Andrew Hines knew the odds were stacked in his favor headed into the final round of the NHRA Springnationals in Houston, Texas.

Actually, there were two factors which shined favorably on the three-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion from Brownsburg, Ind., headed into the final round. His V-Rod was consistently leaving with a green-light and his opponent was defending world champion Hector Arana.

Hines rattled Arana’s cage once again to claim his first national event victory of 2010 and 20th career. Arana left the line way too early with a .108 foul start.

“We have a deal going on with us,” Hines said. “Hector has been out here a long time. He’s really hungry and won the championship last year. He knows that we are going to be up near the front every time and it must rattle him every time to see our V-Rod in the other lane.”


Andrew Hines knew the odds were stacked in his favor headed into the final round of the NHRA Springnationals in Houston, Texas.

Actually, there were two factors which shined favorably on the three-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion from Brownsburg, Ind., headed into the final round. His V-Rod was consistently leaving with a green-light and his opponent was defending world champion Hector Arana.

Hines rattled Arana’s cage once again to claim his first national event victory of 2010 and 20th career. Arana left the line way too early with a .108 foul start.

“We have a deal going on with us,” Hines said. “Hector has been out here a long time. He’s really hungry and won the championship last year. He knows that we are going to be up near the front every time and it must rattle him every time to see our V-Rod in the other lane.”

Hines is quick to point out his utmost respect for the rider who carries the No. 1 plate in 2010.

“He’s a great competitor and always wishing you the best,” Hines explained. “He never talks bad about anybody. We just try to go out there and race our lane. Luckily I was able to race mine better.”

As it turned out, Hines admits a measure of good luck in the final round. He understands before the next Pro Stock Motorcycle stop at the NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis, Mo., a test session is in order.

“We were there for the taking, no doubt,” Hines said. “The bike bogged off of the starting line. We’ve got to go do some testing to get our V-Rods off of the starting line,” Hines explained. “I’ve been working on my racing program and not my riding program trying to figure out what I needed to do on the starting line to get a green light. Since Charlotte, I have had green lights every run. I was more than pleased with my riding this weekend.”

Hines believes for the first time he can race without fear of repercussions from the NHRA rulemakers for running too quick. He was complimentary of the NHRA’s efforts to gain parity for the three brands in the class.

“It is where it has needed to be for a long time,” said Hines, of the NHRA efforts to generate parity amongst the brands. “The NHRA did well in giving the Suzuki’s a little more edge. We had Craig Treble go a 6.874, we ran a 6.870 and Hector ran a 6.85. Karen Stoffer has the national record. The parity is where it needed to be for the last few years.

“I beat three brands today, that’s a pretty good weekend.”