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CPTV - ARANA JR. LEADS FRIDAY PSM

45 views · Published 27 April 2013 · 1:21 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: CompetitionPlusTV · 2013 · Sports

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Even running slower in Friday's second qualifying session than he did in the first didn't hurt Hector Arana Jr. at the O'Reilly Spring Nationals at Baytown, Texas.

That's what happens when a Pro Stock Motorcycle is on a roll.

Building on his points-leader status from back-to-back victories, the Lucas Oil Buell racer claimed the tentative No. 1 qualifying spot for the third bike appearance and sixth NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event of the season.

He covered the Royal Purple Raceway quarter-mile in 6.876 seconds at 195.39 mph.

"When you're doing so well, you have that extra confidence. You have that momentum," the Purdue University engineering student from Southern Indiana said. "It's like a big wave. I'm trying to stay on top of that wave and ride it as long as I can."

As for faring worse in his second qualifying attempt, Arana Jr. -- with the maximum six bonus points for the day in hand -- said, "We still ran a good number. We're still fastest of the session.

"This bike has been consistent since the beginning of the year. We plan on keeping this up," he said.

Not one to be overconfident, Arana Jr. said, "We're No. 1 today. But tomorrow's another day. We'll see what happens. I hope to improve that number [6.876]. I think there'll be some guys who get close to that. Hopefully I can improve as well as the other guys."

As Arana Jr. seeks his 12th top-qualifying position and a sixth victory in 35 races, he was the lone bike racer in the 6.8-second range, more than three-hundredths of a second quicker than Nos. 2 and 3, L.E. Tonglet and Scotty Pollacheck, who had identical 6.911-second elapsed times.

Arana Jr. has qualified fifth or better at 23 consecutive races en route to a 64-28 eliminations record.

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