Fourth-generation racer Gaige Herrera has been added as a rider for the Vance & Hines team in 2023, joining four-time world champion Eddie Krawiec as they will ride Suzuki Hyabusa entries tuned by Andrew Hines. Herrera qualified in four of six events last season.  

Herrera comes to Vance & Hines and the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle  division with experience in both Pro Street and Outlaw disciplines of bike racing. 

"This is such a tremendous opportunity," Herrera said. "I never expected to get a call with an invitation to join the Vance & Hines team, and when I told my dad [longtime drag racing fixture Augustine Herrera], he was as excited as me."

"We love finding and supporting talented riders," said Terry Vance, co-founder of Vance & Hines. "We have another guy on the team [Krawiec] that we hired before he had ever qualified for an NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle race. That worked out really well.

Herrera will have the opportunity to race alongside of Kraiec, a legend in NHRA two-wheeled racing as Krawiec has earned his four titles on the strength of 49 NHRA wins. He was the first member of the team to enter the Denso 200-mph Club with a current top speed of 203.49 mph.

“This will be my second year on the Suzuki Hayabusa, and I’m ready for a big year for myself and for the team,” Krawiec said.

Andrew Hines, who also holds a steady resume as a championship ride, will continue to hold his role as tuner for the team. 

"I watched Gaige's first run at the U.S. Nationals and immediately knew this guy was something special. He’s a longtime Suzuki rider, and it was easy to see how confident he was on the bike," said Andrew Hines. "I can't wait to help him develop into a championship level rider in PSM on one of our bikes."

Suzuki remains as a marketing and technical partner with the Vance & Hines team. 

“We’re happy to continue our relationship with the Vance & Hines squad for 2023,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. “We look to continue our shared history of success in NHRA Drag Racing and welcome Gaige to the team to pilot the legendary Hayabusa Pro Stock motorcycle alongside Eddie and crew chief Andrew.”