PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

Krawiec (far lane) got the final-round win over teammate Hines. (Steve Gruenwald photo)

Three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Eddie Krawiec defeated teammate Andrew Hines for his 37th career victory, second consecutive and fifth total at Gainesville Raceway. Krawiec rode his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a 6.763 pass at 199.76 bettering Hines’ 6.802 at 197.10 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.

The class is still looking for the 200-mph clocking.

This helps set the pace for the year,” Krawiec said. “Get that first win off your back, keep that momentum rolling, get the points. You know once you win one or two races you kind of solidify your spot. With the extra competitive class we have this year it definitely helps. There’s a lot of great motorcycles. My Harley-Davidson this weekend really has been really fast, we just haven’t been able to harness that power and get it sorted out. I think as the year goes on we’re going to get better.”

Krawiec rode past Mike Berry, Matt Smith and Joey Gladstone before racing Hines in the finals. Hines defeated Angelle Sampey, Scotty Pollacheck and Steve Johnson before being defeated himself.

One major upset in the bike ranks was Steve Johnson’s 6.863/195.08 defeat of champ Jerry Savoie (6.803/197.39) in the second round. Johnson had run 6.876/195.31 to get past Angie Smith’s 6.956/192.08 in the first.

Jerry Savoie and Eddie Krawiec during qualifying. (Ron Lewis photo)

Joey Gladstone certainly held his own in his debut in the NHRA class, getting past Melissa Surber 6.881/195.65 to 6.965/186.30 and then LE Tonglet 6.839/195.96 to 6.839/196.04, before falling to Krawiec.

Hector Arana Jr., seen here during qualifying, was taken off the starting line in the first round by the starter, who said oil on the track was from Arana Jr.’s Buell. Arana Jr. vehemently protested, but to no avail. (Adam Cranmer photo)

We leave you with this terrific photo shot by Adam Cranmer. [03/21/17]