From Kelly Wade | NHRA
MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 01, 2023) – It was a picture-perfect weekend for Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle as he continued a dominant season with a run of 6.72 at 201 on his Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki to defeat teammate Eddie Krawiec in the final round. The win gave Herrera his eighth victory this season and extended his lead to 99 points over Matt Smith with just three races remaining. After qualifying No. 1 for the 11th time this season – tying the single-season mark in Pro Stock Motorcycle history – Herrera broke the track E.T. record in the first round (6.701) to defeat Joey Gladstone.
He knocked off Rookie of the Year contender Chase Van Sant to reach the final, where he dispatched Krawiec and his 6.76 at 201 to deny his teammate a 50th career victory. In the process, Herrera moved a step closer to his first career NHRA world championship.
“Hopefully, I still have a job after knocking Ed off, but that final round was good for our whole team” said Herrera. “All day I had a very consistent motorcycle, and first round was probably the most nervous round for me. Racing Joey, he's always a tough competitor, so I knew he was going to be on it. All day has been really good.
“I can't give enough credit to the whole Vance & Hines Mission Suzuki team. I still can't believe I got that phone call almost a year ago now to race for them. It’s been incredible, and I'm proud to be part of it.”
Krawiec reached the final round for the second time this season and 93rd time in his career with round wins over Ryan Oehler, Jianna Evaristo, and Smith.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship continues with race four of six at the Stampede of Speed at Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas for the NHRA FallNationals Oct. 13-15.
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Photo's: NHRA