Making just his second career race start in Pro Stock Motorcycle, Brayden Davis made a strong impression riding the Powertrain/RevZilla/Vance & Hines Suzuki for the first time, going to the top with a run of 6.870 at 197.22, taking the provisional No. 1 qualifier at the 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenn.
Davis made his PSM debut in Gainesville, but this weekend marks his debut with the Vance & Hines team and he’s had an immediate impact.
Riding the motorcycle points leader Gaige Herrera took to the winner’s circle in Chicago, Davis made two strong passes and is now in line to get his first career No. 1 qualifier and possibly become the fifth different winner at Bristol Dragway in five years.
“It was definitely unbelievable to be with a powerhouse team like Vance & Hines and get the No. 1 spot,” Davis said. “I ran 6.89 and 6.87 and that proves the bike is deadly consistent. Andrew [Hines, crew chief] is helping me as a rider.
“This isn’t a bad start but I’ve now got a target on my back but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I’ve always been the kind of person where pressure doesn’t get to me and I’ve raced in some pretty bizarre situations.”
Teammate Richard Gadson is currently second with a 6.879 at 195.93 and Angie Smith is third thanks to a run of 6.907 at 196.53.
Qualifying continues at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.
Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Brayden Davis, Suzuki, 6.870, 197.22; 2. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.879, 197.83; 3. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.907, 196.53; 4. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.915, 196.27; 5. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.921, 198.38; 6. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.956, 193.96; 7. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.963, 194.52; 8. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.967, 192.60; 9. John Hall, Beull, 6.993, 195.59; 10. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 7.030, 190.11; 11. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 7.031, 190.27; 12. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.088, 191.89; 13. Charles Poskey, Suzuki, 9.423, 95.56.
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