Nothing could erase the smile off of Hector Arana’s face on Saturday at the NHRA Auto Club Finals, not even his closest challenger seeking a long-shot way to successfully retain his title.

“Hopefully Hector goes out first round and I win the championship,” said Eddie Krawiec with a smile, glancing over at Arana. “Hector is deserving of this championship and he’s done a great job. I was fortunate when I raced for the title last year that I had a great five race series. Hector has had a great season.”

Nothing could erase the smile off of Hector Arana’s face on Saturday at the NHRA Auto Club Finals, not even his closest challenger seeking a long-shot way to successfully retain his title.

“Hopefully Hector goes out first round and I win the championship,” said Eddie Krawiec with a smile, glancing over at Arana. “Hector is deserving of this championship and he’s done a great job. I was fortunate when I raced for the title last year that I had a great five race series. Hector has had a great season.”

As Arana looked on, Krawiec continued, “I don’t wish anyone bad luck, I don’t wish anyone anything. All I want to do is go out there and race for it and what happens … happens.”

That’s when Arana interrupted.

“Yeah, but you just wished me a first round loss,” Arana said.

Both riders shared a laugh and then Arana returned to a sentimental mood.

“I’m just thankful for this opportunity,” Arana said. “This is what we live and breathe for.”

A year ago Arana qualified No. 1 for only the second time in his career and at this season’s NHRA Gatornationals, the season-opening event for the Pro Stock Motorcycle division, he scored his first career national event victory. He added two more victories and a world record over the course of the 23-races and at his final race of the season, delivered an eighth No. 1 qualifying effort.

“I had been doing this for so many years that I lost count,” added Arana. “I just live for the day.”

And for Arana, he believes the best day was when Forrest Lucas, founder of Lucas Oil, took his call requesting a sponsorship.

“They never gave up on me,” Arana recalled. “I struggled through a few races and yet he never gave up on me. He [Forrest] kept pushing me, and moved me to Indiana. I am part of the family. To win this for Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, as well as everyone at Lucas plant, because they work hard to make this product the best they can every day.

“We met over the phone and even with my heavy accent, he went ahead and still sponsored me. That was it. A simple conversation and the next day I had a check and was ordering leathers.

“And, here I am today. Could I ask for any more?”

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