Hector Arana Jr. humbled and steadfast after Dallas

DALLAS – During Sunday’s eliminations of the AAA Texas NHRA Fallnationals at the Texas Motorplex, Pro Stock Motorcycle championship contender Hector Arana Jr., rider of the Lucas Oil Racing TV Buell, got an unwelcome reminder of how being a competitor in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series can be an incredibly humbling experience.

Going into today’s race day, Arana, a 28-year-old resident of East Northport, New York, had his two-wheeled rocket qualified in the No. 8 spot and looked to make his way through the day with a chance to win his first event of the season. Unfortunately, that plan took a swift detour in the first round after Arana lost on a holeshot to Karen Stoffer despite having a quicker bike on the track.

“A rider knows when he is late,” Arana said. “You can just feel it, and I thought I had a good light. When I got to the end of the track and they told me my reaction time was a .062 and she won on a holeshot, I was sick to my stomach. I let my team down.”

Now, only two events remain in the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Las Vegas and Pomona, Calif. Arana sits in fourth place in championship points, 115 points away from the lead. His chances of winning his first championship have diminished after Dallas, but Arana remains positive about finishing the season on a strong note.

“The bike felt good in Dallas,” Arana said. “It went right down the track. That was one of the best runs of the weekend. I just have to put this behind me, and we have to start working on getting our Lucas Oil Racing TV Buell ready for Vegas.”

After a weekend off, the NHRA Mello Yello tour returns to action with the NHRA Toyota Nationals, Oct. 29-31, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.