Arana Jr. continues to look stout at the NHRA Carolina Nationals

CHARLOTTE, NC – From the start of the weekend, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. showed the rest of the field that he came to win the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Laying down his quickest time in Q2, a 6.876-second pass at 195.48 mph, the Lucas Oil Buell looks tough to beat from the No. 2 qualifying spot. Looking for a good start to the Countdown to the Championship, Arana will face off against No. 15 qualifier Shawn Gann in round one of eliminations.

“It’s not all about being No. 1,” Arana said. “The key to success in the Countdown is being consistent, which is what we strive for.

“When we went up for the first round today, the track just wasn’t there,” Arana said. “There wasn’t rubber on the track and we were basing the setup off of the pass from yesterday. We just overpowered the track.

“The motor ran strong though and we had the No. 1 back half all weekend. The power is clearly there; we just have to leave the line a little better. We left pretty decently considering what the conditions were for the last round. We were able to make adjustments to get down the track.”

With weather threatening Sunday’s eliminations, Arana knows the setup will be the key to winning rounds and moving his way through the ladder.

“Now what we’re going to have to do tomorrow is keep going up to the starting line to keep an eye on what it’s like,” Arana said. “How the line looks is going to dictate what kind of tune-up goes on this bike. That’s all it is, being aware of our surroundings, the track, and our bike and go from there.”

If the cards fall right tomorrow, Arana may be seeing his little brother Adam when he pulls up to the starting line in round two of eliminations.

“I hope we both win,” Arana said. “When it comes to him and I, all I can say is may the best man win.”

Eliminations will start at approximately 1 p.m., Sunday, with elimination action broadcast on ESPN2 on tape delay.