Two-time defending Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Gaige Herrera celebrated his birthday by winning the final round on Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.
After a shocking first two races in the Countdown to the Championship, Herrera got back on track in a major way, knocking off teammate Brayden Davis in the final round when Davis went red by just .001. Herrera went 6.791 at 199.61 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki, picking up his sixth victory this season and the 27th in his career.
Herrera fell in the second round at the playoff opener in Reading and lost in the opening round last weekend in Charlotte, a shocking turn of events for the rider who has dominated the class the past two-plus seasons. But on his birthday, Herrera finished off a standout weekend that saw him qualify No. 1 and then knock off Jianna Evaristo and Angie Smith to reach the final round.
Davis had an unfortunate red light to hand the victory to Herrera, who jumped back to second in points. With three races left, Herrera trails teammate and points leader Richard Gadson by just 29 points, knowing this was a must-win weekend if he wanted to pick up a third straight championship.
“This means a lot. Moving from fourth to second in points, that’s awesome, but I’m still the hunter or a chaser. I have to chase my teammate,” Herrera said. “Brayden did me a little favor there in the semis and then Matt [Smith] did me a big favor. That’s like the best birthday present ever, him going out early. That makes it interesting.
“That’s the best part for me and Richard and everyone in the top half of the points; it just makes it a lot more fun. Getting three (wins) in a row here, it means a lot to me. I wish all the Countdown races were here, honestly. But it was an awesome day, and to get to win on your birthday, there’s just nothing like it.”
Davis reached the final round for the second time in his standout rookie season, defeating Chris Bostick, Chase Van Sant and Gadson along the way.
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action Oct. 8-12 with the 40th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas.
Herrea now trails his teammate Richard Gadson by only 29 points.
