Brayden Davis continued his magnificent weekend in Pro Stock Motorcycle, picking up his first career No. 1 qualifier in just his second NHRA start with a standout run of 6.834 at 197.59 on a Powertrain/RevZilla/Vance & Hines Suzuki. He was the best bike on Friday and got challenged on Saturday, but lowered the boom to end the day with a standout run. It was a surreal moment for the young Davis, who showed his skills on an impressive bike.
“It’s hard to even believe to come out here and run with the best of the best,” Davis said. “Coming in here, I knew I had a good bike, and it was left up to me to see how well I could ride. Honestly, before my first run, I was nervous. Me and Andrew [Hines crew chief] are getting closer. Before the last pass, he said it’s going to hit me a little harder, and if it makes it you’re going to the top. I definitely could feel the difference.
“It’s going to be a dogfight tomorrow and I’m ready for it.”
Teammate Richard Gadson is currently second with a 6.859 at 197.62 and Matt Smith is third thanks to a run of 6.871 at 199.46.
Herrera, the back-to-back world champion, won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge for the second time this season, going 6.891 at 196.30 on his RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki to defeat Steve Johnson, who ran into trouble almost immediately. He was thrilled with the win, while also enjoying seeing Davis’ success on Saturday as well.
“It’s awesome seeing him doing so well. I might be taking that bike back for tomorrow. He’s young and doing a phenomenal job,” Davis said. “For Brayden to qualify No. 1 and me to get the Mission win, it’s awesome for the whole Vance & Hines team. It’s amazing what our guys are able to do with three different bikes.”
Eliminations for the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at Bristol Dragway.
Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Brayden Davis, Suzuki, 6.834, 197.59 vs. Bye; 2. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.859, 197.83 vs. 13. Charles Poskey, Suzuki, 7.229, 188.31; 3. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.871, 199.46 vs. 12. John Hall, Beull, 6.993, 195.59; 4. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.876, 197.39 vs. 11. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.992, 193.99; 5. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.907, 196.53 vs. 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.967, 192.91; 6. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.911, 195.48 vs. 9. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.967, 193.79; 7. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.941, 190.89 vs. 8. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.952, 194.52.
ROUND ONE — Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.974, 192.91 def. Matt Smith, Buell, Foul – Red Light; Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.876, 197.39 def. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.992, 193.99; FINAL — G. Herrera, 6.891, 196.30 def. S. Johnson, Broke.
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