CHICAGO (July 9) -- Hector Arana Jr. remains red-hot on his Lucas Oil Racing TV Buell, powering to yet another runner-up finish Sunday at the 20th annual Fallen Patriots NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill. Only one rider has been better than Arana lately, LE Tonglet, who managed to edge him in the final for his fourth victory in six races this year.
"Not bad at all," Arana said. "You have to hand it to LE, he's been nearly perfect, but we are definitely right there. I really wish we could have brought the win home today for my dad but we gave it our best."
Arana and crew produced a competitive 6.878 at 193.29 mph in the trophy round, just behind Tonglet's 6.835 at 195.99 mph. Arana's father and teammate, Hector Arana Sr., is home recovering from shoulder surgery.
"We were dead-even off the starting line but we just missed it a little bit on the tune-up," Arana said. "We are definitely on the right track and moving forward so I know we will have something for them come these next few races."
With today's final-round showing, Arana's career numbers now show 11 national event victories and 10 runner-up results. Over the last three races, Arana has posted a pair of runner-up finishes and one semifinal result.
Sunday's racing began with a first-round victory over three-time world champion Angelle Sampey, who never had a chance with Arana leaving .034 seconds ahead and cruising away to an easy win, his 6.852 at 195.90 mph beating Sampey's 6.972 at 188.73 mph.
Round 2 had Arana racing his second female opponent of the day, Angie Smith, and once again he took the win with a 6.882 at 193.88 mph.
Another three-time world champ, Eddie Krawiec, awaited Arana in the semifinals, but he astutely earned his spot in the money round with a 6.844 at 195.03 mph to Krawiec's 6.963 at 193.07 mph.
"Overall, we are very happy and I was able to leave first in three out of four rounds so I'm getting my riding back also," Arana said. "The challenge of Pro Stock Motorcycle is that there always is something you can do better. No one ever leaves the racetrack saying they had a perfect day. It just doesn’t happen. But that's what drives us."
The Pro Stock Motorcycle class competes again on July 21-23 at the 38th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Denver.
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.
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