| October 17, 2023
Vance & Hines’ Suzuki’s Gaige Herrera has won nine times in 13 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle races this season, and his most recent win at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas, October 13-15, might just be his most impressive. Herrera made seven of eight runs in the 6.60-range including an NHRA record 6.627 run in qualifying and then defeated teammate Eddie Krawiec in the final round to move a step closer to his first Camping World NHRA title in his first full season.
Story by Kevin McKenna | Photos by Matt Polito
Herrera finished off the rout with 6.644 at 203.30 while Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki teammate Krawiec was well back at 6.708 seconds, a normally respectable run but nowhere near enough to challenge Herrera.
“A year can make a world of difference. I’m just here living the dream,” Herrera said. “This bike has been flying all weekend, and this whole weekend has been cool. This is a special one right here and one I’ll never forget. It’s been incredible what this Vance & Hines team has given me. My bike has been flying, and it’s crazy how fast it is and how easy it has been to ride. It’s on a string right now.
“It’s been an incredible experience this weekend in Dallas,” Herrera added. “Getting the National record [on Saturday] and then the win, and doing it in front of all these great fans all weekend, it’s been amazing.”
Herrera knocked off Blaine Hale, Chris Bostick and Hector Arana Jr. to reach the final round and then put together his quickest run of the day in the final round to beat Krawiec for a second straight race, again denying the multi-time World champ his 50th career win. Herrera now holds a 156-point lead over Krawiec and will have a chance to clinch his first career World Championship in Las Vegas.
“I hope Eddie isn’t too mad at me; I know he wants that 50th win awfully bad,” Herrera said. “Hopefully, he doesn’t try and get me fired.”
Krawiec advanced to his third final round this year and 84th in his career by getting past Cory Reed, Matt Smith and Joey Gladstone. Krawiec’s victory over Matt Smith was crucial since it allowed him to move into second place in the Championship standings.
While the Vance & Hines team captured most of the headlines, there were others who left Dallas feeling optimistic.
Kelly Clontz, rider of the Steamfitters UA 602 Suzuki, has not qualified higher than eighth this season but managed to land in the second spot in Dallas with a 6.705-second run. Klontz also became the latest rider to join the 200-mph club with a 201.99 best. Clontz and her husband/crew chief Chris use Vance & Hines as their engine supplier, and Herrera recently helped test their bike.
GETTRX Buell’s Hector Arana Jr. also has a reason for optimism, as he’s won 12 elimination rounds in the last five races, including runner-up finishes in Indianapolis and St. Louis. Arana was also deeply in the 6.7s in Dallas.
Chase Van Sant, a leading contender for the NHRA Rookie of the Year award, might miss extended time as he suffered an injury during qualifying when he dragged his knee to keep his bike upright after he apparently got into a crosswind. Van Sant had to sit out Sunday’s eliminations and his status for the final two events of the season Las Vegas and Pomona, California, is uncertain.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action October 26-29 with the NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
VIDEO | Gaige Herrera in Dallas