Youngest Arana still has winning on his mind for Gateway and beyond
ST. LOUIS, IL – ProtectTheHarvest.com Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Adam Arana has been a busy man this week, preparing for the AAA 
Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park.
Arana, his brother Hector Jr., and their father Hector Sr. have been burning the midnight oil working on the Buells in an effort to wring out all the speed they can.
“We went home right after Dallas and rebuilt my engine and Hector’s engine,” Arana said. “It’s going to be a long couple of days before St. Louis. Thank goodness it’s summertime and I’m not in school. We’ll be putting in 15 hours a day or more at the shop, trying to get everything ready.”
The 2014 season has not gone the way the second-year rider wanted, but he remains confident in his motorcycle and his team. A recalcitrant motorcycle has plagued Arana throughout the season, and he has not been blessed with the best luck, but he still aims to finish the season on a strong note.
“I’d like to win a couple rounds before the year is finished,” Arana said. “I’d like to win a race, too. That’s still my goal.”
Arana won’t be concerned about points, as he missed the Countdown to the Championship after becoming the only professional rookie to qualify for the playoffs in 2013.
Instead, Arana will be focused on riding his best — and a little redemption. Arana outran L.E. Tonglet in the first round at Gateway last year but lost on a holeshot.
“Gateway can be fast,” Arana said. “I didn’t have much luck there last year when I raced L.E., so I have some redemption on my mind, definitely.”
And he has redemption from Dallas, too, as he was eliminated in the first round when he mistakenly double-clutched his bike at the hit.
“I need to stay focused,” Arana said. “Hopefully, I won’t ever double-clutch it for the rest of my career.”
Qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2:45 and 5:15 p.m., Friday, and 1:15 and 3:45 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations will start at approximately noon, Sunday, with both qualifying and elimination action broadcast on ESPN2 on tape-delay basis.
