Anthony Vanetti hopes hometown event produces first race-day start
SONOMA, CA – Fresh off a valuable learning experience in Denver, MAVTV/Protect The Harvest/Lucas Oil Buell 
rider Anthony Vanetti is ready to battle at this weekend’s NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway.
Vanetti, 39, was attempting to qualify for his first Pro Stock Motorcycle race at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. Though Vanetti didn’t quite have enough speed to make the 16-bike field, he came away with plenty of knowledge he will be able to apply in Sonoma.
“At least all of the pressure is off,” Vanetti said. “I know I can do it; I just have to be as comfortable as I can. Each run I feel more comfortable, so I’m going to go to Sonoma and just give it hell.”
One of the lessons Vanetti learned in Denver was handling the pressure on the starting line. Riding a powerful Pro Stock Motorcycle in testing is one thing, but doing the same thing in front of fans and competitors is another. Vanetti, however, improved with each run in Denver and hopes to keep that energy moving forward in Sonoma.
“In Q1, I’m looking to just improve from Q4 in Denver and keep the positive momentum rolling,” Vanetti said. “My goal is to qualify in Sonoma.”
Sonoma will be a hometown race for Vanetti, as he’s from Loyalton, Calif., a little more than three hours from Sonoma Raceway. Vanetti is hoping some home cooking will have him a little more relaxed this weekend.
“I think my comfort level in Sonoma will be a lot higher,” Vanetti said. “I’m not going to add pressure to myself, but I do have a lot of friends and family that are going to be there because I am from Northern California. It might be added pressure because I want to do well in front of them, but there will be a comfort zone because there will be a lot of familiar faces there rooting me on, so it will be good.”
Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 4:15 and 6:45 p.m., Friday, and 1:10 and 4:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations begin at noon Sunday. ESPN2 will carry both qualifying and elimination action.
