Flyin’ Ryan” Oehler Wins NHRA’s Pro Stock Race

“FLYIN’ RYAN” OEHLER WINS NHRA’S PRO STOCK RACE By The Mag Man, Randy Gracy

One of my friends I met back some 10-15 years ago when he was racing AHDRA has won his first Pro Stock NHRA race. Ryan Oehler stopped three-time world champion Matt Smith in the final round of the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals. Oehler entered the final round with lane choice, left first with a very competitive .010 light and sealed the win with a 6.974. Smith, who had one of the quickest bikes in the field during qualifying and eliminations, worked his way to career final No. 55 with wins against Chris Bostick, Angelle Sampey, and reigning champ Andrew Hines. Smith narrowly defeated Hines in a great 6.943 to 6.943 sideby-side race in the semifinals. Oehler has made great improvements this year after each race and the teams work proved they are a force to be reckoned with.

“We’ve been hunting for this for a long time,” said Oehler. “This has been my dad’s dream. (He) raced Pro Stock Harleys and Pro Stock cars in the 1970s. We got into motorcycles because it was a little bit more our style. We got here, and we just keep on working every day. As soon as I did the burnout, the bike starts dragging out of the water and we don’t have the right freeplay in the clutch. When the light dropped I knew it was good. To have it all come together like that; this is for my family and my wife, and my team and for God. I love you all very much.” Congrats Ryan from your friend and fan. Keep the throttle open and bring home a few more Wallies!