Last-minute change has Arana primed for Indy eliminations

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Making a major gain in the last round of qualifying, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Adam Arana is excited about his chances of winning rounds on Monday at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.

With his fastest pass of the weekend coming in Q5, the ProtectTheHarvest.com/MAVTV Buell improved immensely with a 6.951 at 193.35 mph to secure the No. 14 qualifying spot.

“We made some changes on the tune-up after the first session today and it definitely picked up some time,” Arana said. “It picked up over 1 mph on the back half, which is really good. Plus, I picked up on my 60-foot numbers, so we’re definitely going in the right direction. I went from being about a tenth behind the field after the fourth session to less than five-hundredths.

“It’s nice knowing that we have the bike coming along well and that there is even more room for me to improve tomorrow.”

In what is becoming a routine matchup this season, Arana will line up alongside No. 3 qualifier Matt Smith in round one. The pair of riders have matched up four previous times this year with each rider turning on the win light twice.

“I think it’s cool that I’m paired up with Matt Smith again, but it’s not going to faze me when I get up there,” Arana said. “I’m just going to stay calm and be ready for the light to drop. That’s all I can really do, focus on what I’ve got to do and try to score a good, consistent light.

“We may be tied in matchups this year, but I’m not worried about the outcome. He should be the one that’s worried. I’m ready to go.”

Arana will be ready when eliminations start at approximately noon, Monday, with both qualifying and elimination action broadcast on ESPN2.