NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Just one race -- the Dodge Mile-High NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil in Denver, July 19-21 -- remains for Pro Stock Motorcycle riders to lock in their positions for the Mickey Thompson Tires Pro Bike Battle, July 27 at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals.

At the recent Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Angie Smith was able to move by idle riders Jerry Savoie and Steve Johnson into the eighth and final spot in the field and will look to defend that position in Denver.

The Pro Bike Battle takes place during qualifying at the Sonoma Nationals and features thrilling competition between eight of the top riders in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Points are awarded based on qualifying at the 16 Pro Stock Motorcycle events that come between the specialty events, beginning with the 2018 Sonoma event and ending with the Mile-High Nationals.

Eddie Krawiec, who runnered-up against Matt Smith in 2018 Bike Battle, leads the current standings ahead of Smith, who is also the reigning Mello Yello World Champion. Hector Arana Jr., is third, followed by NHRA Mello Yello Series points leader Andrew Hines, who won the Battle in 2016, sits fourth, his Harley-Davidson teammate Angelle Sampey,  former world champ Hector Arana Sr., and sophomore sensation Ryan Oehler.

Behind Savoie and Johnson in ninth and 10th place are Joey Gladstone and resurgent Scotty Pollacheck on another Matt Smith bike, though both will have their work cut out for them to pass Smith.

You can read a full breakdown on how points are awarded here and see the full points standings here. Tickets are on sale now for the NHRA Sonoma Nationals.