There have not been many racers other than Gaige Herrera to win a NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle race this past year but Hector Arana Jr. is one of them.
Always a major highlight on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series circuit, the 18th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals returns to world-class Summit Motorsports Park on June 27-30, set to deliver another incredible weekend of racing action.
Nestled in Norwalk, Ohio, Summit Motorsport Park has always lived up to its nickname of “America’s Racetrack.” This year, the track will host the 10th event of 20 events during the 2024 NHRA season and it’s a weekend loaded with nonstop excitement.
Arana was one of only four drivers to win in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class last season. Gaige Herrera, the 2023 champion, dominated for the bulk of the season, but Arana capitalized, defeating Steve Johnson in the final round to win in Norwalk for the first time. Herrera has enjoyed the same reign of terror in 2024, picking up three wins in a row. Arana, six-time champion Matt Smith, former champ LE Tonglet, Angie Smith and John Hall will be eager to try and send Herrera home in Norwalk.
The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the new Holley EFI Factory X category. The Summit Racing Equipment Junior Drag Racing League Shootout will take place in Norwalk as well. After nitro qualifying on Friday, fans will be treated to an impressive fireworks display that has been a highlight of the event for several years.
On Wednesday, fans are invited to the Summit Racing Equipment driver meet and greet at the Summit Racing Super Store in Tallmadge. The event takes place from 4-8 p.m. and will include a number of top NHRA stars as part of a fun-filled evening.
Summit Motorsports Park also has some of the finest camping facilities and grounds on the tour, offering fans a great way to spend their weekend at the track, enjoy a memorable atmosphere and not miss a second of the action.
Fans will also be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Summit Motorsports Park can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.
As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Norwalk. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 28 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 29 at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 30. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, with eliminations coverage starting at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday on FS1, moving to FOX at 5 p.m.
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