Courtney Force Eager to Equal Sister’s Win at Atlanta

Courtney Force looks forward to memorable Atlanta track for sister Force-Hood

Courtney Force Photo - Sal Sigala Jr.

Courtney Force
Photo – Sal Sigala Jr.

As NHRA rolls into the last event of a three-race swing, Courtney Force and her Traxxas Ford Mustang team look to step up at the 33rd annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, May 3-5.

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing teams raced in Concord, N.C. before traveling to Baytown, Texas and finally circling back around to Commerce, Ga. Continue reading

Hector Arana Jr. eager to bring brotherly love and rivalry to the racetrack

Hector Arana Jr. Photo - NHRA.com

Hector Arana Jr.
Photo – NHRA.com

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana Jr scored his fourth career victory and first in more than a year when he outran veteran rider Steve Johnson in the final. Arana rode his Lucas Oil Buell to a 6.885 at 195.65 to hold off Johnson’s Suzuki, which trailed with a 6.920 at 193.99 at the season opening NHRA Gatornationals last weekend. Continue reading

NHRA’s Tony Franco Ground-Bound Jet Pilot

TonyFrancoBy his own count, he’s strapped into his 12,000 horsepower blowtorch on wheels well over 250 in his now ten-year long career as the driver of the famous “Terminal Velocity” Jet Dragster. Continue reading

Adam Arana Continues Family Racing Tradition

Adam Arana Photo - Courtesy Adam Arana PR

Adam Arana
Photo – Courtesy Adam Arana PR

Adam Arana is ready for the comparisons to his older brother — 2011 NHRA Road to the Future Award winner Hector Arana Jr. — and he’s ready for the comparisons to his father — 2009 Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Hector Arana Sr. — but mostly, the 21-year-old is ready to get on his Lucas Oil Buell and go fast.

“I’m excited and anxious all at the same time,” Adam said of his rookie season. “I know there’s a lot of pressure because Hector (Jr.) did so well his rookie year. He won three races, won rookie of the year, and finished second in the points. I feel like he already set the standard, and I hope to do as well.”

Adam has been preparing to race professionally for several years, and Lucas Oil co-founders Forrest and Charlotte Lucas are backing a third entry for Arana Racing this season. He will join his dad and older brother on Lucas Oil-sponsored Buells, hoping to follow in both of their footsteps.

“My goal is to get rookie of the year,” Adam said. “The way you accomplish that goal is by doing well and being successful throughout the year. You have to go rounds, stay consistent, and cut good reaction times all season. 

“Everyone wants to do the best they can, but everyone has goals, too. Ultimately, I’d like to win a race, the championship, and rookie of the year, but I think the competition will be better than it was last year so it’s not going to be easy.”

Fortunately for Adam, he’ll have two solid resources while he races for the first time. His brother was in the same position two years ago, racing as a rookie, and that experience can only help Adam. Continue reading

Courtney Force Wins Season Opening Mello Yello NHRA Winternationals in Dominating Fashion

Coutney Force with her trophy on Feb 17, 2013 Photo - Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Courtney Force with her trophy on Feb 17, 2013 Photo – Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

After grabbing her third No. 1 qualifier of her career, Courtney Force wrapped up the weekend today with her second career win and first at the season-opening 53nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway. She defeated Ron Capps in the final round of eliminations and ran the quickest pass of the weekend a 4.025 second run. Continue reading