Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Chris Bostick kicked off his 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals with optimism, despite an early exit in the first round of eliminations.
Riding his new Surf Signature RV Resort Suzuki, Bostick qualified 12th with a solid pass of 6.862 seconds at 196.82 mph. Unfortunately, he faced his White Alligator Racing teammate, Chase Van Sant, in the opening round of eliminations—an all-too-familiar matchup for Bostick, as the two squared off four times last season, including three pivotal Countdown to the Championship races.
With only two qualifying sessions due to inclement weather, Bostick entered race day still adapting to his new machine. In their first-round pairing, Van Sant, who qualified fifth with a run of 6.674 at 199.64, took an early starting line advantage and never trailed, clocking a 6.857-second run at 198.12 mph to Bostick’s 6.996 at 193.79.
“It wasn’t the result we were hoping for, but I’m really encouraged by what we learned this weekend,” Bostick said. “This new bike is designed to mirror the one Chase rides, and with our crew chief Tim Kulungian tuning both motorcycles, I know we’re on the right path. We just need more time to dial everything in.”
While Bostick’s Gatornationals run ended earlier than he had hoped, he remains confident about the remainder of the season.
“I’m determined to go some rounds this year,” Bostick added. “I know this bike has the potential, and we’re putting in the work to get there.”
Van Sant went on to advance to the semifinals before losing to eventual event winner Gaige Herrera.
Pro Stock Motorcycle will return to competition at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, April 25-27.
This story was originally published on March 10, 2025. 
