The normally intense Hector Arana Sr. will be a little more relaxed for this weekend's Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

That's because the Lucas Oil Buell rider looks forward to having a little fun in the Zoo, the renowned campground outside the race track, and winning his title sponsor's m,ain event.

"Those are the two biggest reason why we work so hard to have everything done so we have to work less in Brainerd," Arana Sr. said. "That is one race that I seem to be more relaxed, because the fans there are so great to the racers, espeicllay those of us sponsored by Lucas Oil. The way they treat us at the Zoo, they show us the appreciation. I am looking forward to going there and having a great time.

"When I go to Brainerd, I don't feel the pressure. I feel more relaxed, I feel happier. We want to go there and have a great time and let the fans know we appreciate them."

With two races before the Countdown to the Championship begins, Arana Sr. would love nothing more than to get a victory to set up a run at the 2012 Pro Stock Motorcycle title. He's already clinched a spot in the Countdown, NHRA's playoffs that begin in Charlotte in September.

Arana Sr. has performed well all season, qualifying fourth or better in all eight races, including No. 1 three times and No. 2 three times. Plus, Arana Sr. has reached the semifinals in five of the last six races, though a victory has eluded him.

"In this sport, sometimes you need luck," Arana Sr. said. "To be the best, you need luck on your side. We've got the performance; we've been running well. But we don't have the luck on our side yet. Hopefully, in the Countdown, everything will turn around the other way, and we should be good."

The only way to get some luck is to continue to work hard, and Arana Sr. will certainly do that, as he's known as one of the hardest workers in the sport.

"You've got to make your own luck," Arana Sr. said. "We've got the performance, we're running well. We just have to take care of our program and focus only on our program. The other teams are going to do what they're going to do."

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