In what has become a regu-
lar occurrence, Herrera set the
Pomona track record in qualify-
ing with a 6.661 at 203.80 mph
on his Gen 3 Hayabusa and then
rode to wins against Blaine Hale,
LE Tonglet and Steve Jonson to
reach the final round.
By now, most know the
story of Herrera, who entered six
NHRA events last season and
quickly impressed the Vance
& Hines team with his calm
demeanor and unique riding
style. He was hired as a replace
-
ment for three-time world champ
Angelle Sampey and quickly put
together the most dominant sea
-
son in the history of the class.
Herrera won 11 of 15 events and
put together a staggering 50-4
record in elimination rounds. His
win percentage is the best of any
NHRA pro on two or four wheels.
"I knew at the start of the
season that I was getting a fast
motorcycle, but I never expected
to be able to do the sort of
things we've done this year," Her
-
rera said. "I always had the confi-
dence that I could do this. I just
wanted an opportunity to be able
come out here and show it."
Herrera's championship is
the 14th for the Vance & Hines
team since the Pro Stock Motor
-
cycle class was recognized as a
professional class in 1988. An-
drew Hines (6), Krawiec (4) and
Matt Hines (3) helped build the
dynasty that now lists Herrera as
its champion.
As for Krawiec, he remains
steadfast in his pursuit of career
win number 50. He's been sitting
on 49 wins since the 2021 U.S.
Nationals and, more recently, has
lost the last four events and five
overalls at the hands of Herrera.
In Pomona, Krawiec qualified
in the number three spot with a
6.734 second run and defeated
Chris Bostick, Marc Ingwersen
and Hector Arana Jr. on his way to
the final round. Krawiec finished
the season as the class' number-
two ranked rider behind Herrera.
The rest of the top 10 includes
Hector Arana Jr., Matt Smith,
Jianna Evaristo, Steve Johnson,
Marc Ingwersen, Angie Smith,
rookie sensation Chase Van Sant
and Kelly Clontz.
Kevin McKenna
VOLUME ISSUE NOVEMBER , P
Herrera (far lane)
went up against his
Vance & Hines Suzuki
teammate Eddie
Krawiec in the final.
