PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

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.

"It really didn't matter who won because either way we were bringing a Wally 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.