CHICAGO (June 29) - A little bit of drag racing history was made Sunday evening at Route 66 Raceway when Hector Arana Jr. beat his father Hector Arana Sr. in the Pro Stock Motorcycle finale of the 17th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals. It was the first time in class history that a father/son duo lined up with the trophy on the line.
Hector Arana Jr. scored his first victory of the 2014 season. "It really didn't matter who won because either way we were bringing a Wally (trophy) home to Indiana," said Arana Jr., a 25-year-old, fourth-year pro. "We've been talking about getting to the final together since I started racing and we finally got it done, which is really cool, but to be honest I would have much rather beaten one of the other riders. It would feel a lot better than it does beating my dad."
Arana Jr. last tasted victory at last year's Sonoma (Calif.) race while his father hasn't won since the Dallas event in 2009. Both men ride identically-prepared Lucas Oil Buells, although at this race Arana Jr.'s bike was slightly quicker than his 55-year-old father's mount.
"A big part of me wanted dad to win that race, believe me," Arana Jr. said. "I know it's been a while since he's won and he wanted it bad, but we don't play any favorites on this team. We don't give away races. We go up there and race straight up every time."
The victory was the eighth of Arana Jr.'s career. His father has six wins, including the five he earned in his championship season of 2009.
Arana Jr. stopped his father Hector Arana Sr. in the Chicago final round. "My son did a great job and I'm very proud of him," Arana Sr. said. "Both of my boys work really hard on these bikes and I only want the best for them. He got me today, so good for him. His bike has been very strong. It's good to see all of the bikes picking up speed because we want all three to challenge for the Mello Yello championship.
"I was really upset that Adam (Arana, his youngest son) didn't qualify for this race and it was bothering me all night. I think it just made all of us more determined than ever to win today. Everyone in the Lucas Oil pit had a point to prove."
Arana Sr. actually got the jump on his son in the money round, launching off the starting line .007-second ahead of him, but Arana Jr. had a little more steam in his S&S Cycles-powered motor, as he was able to catch and pass his father to win with a 6.925 at 193.93 mph to Arana Sr.'s 6.946 at 192.82 mph.
"I knew he was right there," Arana Jr. said. "I could hear his bike and sense that it was right next to me. I had to just concentrate on hitting my shift points and making the best run possible. I think it wasn't more than a foot or so at the top end."
The Aranas now hope to repeat their historic match-up next weekend when the NHRA tour heads to Norwalk, Ohio, for the 13th stop of the 2014 season.
