Eight of the biggest names in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle will head west for one of the most unique specialty races on the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series schedule.
The GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout is set for Saturday, July 18, during the 38th annual DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals presented by PowerEdge at Sonoma Raceway. The callout-style event will put $25,000 on the line and give fans a one-day showdown featuring the top riders in the category.
Two-time world champion Gaige Herrera enters as the No. 1 seed and will get the first pick. He is followed by reigning world champion Richard Gadson, defending Callout winner Matt Smith, Angie Smith, John Hall, Jianna Evaristo, Chase Van Sant, and Steve Johnson.
Gadson Looking For Sonoma Redemption
Gadson arrives in Sonoma with momentum after winning the most recent NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle event in Norwalk. He also has unfinished business in the All-Star Callout.
Last year, Gadson reached the final round against six-time world champion Matt Smith but lost after going red by just .001-second.
“I remember every pass, and I remember every loss,” Gadson said. “Last year, in Sonoma, I had the best bike. I went .001 red and the finals to Matt. I’m remembering that. So, I’m going to go there, and the lights are hopefully going to be green. Right now, I feel like I have a really good bike.”
That combination of recent success and a little revenge could make Gadson one of the most dangerous riders in the field.
Matt Smith Chasing Three Straight Callout Wins
Smith has dominated the GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout and will be aiming for his third consecutive victory in the specialty race.
He is expected to return to competition at Sonoma after missing the last two events following surgery. As the No. 3 seed, Smith will make the third selection unless Herrera or Gadson calls him out first.
The format adds extra drama because riders choose their opponents instead of following a traditional ladder. That means strategy, confidence, and rivalries all come into play before the first pair rolls to the starting line.
Gadson knows the $25,000 prize will bring out the best in everyone.
“I’m not known for having the fastest motorcycle,” said Gadson. “But I have a really good motorcycle, and when I’m on, I’m on. You have to get there in front of me. So, to go to Sonoma for a lot of money, I feel good about it. I feel like we’re in a good window right now, and I got a shot at the All-Star Callout, so we’re going to give it a try.”
With Herrera getting first pick, Gadson carrying Norwalk momentum, Smith chasing a third straight Callout victory, and a field loaded with proven riders, the GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout has all the ingredients for a must-watch Sonoma showdown.
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