Focused on the bigger picture, a relaxed Arana Sr. heads to Dallas

DALLAS, TX – While the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals started off slowly for Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr., late-weekend changes have his momentum building for the doubleheader scheduled at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex.

While his Lucas Oil Buell was slated to line up against Matt Smith in the first round of eliminations before they were postponed, Arana is feeling a little better about his odds now that the event has been moved to Dallas, a place where he has had more success.

“I’m assuming that we’re probably going to get two qualifying runs, and then Saturday’s runs will count as qualifying but elimination also,” Arana said. “It’s a little stressful but I can’t worry about that. I just have to look at it like it’s a normal race weekend.

“The goal is to try to hit a home run from the get-go. We were making progress before we left Charlotte, and that’s the only thing I can hope for again this weekend.”

With teams having a quick turnaround and heading west for this weekend’s race, Arana has tasked his sons with the early preparation while he heads north to their race shop.

“The good thing is the boys will get there before me,” Arana said. “It will be up to them to have everything ready and to monitor the weather for not just me but the rest of the crew. Of course, though, I’ll be in touch with them throughout the week anyway to see what the weather is doing.

“I’m going to go home and try get another engine ready so we’ll be ready for anything. That’s all we can do, be prepared, follow the weather pattern, and hope for the best in the end.”

A schedule for this weekend’s AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals will be released later this week.