinals at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis.

Hector Arana Jr., rider of the Lucas Oil Racing TV Buell, came very close to an opening-round upset over Andrew Hines.

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. will start eliminations in No. 11 position

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 24) -- Hector Arana Jr., rider of the Lucas Oil Racing TV Buell, is looking for an opening-round upset over Andrew Hines to start a long day of racing tomorrow.

After qualifying in the No. 11 spot (6.910 seconds, 194.18 mph) for Sunday's eliminations at the 5th annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park just outside of St. Louis, Arana is eager to get his new motor "Jake" back into action for eliminations.

"Jake", affectionately named after Forrest and Charlotte Lucas' late grandson Jake Lucas, made its debut at the recently completed U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. 

"Jake's alright," Arana explained. "For whatever reason we were thrown a curve with the tune-up in qualifying. We ended up switching the ECU (electronic control unit) and now we're trying to figure it out.

"I had a good setup for the starting line with the other ECU, but for whatever reason it's different now. It's a little bit of a learning curve trying to figure out what the bike wants to leave the (starting) line."

Arana is very optimistic about his chances of getting his first win of the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tomorrow and moving up in the championship points.

Arana, who entered the St. Louis event in seventh place in Countdown to the Championship playoffs points, said, "We got the tune-up figured out in that last pass and we picked up speed, so now I've got to get it to leave the line and I believe we will."

Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations start at noon, Sunday, and will air live from 1 to 4 p.m. on FOX Sports 1. (All times listed in CT).

Hector Arana Jr., rider of the Lucas Oil Racing TV Buell, is looking for an opening-round upset over Andrew Hines to start a long day of racing tomorrow at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals.

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 Sr. takes circuitous route to No. 7 qualifying spot in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 24) -- Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. was happy to qualify in the top half of the field for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals on Saturday at Gateway Motorsports Park, but he was even happier to simply be at the racetrack this week.

"I owe this race to (fellow team owner) Junior Pippin," Arana said, "because without him, we would probably still be in North Carolina."

After the race in Charlotte last weekend, Arana and his team had mechanical problems with their motorhome. Pippin came to the rescue, sending a motorhome to Charlotte to tow the Arana Racing trailer to Gateway.

"We got stuck in Charlotte," Arana said. "We were ready to go on Sunday night, and I saw the reverse light on with the truck running. I checked, and it's in neutral and the reverse light is on, so I thought, 'Something's wrong here.'

A master mechanic, Arana tried to work on the problem and got the transmission to go into reverse.

"We finished everything and it will now go in forward and reverse," Arana said. "As a matter of fact, I told Junior, 'Hey, Junior, it goes in reverse,' and he said, 'You can't get to St. Louis in reverse.' I told him if it goes in reverse, it should go in drive."

It did but it wouldn't change gears, so Arana was stuck. Pippin then drove from his home near Atlanta to Charlotte to take the Arana hauler to St. Louis. They arrived Thursday night in time to set up for the weekend.

"It wouldn't shift," Arana said, "so we had to get it towed, and Junior came and picked me and brought me all the way here. He drove from Atlanta to pick me up and bring me here so we could get here on time and at least park inside on Thursday and set up."

Meanwhile, Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales and Racing Performance Motorcoaches worked on Arana's motorhome, repairing it and delivering it to Gateway Friday.

Once Arana got the bike ready for qualifying, it's been fast and consistent. His best run was 6.880 seconds at 195.34 mph, good enough for No. 7, but he wants more.

"The bike is coming around," Arana said. "Four consistent runs. I'm asking Hector (Arana Jr.) now, 'Let's look at the clutch.' I know, I know it can go quicker, so let's see what happens."

Arana will square off against Karen Stoffer in the first round of eliminations after Stoffer qualified No. 11 with a run of 6.904 seconds at 194.60 mph.

Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations start at noon, Sunday, and will air live from 1 to 4 p.m. on FOX Sports 1. (All times listed in CT).

Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. was happy to qualify in the top half of the field for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals on Saturday at Gateway Motorsports Park.

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 rider Hector Arana Sr. ready for a breakthrough in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 20) -- The progress being made by the Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle team and rider Hector Arana Sr. is real, even if it's not immediately evident on paper.

Arana knows a breakthrough on the track could come at any time, perhaps at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals this weekend at Gateway Motorsports Park.

The 2009 Pro Stock Motorcycle champion has fought with a recalcitrant Pro Stock Motorcycle for much of the season; he'll have a good race but then will follow with a disappointing one. Along the way, he has learned that he has good horsepower, as his speed numbers have been among the best.

However, as he tinkered with the tune-up, the Buell would sometimes not respond, but that changed last weekend in Charlotte, where adjustments finally produced positive momentum.

"I've been working hard on this and I've finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel," Arana said. "I'm feeling good because I'm making changes and I see the response. We're going the right way. We're picking up the pace."

St. Louis would be a good place to show the improvement, since it's the second race of the Countdown to the Championship and it's where Arana raced to the final round in 2016. He met son Hector Jr. there before coming up short of another victory.

"That was an excellent weekend," Arana said with a smile. "(Son) Adam was there, (daughter) Abby was there, the whole family was together, so I was happy, I was more relaxed. Of course we went to the finals and the outcome wasn't what I wanted, but if we would have another weekend like that, I'd be happy."

Arana is eighth in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, 153 points out of the lead. Should he get hot, he could make up ground in the points race quickly. St. Louis is the second of six races in the Countdown, which determines the 2016 champion.

"I just need to focus on the bike and not worry about the points," Arana said. "Everyone says that, but if we do that and get the bike to run fast like I like to, then the points will be there for us."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2:45 and 5:15 p.m., Friday, and 1:45 and 4:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying action from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday. Eliminations will air live from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in CT).

Lucas Oil racer Hector Arana Sr. knows a breakthrough on the track could come at any time, perhaps at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals this weekend at Gateway Motorsports Park.

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.

Defending event champ Hector Arana Jr. looks for another 'awesome' Gateway race

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 20) -- For Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr., the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series race at Gateway Motorsports Park was almost perfect.

The week of the event, Arana got engaged to longtime girlfriend Nicole Nobile, who joined him at the St. Louis race. Younger brother Adam raced that weekend, too, making a rare appearance that season. Younger sister Abigail was in attendance, too, as were his parents Hector Sr. and Grace. And with the family watching, Arana raced to the final round and defeated his father for his 11th career victory.

He returns to Gateway this weekend for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals.

"That Monday before the race, I proposed to Nicole and we got engaged," Arana said. "The following week we went to St. Louis, and then my dad and I raced in the finals and we won. (Nobile) came with me to that race, Adam raced, and it was just really awesome."

Arana could use another "awesome" Gateway race, because he's seventh in the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings but is only 122 points out of the lead after a series of upsets in Charlotte among the top 10 riders in the standings kept things close.

He's less than two rounds out of fourth place, and the 122-point deficit amounts to only six rounds.

"Big players are in front of me and they went down in Charlotte," Arana said. "I didn't move up any spots after that race, but the championship is still within reach."

Arana entered the Countdown to the Championship, the six-race stretch that concludes the season and crowns the champion, with a new engine named "Jake" after Jake Lucas, the late grandson of Lucas Oil co-founders Forrest and Charlotte Lucas.

Arana raced to the final of the U.S. Nationals with Jake, but the Charlotte race threw a curveball to Arana and his team.

"We have a couple of ideas," Arana said. "We're going to look at the data now and try to see why we slowed down and if there's anything we can do to improve and go from there."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2:45 and 5:15 p.m., Friday, and 1:45 and 4:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying action from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday. Eliminations will air live from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in CT).

Defending AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals champion Hector Arana Jr. enters this weekend's event in St. Louis less than two rounds out of fourth place and six rounds from the lead.

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.

Hector Arana Jr. snares a victory over dad in opening Countdown race

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 18) -- The fourth father-son showdown of 2016 went Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr.'s way at the NHRA Carolina Nationals on Sunday in Charlotte.

Arana had been 0-3 against his dad, Lucas Oil racer Hector Arana Sr., but he got the win this time when the oil-pump belt broke on his father's bike during the burnout.

Arana Jr., though, didn't have similar luck in the second round against No. 1 qualifier Angelle Sampey. Sampey broke on two of her three passes Sunday, but the one full run she made came against Arana Jr.

Still Arana Jr. was pleased because several Countdown to the Championship contenders fell early in Sunday's race.

"A lot of players in the Countdown went out in the first round and we didn't," Arana Jr. said. "We went on to the second. I'm sure that's going to juggle some points around."

Arana Jr. got his first-round victory on a single run, making a pass of 6.901 seconds at 194.86 mph after his dad has to push his bike off.

"I always pay attention to everything, and I saw my belt laying right there (after the burnout)," Arana Sr. said. "I'm like, 'Oh, no,' so I had to made a quick decision. I know I've got another restart. If the belt came off, I can still put it on and make my run -- (Arana Jr.) is just going to have to wait. Before I turned my engine off, I grabbed the belt because I wanted to make sure it was in one piece. If the belt were in one piece, I'd turn it off and work on it real quick, but it was in two pieces, it was broken apart."

Arana Sr. then quickly went over in his mind what would happen if he took the Christmas Tree but finally decided to push his bike off the line.

"I could go and hurt the motor and he's still going to beat me because the motor is not going to run fast without oil, and then I'm going to be screwed for the next race," Arana Sr. said. "It was against Hector, so it's a loss but it's still a win. Better against Hector than someone else."

Arana Jr. then left first with a .030-second reaction time against Sampey in Round 2, but his pass of 6.954 seconds at 193.74 mph wasn't enough to hold off her 6.896-second run at 194.02 mph.

"It's not like our tune-up is way off or we're missing it so bad on the clutch because we've been really good on leaving the line," Arana Jr. said. "That's what kept up alive. So we're just going to go back and try to find some more beams.

"I'm also happy because I rode well. No red-lights, so I got that monkey off my back and that's something I've been wanting. I was really conscious on staging. I paid attention, and I feel like I know what I was doing wrong and I feel like I was able to correct that and do well this weekend."

Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr., near lane, defeated his father Hector Sr. in round one before going out in the quarterfinals of the NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte.

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's Hector Arana Jr. ready for a fast start to the Countdown

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 17) -- Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. doesn't want to race his dad in the first round of the NHRA Carolina Nationals on Sunday in Charlotte, but he really doesn't want to lose to his dad in the first round.

Arana has an 0-3 record against his father, Hector Sr., in 2016. Those losses have come in the first round, and two of them came when the Aranas qualified Nos. 8 and 9.

Arana sped to the No. 8 qualifying spot in Charlotte and his father is No. 9, so they'll square off in the first round again.

"He's had me all this year," Arana said. "We're a little closer now and we'll see what happens."

That Charlotte also marks the first race of the Countdown to the Championship doesn't make it easier on Arana Racing. The Countdown is NHRA's playoffs, a six-race stretch that concludes the season and crowns champions in four professional classes. Arana is seventh in the points standings, and a good start to the Countdown is important to his championship aspirations.

"Now is not the time for one of us to go out early," Arana said. "We'll move forward from here. We're at least guaranteed one bike will go to the second round. All we can do is build off of that and do our best. We'll then go home and work hard and figure something out."

Arana comes speeding in the Countdown after a strong three-race stretch that saw him reach the final at the U.S. Nationals and the semifinals in the other two races, so he expected more than a top lap of 6.876 seconds at 194.86 mph in Charlotte.

"We're a little off on the tune-up," Arana said. "It's weird. You run good at one track, you come to the next and you're looking forward to it, and then all of a sudden you're down 3 mph from the other people. Our 60-foot times are still good, so we're checking everything and going through the tune-up. We'll do our best tomorrow. That's all we can do."

Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations start at 1 p.m., Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast all the elimination action from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in ET).

Hector Arana Jr. sped to the No. 8 qualifying spot at the NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte and will square off against his father Hector Sr. in the first round.

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.

Hector Arana Sr.'s birthday present? Racing his son in Charlotte first round

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 17) -- Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. would have preferred a different birthday present.

Arana, who celebrated his 58th birthday Saturday, qualified No. 9 for the NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte, and because son Hector Jr. qualified No. 8, that means the two will have to square off in the first round of the first race of the Countdown to the Championship.

"I just have to remind him tomorrow that it's my birthday," Arana said with a laugh.

Arana does own a 3-0 record against his son in 2016, all in the first round and twice when they qualified Nos. 8 and 9.

Arana's best qualifying lap was 6.877 seconds at 195.39 mph, .001-second slower than his son's top pass, but the elder Arana was still happy with how qualifying went because he was able to make adjustments to his Lucas Oil bike to go quicker.

"I'm pleased with the qualifying sessions," Arana said. "We picked up, and finally, finally it's responding to some things, some calls, some tune-ups, so we are going to keep getting better and better."

The Countdown is NHRA's playoffs, a six-race stretch that concludes the season and crowns champions in four professional classes. Arana is eighth in the points standings, and a good start to the Countdown is important to his championship aspirations.

He was surprised on his birthday weekend with a visit from daughter Abigail, who flew in from her home in Miami to help celebrate.

"You know, that's awesome," Arana said. "It would even have been icing on the cake if (son) Adam could been here, too. But she's the best flavor cake; my favorite cake. I couldn't ask for more.

"Besides, you only turn 33 once!"  

Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations start at 1 p.m., Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast all the elimination action from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in ET).

Hector Arana Sr., who celebrated his 58th birthday Saturday, qualified No. 9 for the NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte and will race son Hector Jr. in round one.

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 Sr., Matt and Angie Smith visit Salisbury VA Medical Center

SALISBURY, N.C. (Sept. 15) -- NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Hector Arana Sr. and Matt and Angie Smith visited the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center on Thursday in support of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program.

The Million Veteran Program (http://www.research.va.gov/mvp/default.cfm) is a national, voluntary research study to learn how genes affect health and how it can benefit veterans. Recently, MVP crossed the 500,000-member mark.

Arana and the Smiths met with numerous veterans at the hospital, signing autographs and spending time with our nation's heroes.

"Our veterans really are our MVPs," Arana said. "They have all signed up to serve and protect us, and we hope the MVP program will find ways to help with their health. We owe it to them to do the best we can to help them, and it was a privilege to meet many of them today."

The Hefner VAMC is able to serve as primary and secondary health-care providers to more than 287,000 veterans in the Central Piedmont Region of North Carolina, which includes the cities of Charlotte and Winston-Salem.

The VA Research and Development team launched MVP to learn more about how genes affect health and to help improve health care for veterans. MVP will establish one of largest databases of genetic, military exposure, lifestyle, and health information. Research could lead to new ways of treating and preventing illnesses in veterans.

"It was awesome to get to spend some time with our veterans," Matt Smith said. "They all pledged to serve our country, so to give back any way we can is an honor for Angie and I. We learned a lot about the Million Veteran Program and what it's all about, too. It's a great program, and we hope it helps a lot of vets."

Several vets signed up for the program while the racers were present, too.

"It was wonderful to get to meet some of our heroes," Angie Smith said. "We can never do too much for our veterans, and to be able to talk to them and hear their stories is awe-inspiring."

NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Hector Arana Sr. and Matt and Angie Smith visited the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center on Thursday in support of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program.

 

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.

'Jake' is Hector Arana Jr.'s secret weapon for Countdown to the Championship

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 13) -- Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. has a secret weapon for the start of the Countdown to the Championship: "Jake."

"Jake" is the name of the engine in Arana's Buell that he'll race at the NHRA Carolina Nationals this weekend in Charlotte, kicking off the six-race battle for the 2016 championship. Jake is named after the late Jake Lucas, grandson of Lucas Oil co-founders Forrest and Charlotte Lucas.

"We name every one of our engines," Arana said. "We don't have a number; we give them a name. We feel like they all have character. We don't name them right away. We run them and see what their character is like. We also give them a name according to someone special to us.

"We named this one Jake after Forrest and Charlotte's grandson and Joe Lucas' twin brother. He passed away a couple of months ago, and we just felt like the motor was really strong. It had shown good numbers and we figured it would run real good, and Jake was always on the wild side. He was a wild guy, so we figured that the name was very fitting for the engine. It's exciting and I am looking forward to a long journey with the engine."

The engine debuted at the U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis two weeks ago, and Arana advanced to the final round, his first of the season.

Arana raced to two semifinals and a final in the three races before the Countdown, and he moved all the way to seventh in the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings. He's 80 points out of the lead -- about four rounds of racing -- after the points were reset.

"I feel better because we are going in with a killer tune-up," Arana said. "We've had great 60-foot times the last couple of races, and it's been consistent, too. We've got a bracket bike, and we've got this thing leaving the line awesome. It runs good, it's consistent, it's predictable, and we've got the good motor now, so I'm stoked. I'm really excited and pumped."

Arana has finished in the top five in the points standings in all five of his seasons, but he's still gunning for his first title. This season could be his best shot at it.

"I've won at Charlotte before," said Arana, who won here in 2013. "I've won races before. I know how to get there, and I will get there."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3:15 and 5:30 p.m., Friday, and 12:45 and 3 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at 1 p.m., Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying action from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, and 11 a.m. to noon, Sunday. Eliminations will air live from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in ET).

Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. will kick off the Countdown to the Championship playoffs this weekend at the NHRA Carolina Nationals only about four rounds of racing from first place.

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.

Past champ Hector Arana Sr. ready to make another title run

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 13) -- The pressure of racing for an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series championship is nothing new for Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr.

As the Countdown to the Championship begins with the NHRA Carolina Nationals this weekend in Charlotte, the elder Arana will be making his eighth consecutive appearance in NHRA's version of the playoffs.

Arana won the championship in 2009 and has recorded five top-five finishes since the Countdown was implemented. He'll begin this year's playoffs as the No. 8 seed, 90 points out of the lead, after the points were reset following the U.S. Nationals.

"I look at it like the points got closer and we just have to stay focused," Arana said. "I think we have a good shot at winning the championship. The program is coming around, we are picking up the pace, so that's good. I'm just going to look at it one race at a time because if we focus on the championship, all of those races, we can lose sight of it, and we don't want to do that."

That's easier said than done, especially since the first three Countdown races are run on consecutive weekends. Arana has to prepare for the first three events, all while focusing on one race at a time.

"It is kind of hard because when the races are back to back, you've got to plan ahead and have everything lined up so there's nothing wrong," Arana said. "We had a problem with computers in Indy. We had two computers acting up, so we had to buy another set.

"We've got to be ready. It's a lot of pressure. You shouldn't think ahead, but on the other hand you do because we have to be prepared if something goes wrong so we are able to solve the problem right then and there."

In addition to making plans for the first three races of the Countdown, Arana still wants to improve his performance. His son, Hector Jr., has shown plenty of speed recently, so Arana knows he can do the same.

"I just don't know why the bike is not leaving the starting line," Arana said. "I've been struggling for a while with it and something is going on, but we're not going to stop. It's something I started paying attention to more than just the clutch.

"We had a little break, just a little break, and we made sure the motors are safe."

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3:15 and 5:30 p.m., Friday, and 12:45 and 3 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at 1 p.m., Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying action from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, and 11 a.m. to noon, Sunday. Eliminations will air live from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in ET).

As the Countdown to the Championship begins with the NHRA Carolina Nationals this weekend in Charlotte, Hector Arana Sr. will be making his eighth consecutive appearance in NHRA's playoffs.

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. continues late-season surge, races to U.S. Nationals final

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 5) -- Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. is getting hot at the right time of the season.

Arana raced to the final round of the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals on Monday at Lucas Oil Raceway, surging to seventh in the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings and clinching a spot in the Countdown to the Championship.

Arana has reached a final and two semifinals in his last three races as the NHRA's version of the playoffs begin in two weeks in Charlotte.

"We definitely have momentum going into the Countdown," Arana said. "I made it into the Countdown. That was the main goal after the slow start we had this year, to go to the Countdown. We made it, and to me that's one of the most important things.

"I made it to the finals at the U.S. Nationals. I rode my butt off and I just have to practice on that (Christmas) Tree. I have to play a little more."

After dispatching No. 12 qualifier Michael Ray, No. 4 Chip Ellis, and No. 8 Cory Reed, Arana left .033-second too soon in the final against Andrew Hines. However, he's excited to start the Countdown and contend for the championship.

"I just have to figure out how to slow down just a little bit more in the finals and on race day," Arana said. "Now that I'm going rounds, I just know that I'm going to get better and better. I'm excited for this Countdown. We've got a really strong motor. It's not even 100 percent broken in yet, and I just know that we are going to get faster and faster as the motor gets better and I'll be able to tweak the tune-up a little more, so I'm excited."

Using a new engine nicknamed "Jake" after Jake Lucas, the late grandson of Lucas Oil co-founders Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, Arana had one of the bikes to beat in Indy. The 2011 U.S. Nationals champion beat Ray with a 6.866 at 195.56 mph that pulled away from Ray's run of 6.910 at 194.16 mph.

Arana then got the jump on Ellis in the second round and sped to the win with a 6.930 at 193.65 mph. Arana had a .009-second advantage on the Tree (.039 to .048) and a .009 advantage on the track as Ellis recorded a 6.939 at 194.30 mph.

Arana had the quickest pass of the semifinals (6.913 seconds at 194.44 mph) but secured the victory when Reed went .001 red.

Hector Arana Sr. had a solid light in his first-round race, but it wasn't enough to take out No. 1 qualifier Angelle Sampey. Arana Sr. left first with a .018 reaction time, but his pass of 7.044 seconds at 194.44 couldn't off Sampey's 6.865 at 195.76 mph.

"No, I'm not happy at all," Arana Sr. said. "We started, and we didn't have enough clutch, so we worked on that, replaced some of those fibers, and the clutch started working, coming around. Then suddenly it got to where we had too much clutch. We took some out, and I still have too much clutch, so I don't know what's going on. We just need go check it and get it fixed for the next race."

Arana Sr., too, clinched a spot in the Countdown, and he'll be eighth when the playoffs start in Charlotte next weekend.

Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. reached the final round of the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, surging to seventh in the standings and clinching a spot in the playoffs.

 

Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Sr. had a solid light in his first-round race, but it wasn't enough to take out No. 1 qualifier Angelle Sampey.

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.

Hector Arana Sr., Hector Arana Jr. each chasing a second U.S. Nationals title

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 4) -- For the Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle team, it was a tale of two bikes at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals this weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway.

Lucas Oil Racing TV rider Hector Arana Jr. sped to the No. 5 qualifying spot, and Lucas Oil racer Hector Arana Sr. hung on to the 16th and final spot in the field. Both, however, are gunning for another U.S. Nationals title.

Hector Arana Jr.

"I feel good," said Arana Jr., who won this race in his rookie season of 2011. "We were very consistent. I tried a couple of little things in the last session but it didn't work, so I know not to do that tomorrow. Other than that, we are very consistent off the starting line if you look at my 60-foot times, so I was pleased with that.

"We were able to improve every round except for the last one when I was trying some things. The motor ran faster the last round anyway, regardless. When all is said and done, we were running faster and faster."

Arana Jr. had a best pass of 6.853 seconds at 195.56 mph and will race Michael Ray in the first round Monday. Ray qualified No. 12 with a run of 6.887 at 194.80 mph.

Arana Jr. is racing with a new engine, named "Jake" after Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas' late grandson.

Hector Arana Sr.

"We only had two runs on the dyno before coming down here, and it had never been down the track," Arana Jr. said. "Every time down the track, it's gone faster and faster. Jake was a wild man, and he was always fast and that's what the motor is showing to be, just like him, so I'm excited to be able to run that motor named after him. It's an honor to be able to do that for Forrest and Charlotte Lucas."

Lucas Oil has been a longtime sponsor of Arana Racing, starting with Arana Sr., the team patriarch. The elder Arana hasn't had the best weekend, as his 6.918 at 194.04 mph has him squaring off against No. 1 qualifier Angelle Sampey, but he knows you have to be in it to win it.

"In order to have a chance, you've got to qualify," Arana Sr. said. "It doesn't matter if you are in first place or 16th. I just have to focus on what I have to do and do my job and hope for the best. It's not over until we cross that finish line.

"I keep asking the bike what's wrong, but it won't talk to me, so I can't find the problem. I'm still chasing it, and it's a mystery right now."

Anthony Vanetti

A third Arana Racing bike, the Protect The Harvest/Lucas Oil Buell ridden by Anthony Vanetti, was withdrawn after an unfortunate incident in the second qualifying session. Vanetti, attempting to make his first NHRA race, lost the front brake of his Buell and ended up going into the sand trap at the end of the dragstrip and crashing into the net. Vanetti was fine, but the Buell was not.

"I felt real good, and I was excited about the run," Vanetti said. "It just didn't leave the line like it should have, and I was like, 'You know, I need to make some passes, see the shift light.' I knew it wasn't going to be a qualifying time, but I needed the seat time, so I rode it on down there feeling good, hit my shift points, and bang, no front brake at all."

He pumped the brake three or four times to no avail and then tried to use the rear brake to slow the bike down. Without much experience, Vanetti didn't use the clutch and transmission to slow the Buell, so he knew he was going to hit the sand.

"I was lucky," Vanetti said. "I just wanted to separate myself from the bike, which I did in the sand. All I was thinking was going into the sand, because if I hit the net with this bike, I'm going to have some lower-extremity damage, and I was thankful that that crossed my mind for some odd reason and I ditched the bike.

"My heart breaks sending the bike back to southern Indiana, making Hector fix it like this, but it's not my last time out here. You'll see me back whether it's the end of this year or next year."

Eliminations begin at noon, Monday. FOX Sports 1 will air 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).

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.