Arana, Jr.’s Buell edges Smith’s Victory in NHRA Pro-Stock final at Chicago

Hector Arana, Jr. on the Lucas Oil Buell overcame a slow start to edge Matt Smith on the Nitro Fish Victory by 0.039 sec. in the Pro-Stock Final in round four of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, 18th annual Lucas Oil Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago July 12.

Arana, Jr. ran 194.66 mph with an ET of 6.918 to top Smith’s 190.24 mph run with an ET of 6.957 sec.  Smith had a great start with a reaction time of 0.039 sec. while Arana, Jr. lingered by comparison at 0.071 sec., but Arana Jr’s bike had enough juice to make up the difference at the finish line, even though Smith still led at the 1,000 foot mark.

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The second place finish in the final was the best of the season so far for Smith and the Victory team.  Arana, Jr. is 9-6 overall in final rounds and Smith is 17-21 overall in final rounds with this being the first final of this season for both riders.

Harley-Davidson mounted Eddie Krawiec leads the Pro Stock Motorcycle class with 2,160 points, followed by Hector Arana, Jr. on the Buell with 2,080 points.  Smith eliminated Krawiec at Chicago in an earlier round.

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Andrew Hines (Harley-Davidson) is in third position in the season points with 2,055 points, Gerald Savoie is fourth with 1,910 points, and Victory’s Matt Smith now rounds out the top five with 1,860 points.

The NHRA Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle series now moves to the Mopar Mile High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, CO.

For more information on the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Series, go to: http://nhra.com/

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