ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — For the second season in a row, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider John Hall kicked off the Countdown to the Championship with a win. Now, he’ll look to carry that momentum into this weekend’s inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock at Rockingham Dragway.
Hall, rider of the Outlaw Beer Buell for Matt Smith Racing, raced his way to the winner’s circle last weekend at the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals and currently sits just one point out of first. After winning the first race of the playoffs last season, Hall knows the importance of a strong start to the playoffs and is looking for more success this weekend in Rockingham.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Hall. “You come in strong and get some momentum going. I did it last year and that was a tough race there, and it was a tough race in Michigan.
“I was ready to quit racing after the weekend. I’ve been so down on myself and that’s what drag racing does to you. It’s like if you go from high to a low to a low to a high, within seconds, minutes, hours. You’re on the top of the world, then you’re beating yourself up. I just haven’t been riding like I wanted to. I talked with Richard Gadson, and I actually told him I’m done. I washed up, and I can’t do this anymore. He then reminded me of that in the winner’s circle in Michigan. So, I’m happy that I’m back and I hope I stay back.”
Hall’s win in Martin gives him the same energy and confidence from last year’s playoffs. He finished sixth in the overall points and is looking forward to this weekend’s race as the Countdown continues. Going against a field that includes points leader Gadson, teammates Matt and Angie Smith, and Gaige Herrera, Hall knows he’ll have to be at his best the rest of the way.
“You just go and do it the best you can,” said Hall. “I was in this exact same position last year. I came in, we won the first race in the Countdown, and we were number two on points.
“The Countdown is tough. You have to string it all together. Everyone saw Richard do it last year. He had a really good Countdown and you have to have a really good Countdown. We have four really good bikes with MSR and we’re hoping one of them gets in that position to win this championship.”
