In keeping with the no-time racing currently making inroads into drag racing, the Street Car Super Nationals held Nov. 16-19 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will add the No-Time Big Tire Shootout. This event will have a $10,000 purse.   [09/14/17]

Hector Arana Jr. took the win over defending PSM champion Jerry Savoie at the U.S. Nationals. Arana finished the regular season right ahead of Savoie in points. (Chris Haverly photo)

Lucas Oil Racing TV pro Hector Arana Jr. has piloted great motorcycles in the past, finishing second through fifth in the final world rankings in five of his six pro campaigns, but he says he's never started the Countdown to the Championship playoffs in as good a position as he will this year.

Arana begins his seventh quest for ultimate Pro Stock Motorcycle glory this weekend at the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals as the third-ranked rider in the class, meaning he's just 30 points -- or the equivalent of one and a half elimination rounds -- out of first place. Considering he's coming off his third runner-up finish of the season, he has every reason to be excited.

"We're peaking at the right time, which is something we've been working towards all year," Arana said. "The most important thing is we have a consistent bike. We might not be quickest or the fastest every single round but over the course of most weekends we definitely are the most consistent.

"It's not just wishful thinking. If you look at the qualifying points for next year's Mickey Thompson Tires Pro Bike Battle, we're No. 1, so that proves we have a very consistent bike. Plus, I'm finally getting my riding in order so if we can keep it all together, we'll be in the fight, for sure."

Arana admitted that his father sitting out the past few races while recovering from shoulder surgery has made a difference.

"With all of us not having to worry about Dad's team we've been able to focus entirely on my bike and it's made a difference. For instance, we have three really good motors that are all working really well. In the past one would be in his bike and one would be in mine and we'd have one good back-up between us. It's nice to have the back-ups because now we're not constantly praying our No. 1 motor on each bike holds together."  [09/14/17]

What a difference a year makes in NHRA Pro Stock. Last season teammates Jason Line and Greg Anderson were dominating the class after the change to EFI and Line went on to clinch the Pro Stock championship.

This season Anderson is No. 3 in the rankings heading into the first event of the Countdown and Line sits No. 5.

"I'll have my work cut out for me if I'm going to defend the championship,” Line admitted. “I certainly have to get my car a little better, and I'm going to have to drive better. There are a lot of things that have to happen, but all of those things are very doable because we have a great team and great folks behind us at Summit Racing. We'll just have to do what we've done in the past and pull it together right now.

“Now is the time, that's when it matters. The moment is here."  (Ron Lewis photo)  [09/14/17]

With back surgery limiting the three-time NHRA Pro Mod world champ earlier this season, Rickie Smith asked Jonathan Gray to drive his nitrous-powered IDG Chevrolet Camaro until he returned. When Smith came back, Gray stayed with the longtime standout, driving another car, with Smith making the tuning calls. The results have been impressive, as Gray is eighth in points despite missing one race heading into this weekend’s NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

After previously driving a turbo car in NHRA Pro Mod action, Gray said he’s enjoyed the entire process of driving the nitrous Camaro in 2017. The results have shown, with Gray advancing to the semifinals at three different races. His driving has made tremendous strides as well, with Gray crediting Smith’s vast knowledge for the rapid ascent.

“It took me about 30 runs to finally learn how to drive it the way he wanted me to drive it,” Gray said. “It can be a handful and you cannot drive this thing like a Pro Stock car. He’s been a very good mentor to me, probably the best I’ve ever had, as far as teaching me how to do things. I knew we were going to be able to run (well), but to me, it was more about the experience of being able to work with him. It was an honor when he called me earlier this year.”

But Gray certainly wants to take the next step in Charlotte and win his first NHRA Pro Mod race, and become the eighth different race winner in 2017 in the class in the process.  (Ron Lewis photo)  [09/14/17]

The S&W Performance Group has expanded their line with a new Tubular Wheelie Bar Kit. This is a universal product, engineered for both new builds and for trouble-free upgrades. Tubing length can be shortened by the customer. Half-inch FK chrome moly rod ends are supplied for use on all attachment points. It comes complete with all components, a pair of wheels, and hardware. Billet wheelie bar wheels are available for an additional fee. [09/14/17]