Herrera Defeats Gadson in All-Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle Final at St. Louis NHRA Event
Gaige Herrera won his third Pro Stock Motorcycle race of the season at the NHRA Midwest Nationals in Madison, Illinois. He qualified first and beat teammate Richard Gadson in the final, reversing the outcome after a red-light loss to Gadson the previous weekend. The victory cut Herrera's championship deficit in half, while Gadson kept a 32-point lead in the Countdown standings.
Herrera’s No. 1 qualifying mark at World Wide Technology Raceway was 6.644 seconds at 202.76 mph, the class’s fastest this year and just .017 behind his 2023 Dallas record. The Suzuki rider then posted 6.693, 6.703 and 6.710 in eliminations before a final-round 6.710.
Gadson, the titleholder and points leader, qualified seventh with a 6.729/202.06. He defeated Chase Van Sant and Matt Smith, dropping Smith to fourth, 113 points back. Herrera’s win was his fourth St. Louis victory in a row and 31st career.
The outcome may heighten interest in the NHRA Countdown among drag-racing fans, Suzuki teams, and sponsors as the title fight tightens. A close Herrera-Gadson battle could draw more viewers to remaining rounds and boost visibility for Pro Stock Motorcycle, potentially benefiting tracks, broadcasters, and aftermarket brands. It may also reinforce teammate rivalries as a compelling storyline, though its broader societal reach is likely limited to motorsport audiences and local event economies.