Hector Arana Sr. sitting pretty early at Route 66 Raceway
Despite a fuel leak, Arana Sr. was fast enough for the provisional No. 1 spot Friday.
CHICAGO (June 29) – On a steamy Friday afternoon at Route 66 Raceway, Hector Arana Sr., rider of the Lucas Oil Buell, accidently found a way to keep cool during his second Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying run at the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Route 66 Nationals.
I have a good machine that should take me to the winner's circle.
"It felt like it was a great pass," Arana said. "At about 1,000 foot, she started slowing down. Suddenly, my leg started getting cold. The feeling went up one leg and down the other.
"It felt good -- nice and cool -- but I know what happened. I looked down and could see I had a fuel leak. Thankfully the engine survived and nothing got hurt."
Fortunately for Arana, his pass of 6.915 seconds at 192.22 mph during the first qualifier was enough for him to nab the provisional No. 1 spot. Hot on in his heels is son, Hector Arana Jr., who is second after a best pass of 6.939 seconds at 192.49 mph on his Lucas Oil Buell.
"I can’t ask for anything more," Arana Sr., said. "I'm blessed that we have this opportunity. When Forrest Lucas asked me what I thought if Hector would race with me, I was all for it.
"I noticed Hector was a little upset after the run, I think he wanted to beat me and take the pole. I look forward to the challenge. We'll see if he can beat me tomorrow."
If his time holds, it will be Arana Sr.'s third No. 1 qualifier of the season.
"The first race was slow, but we've picked up the pace from there," Arana Sr., said. "All I need to do now is stay focused on race day. I have a good machine that should take me to the winner's circle."
Source: Lucas Oil Racing
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