ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 7) – It wasn’t at an NHRA sanctioned event, but running under all the rules of the world’s largest drag racing sanctioning body, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Hector Arana Sr. broke through one of the sport’s longest-standing barriers last weekend at Capitol Raceway in Maryland.
You can now call Arana "Mr. 200" because the 58-year-old from Miami became the first man to see a 200-mph pass on his time slip while testing, tuning and racing at the inaugural U.S. Pro Stock Motorcycle Open.
This weekend, Arana is hoping he can "officially" leap over the 200-mph hurdle at the 48th annual NHRA Summernationals at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, just a few miles from Englishtown, N.J. The event in Englishtown is considered one of the sport’s crown jewels as one of the oldest and storied competitions on the schedule.
"We took our bikes to Maryland to race in the U.S. Open and, more importantly, test our bikes so we can get a good setup for Englishtown," Arana said. "We took my Lucas Oil Buell and my son Hector Jr.’s Lucas Oil Racing TV Buell to Maryland to see if we could alleviate some of the mechanical issues we’ve had so far this year, and I think we’ve got those problems solved now.
"We weren’t even trying to run 200 mph. I was just trying to make sure the bike left the starting line well, and then we get up there and see that 200.26 on the scoreboard. It was a great feeling, but I want to do it at an NHRA event. Now that we’ve broken through I think we can do it very soon, hopefully in Englishtown."
Arana has great cause to think he can be NHRA’s first rider to reach 200 mph this weekend. He holds the track speed record at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, 199.35 mph (career best).
Arana has had other success in Englishtown throughout his legendary career. He was the runner-up finisher in 2012 and 2013, and he was the No. 1 qualifier in his world championship season of 2009.
"I really want a Wally (trophy) from Englishtown," Arana said. "It’s one of those great events that ever racer wants to win, maybe this year will be my year."
Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3:45 and 6:15 p.m., Friday, and 1:45 and 4:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at 11 a.m., Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will carry qualifying action from 10-11 p.m., Friday and live qualifying Saturday, 2-4 p.m. Eliminations live coverage 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sunday with continuing coverage 6-7:30 p.m.
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