ProtectTheHarvest.com/MAVTV rider Adam Arana improves in qualifying

GAINESVILLE, FL – Even though he isn’t starting eliminations where he would like to, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Adam Arana knows he has what it takes to advance during the NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville.

After making four consistent qualifying passes, the ProtectTheHarvest.com/MAVTV Buell rider ended up in the No.12 position. With an ultimate qualifying time of 6.891 seconds at 196.53 mph, Arana hopes to correct a couple of speed issues when he squares up against John Hall in eliminations on Sunday.

“We struggled with the 60-foot, which really affects the entire e.t.,” Arana said. “We kind of figured that out a little bit on the last hit, but the motor wasn’t quite as strong as what it was in the earlier sessions. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get it back up to par and be able to build off our better 60-foot from this last hit and make a good pass for E1.

“I really wish we could’ve gone testing. That would’ve sped up our process in making a good, fast pass. It is what it is, and that’s all in the past. All we can do is move forward and look to the future.”

Though Arana could not test in the off-season, he was still able to work on perfecting some of his riding skills to get ready for his second season in Pro Stock Motorcycle, and with only four qualifying sessions under his belt in the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, Arana is already acting like a veteran.

“I’ve been calm on the starting line,” Arana said. “I’ve had some pretty good reaction times, so I’m hoping to carry that same mind-set into tomorrow. After going through the motor tonight, we should be able to make a good run and hopefully go some rounds.

“I feel more relaxed, more confident, especially compared to Gainesville last year.”

Final eliminations for the NHRA Gatornationals start at noon on Sunday. ESPN2 will air the qualifying show at 1 a.m. EDT on Sunday and the eliminations show at 7 p.m.