While attending the IU Southeast and Purdue College of Technology in New Albany, Hector Arana Jr., mechanical engineering sophomore, started his first career season racing pro stock motorcycles in the National Hot Rod Association’s Full Throttle series.
The 22-year-old is originally from Miami and has been riding motorcycles since the age of 12. He is now following in the footsteps of his father, Hector Arana Sr., who was the 2009 NHRA pro stock motorcycle champion.
“I was born into drag racing,” Arana Jr. said, “so I have always loved it. I really became involved when I was 15 and became a part of the crew and was able to go to the starting line.
“I chose pro stock bikes because I have always loved bikes,” he said. “Plus, it was easier to get a start because of my father.”
Arana Jr.’s girlfriend, Nicole Nobile, 22, said she believes he will perform well during this season and in the future because of his knowledge with the bikes.
“I think riding a pro stock motorcycle is something that has come very naturally for Hector,” she said. “Not only can he drive the bike well, but he also understands how the bike operates, which I think gives him an advantage in the field.”
Arana Jr., studying through the Purdue extension program, is racing under his father’s team on the Lucas Oil Products Buell motorcycle.
So far, his best elapsed time has been 7.354 seconds on the quarter-mile drag strip. His best speed was recorded at 179.02 miles per hour.
After getting his NHRA license through Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School in Gainesville, Fla., last year, Arana Jr. attempted to qualify for the season’s first event — the Tire Kingdom Gatornationals.
Unfortunately, he failed to qualify after the four qualifying rounds and was unable to race in the eliminations on that Sunday, March 13.
“My first season is starting off slow due to a problem on my bike,” Arana Jr. said, “but after having it on the chassis [dynamometer], we have found the problem, and we’re good to go kick some ass.”
The 2011 NHRA season is his first year competing on the track in pro stock motorcycles.
“I have not done any racing before this year — just lots of testing,” he said. “I’m a true rookie.”
He also said it can be difficult working under his father’s team.
“It can be stressful just because I’m working with my father 24-7,” Arana Jr. said, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s given me the best of the best.”
Yet, Arana Jr. said his father remains to be a source of inspiration.
“He has shown me that if you never give up and try your hardest at what you’re doing, anything is possible,” Arana Jr. said.
Nobile said he is always trying to perform at his best.
“Hector is extremely hard-working and focused when he is at the track,” she said. Nobile met Arana Jr. through the sport because her father, John Nobile, has competed in the pro stock class.
“It is definitely an adrenaline rush watching someone you love drag race a pro stock motorcycle,” Nobile said.
By JENNIFER HARRINGTON
Staff
jeharrin@umail.iu.edu
