Courtesy of the NHRA

COMMERCE, Ga. – With a historic milestone under his belt, Hector Arana Jr. is ready to start winning races and the Pro Stock Motorcycle standout hopes that starts this weekend at the 38th annual NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

Hector Arana Jr. NHRA photo

At the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season-opener in the class at Gainesville, Arana Jr. made history by becoming the first rider to go 200 mph, running 200.23 mph on his Lucas Oil Buell to reach one of drag racing’s last great barriers. But the talented Arana Jr. is still looking for his first round win of 2018 and event victory since 2015, something he plans to change at Atlanta Dragway.

“We want to get back out there and make amends, and we’re looking forward to Atlanta,” said Arana Jr., who has 11 career wins. “We know the things we need to work on and we’re excited to get back on the track, regroup and show we will be on top. We definitely have good bikes with a lot of horsepower, so it’s applying that power to the starting line. My dad (Hector Arana) stayed and tested in Charlotte and we got a lot of things figured out, so hopefully we can redeem ourselves.”

Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Bo Butner (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including finals coverage starting at 6:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday. It is the third of 16 events in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, meaning there is plenty of time for Arana Jr. to improve on his current 13th-place position in the talent-rich class. But he’s ready to make that move this weekend.

Hector Arana Jr. NHRA photo

Counting the 200 mph run in Gainesville, Arana Jr. has produced strong power on the back half of his runs in 2018. But he believes the test session sorted out the team’s starting line issues, which Arana Jr. hopes solves some of the team’s struggles this season. He also knows it’s important to starting building momentum now with the bulk of the Pro Stock Motorcycle season coming.

“Now’s the time where we have to start doing well and start figuring things out,” Arana Jr. said. “We have fast bikes, but the goal is consistency to make a fast pass every time. Dad learned a lot in testing, and hopefully we’ll be able to apply that going forward and capitalize.”

To grab his first win since 2015, Arana Jr., who had four runner-up finishes in 2017, will have to get past a talented field in Atlanta, one that includes 2018 winners Eddie Krawiec, the defending world champ, and Jerry Savoie, the 2016 world champ, as well as the likes of Andrew Hines, defending event winner Tonglet, four-time event winner Angelle Sampey, Scotty Pollacheck and two-time world champ Matt Smith. But as the historic 200 mph run proved, Arana Jr. has the potential for a big weekend and the chance to build on a moment he won’t forget.

“What’s really awesome is (going 200 mph) was something that we’ve been working towards for many years,” Arana Jr. said. “Then when it happened, it was something that was out of the blue. The run before we went 196, so when we went 200 it was a total surprise. That just added to the excitement. We’ve had great feedback and response from fans, and it feels good to have people coming up and congratulating you. It’s definitely a good feeling and it keeps your confidence up.”

Steve Torrence has three wins in 2018 and is the Top Fuel points leader. He’ll try to keep the likes of Tony Schumacher, looking for his first career Atlanta win, Antron Brown and Clay Millican at bay.

Ron Capps is looking for his first 2018 win in Funny Car, and will face off against stars like points leader Jack Beckman, Phoenix winner Courtney Force and defending world champ Robert Hight.

Bo Butner, the reigning Pro Stock world champ and current points leader, won in Pomona as the class has had a different winner at each race in 2018, including Charlotte champ Erica Enders.

The event also features thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, showcasing the future stars of the sport.

Those in attendance will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with a few of the most renowned names in drag racing during the NHRA Legends Tour. This will feature meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and a variety of other activities. Legends scheduled to attend the NHRA Southern Nationals include Don Garlits, Warren Johnson and Rhonda Hartman.

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This opportunity gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand as the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:30 and 6:45 p.m. on Friday, May 4 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 5, at 11:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 6.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visitwww.NHRA.com/tickets. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders can save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.

NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS POWERED BY MELLO YELLO

WHAT: 38th annual NHRA Southern Nationals, the seventh of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Drivers in four categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle – earn points leading to 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. 

WHERE: Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Ga. – I-85 to Exit 149 (Hwy 441). After exiting the freeway, go north on Highway 441 to Steven Tanger Blvd. Take a left on Tanger and then go right on Ridgeway Road.

WHEN: 
Friday through Sunday, May 4-6

SCHEDULE: 
FRIDAY, May 4 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying
MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 3:30 and 6:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 5 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations 
MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 11:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 6 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10:00 a.m. 
MELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION: 
Friday, May 4, FS1 will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 10:30 p.m. (ET).
 Sunday, May 6, FS1 will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 11:30 a.m. (ET).
 Sunday, May 6, FS1 will televise three hours of eliminations at 6 p.m. (ET).

2017 EVENT WINNERS:   
Steve Torrence, Top Fuel; Ron Capps, Funny Car; Bo Butner, Pro Stock; LE Tonglet, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

MOST VICTORIES: 
Dave Schultz 8 PSM; John Force, 7, FC; Warren Johnson, 5; PS Antron Brown, 4, TF; Larry Dixon 4; Doug Kalitta 3

TRACK RECORDS: 
Top Fuel – 3.699 sec. by Leah Pritchett, May ’17; 329.91 mph by Antron Brown, May ‘17.
 Funny Car – 3.880 sec. by Robert Hight, May. ’17; 329.02 mph by Hagan, May. ’16.
 Pro Stock – 6.493 sec. by Erica Enders, March ‘14; 213.00 mph by Jason Line, March ‘14.
 Pro Stock Motorcycle – 6.794 sec. and 197.54 mph by Eddie Krawiec., May ‘14.

NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel – 3.628 sec. by Clay Millican, Feb. ’18, Pomona, Calif.; 336.57 mph by Tony Schumacher, Feb. ‘18, Phoenix
Funny Car – 3.793 sec. by Robert Hight, Aug. ’17, Brainerd; 339.87 mph by Robert Hight, July ’17, Sonoma, Calif.
Pro Stock – 6.455 sec. by Jason Line, March ’15, Charlotte, N.C.;  215.55 mph by Erica Enders, May ’14, Englishtown N.J.
Pro Stock Motorcycle – 6.728 sec. by Andrew Hines, Oct ‘12, Reading, PA.; 201.01 mph by Hector Arana Jr., March ‘18, Gainesville, Fla.

TICKETS: Order tickets by phone at (800) 884-6472. Tickets also are available online at www.NHRA.com/tickets