Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera made the quickest run of both sessions, doing that right off the trailer when the two-time world champion went 6.835 at 195.42 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki to open this weekend’s Mopar NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge.
Herrera is on track to earn his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season and, remarkably, the 36th in his young career, but he’s like more concerned with trying to track down his teammate, points leader and reigning world champion Richard Gadson. Herrera is second in points and trails Gadson by 58 points entering the weekend, looking to make up ground in Las Vegas before heading to the finale in Pomona.
“I feel like the last couple races have been fighting the weather, the wind,” Herrera said. “I feel like every time we come to Vegas, usually the wind’s blowing the opposite direction than it is right now. So, I had to change up our bike setup for here compared to normal.
“It’s Richard [Gadson, teammate] and Matt [Smith] basically, still in the championship battle, and you know it puts me in a different mindset. It just makes me hungrier when there’s a mix of riders to go out there and do the best I can, cut good lights, and try to ride as best as I can.”
Gadson is second with a 6.841 at 194.41 and Joey Gladstone took third after a 6.856 at 195.65. Gladstone also earned the “Ted Wiens Trick or Traction Award” and the $1,000 prize.
Qualifying continues at 11 a.m. PT on Saturday at the Mopar NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
There are more videos on the Cycledrag Youtube channel (please subscribe here) and like the Cycledrag Facebook page (Please like here) and more will be coming soon. Also subscribe to our NEW Youtube channel “Racing Jack” and Check back daily.
