At the 2018 season-opening Pro Stock Motorcycle race, Hector Arana Jr. made history.

Arana Jr., on his Erik Buell Racing motorcycle sponsored by Lucas Oil Racing TV, broke the elusive 200-mph barrier with his 200.23 mph run in qualifying March 16 at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.

With the run, Arana Jr. claims the $10,000 bonus for becoming the first rider to join the DENSO Spark Plugs 200 MPH Club.

More than four months later, Hector Arana Sr., still is gushing about the 200-mph run.

“That was the biggest excitement, thrill, satisfaction, weightlifting off your shoulder,” Arana Jr. said. “It was the biggest barrier? What else is left on the Pro Stock Motorcycle?”

That begged the question, what if Arana Jr. or any other Pro Stock Motorcycle racer broke the 6.60-second barrier.

“That’s not a complete number, that’s only a tenth,” Arana Sr. said. “Perfect example, first 300 mph? Kenny Bernstein. First guy who ran 290 mph in Top Fuel? Who is the first guy to go to 280 mph in Top Fuel?”

Arana Sr., who won a Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship in 2009, said his son’s 200-mph run was more gratifying.

“It will go down in history and no one is going to take that away,” Arana Sr. said.

Arana did take a moment to say he is happy about the state of the Pro Stock Motorcycle class.

“Right now, it is anyone’s game, anyone can win,” Arana Sr. said. “Suzuki, a Buell or a Harley. I love driving that’s what keeps me going is the thrill down the quarter-mile.”

At the Mile-High Nationals, Arana Sr. lost on a first-round holeshot to Jerry Savoie, but he left Bandimere Speedway all smiles as Arana Jr. left with the Wally by defeating Savoie.
Arana Jr. will try and make it two wins in a row when the PSM competitors compete at the Sonoma, Calif., this weekend.