With Josh Hernandez already crowned the run-away 2007 AMS Pro Mod World Champion, drivers in the AMS Pro Mod Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc. shift their focus to qualifying for the $50,000 ProCare Rx Pro Mod Clash and taking home a part of the more than $30,000 purse to be awarded as the series makes a stop at the hallowed grounds of Virginia Motorsports Park for the Torco Race Fuels NHRA Nationals.
The top five drivers in the ProCare Rx Clash points (Josh Hernandez, Tim Tindle, Tony Pontieri, Jay Payne, and Steve Engel) have all clinched their spot to compete in the eight-car shootout to be contested in Las Vegas, October 25-28, leaving seven drivers within 230 points fighting to break through. Currently, Shelly Payne, John Russo, and Mike Janis are above the bump spot, with Raymond Commisso, Scott Ray, Harold Laird and Rick Stivers vying to get in.
Points for the ProCare Rx Clash are earned two ways: qualifying order and consistency, with the top qualifier earning 160 points, No. 2 - 150, on down to ten. Consistency is determined by taking the variance between a driver’s best and worst qualifying runs and awarding 160 points to the most consistent, incrementally down to ten points. Conceivably, a driver can earn 320 points in a weekend.
Lexington, Ky. resident Rick Stivers said, “I know I have to be on my game if I’m going to make it, and I guarantee I’ve never taken qualifying so seriously as I am this weekend. I’d love nothing more to take away the $25,000 cash by winning in Vegas, but I’ve got to qualify first, and that means every pass counts. “
Hard charging John Russo and Mike Janis are coming off a final round appearance in IHRA competition, and Scott Cannon, Jr. is flying high after blasting through the IHRA world record last weekend with a blazing 5.938/242.63. AMS Pro Mod World Record is held by 2007 World Champion Josh Hernandez at 5.912, set at the first event of this season.
Hernandez said, “There’s no doubt that the cars are getting quicker and quicker out here, and, with the competition that’s scheduled to come, this is really anyone’s game. My goal this weekend is to stay consistent, just like we have all year, and I know that Howard [Moon, Hernandez’ crew chief] will have her ready to run. “
Renowned chassis builder Tommy Mauney will make a cameo appearance behind the wheel of Danny Rowe’s ‘63 Corvette, and newcomer George Landis will debut in AMS Pro Mod Competition this weekend as well. In all, 20 drivers will compete for the AMS Eagle in Richmond, a full field based on NHRA limitations.
Series Director Matthew Brammer said, “The anticipation of this event is so high - there are so many great teams, and the track and weather should be pristine. I think you will see records fall and upsets abound - but, then, what would you expect - it’s Pro Mod drag racing at its best!
“Drivers are fighting for their chance to win the ProCare Rx Clash Cash, and still competing for final spots in the BAE Challenge, too. Add to that the competition that comes naturally at an AMS Pro Mod event, and that equals excitement, ” he said.
Qualifying rounds are scheduled for 3 and 5:30 p. m. on Friday, October 5 and at 1:45 p. m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. Eliminations will begin Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p. m., and conclude Sunday, Oct. 7.
Drivers invited to Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals
1. Scott Cannon
2. Raymond Commisso
3. Troy Coughlin
4. Steve Engel
5. Tommy Grey
6. Matt Hagen
7. Josh Hernandez
8. Mike Janis
9. Chip King
10. Harold Laird
11. George Landis
12. Tommy Mauney
13. Jay Payne
14. Shelly Payne
15. Tony Ponteri
16. Scott Ray
17. John Russo
18. Mike Stawecki
19. Rick Stivers
20. Tim Tindle
Current BAE Championship Points
(after 8 of 10 races)
1. Josh Hernandez 4104 (Clinched Championship)
2. Jay Payne 2191
3. Raymond Commisso 2185
4. Tony Pontieri 1784
5. Steve Engel 1673
6. Tim Tindle 1571
7. Troy Critchley 1356
8. Shelly Payne 1248
9. Harold Laird 1220
10. Scott Ray 1120
11. John Russo 1007
12. Mike Janis 850
13. Doug Palmer 841
14. Rick Stivers 813
15. Scott Cannon 801
16. Matt Hagan 653
17. Bryan Seward 613
18. Dan Rowe 597
19. Troy Coughlin 531
20. Mike Stawicki 520
Current Points in $50,000 Pro Care Rx Pro Mod Clash
Pos. Name Points behind
1 Hernandez 1050
2 Tindle 880 -170
3 Pontieri 870 -180
4 J Payne 840 -210
5 Engel 800 -250
6 S Payne 670 -380
7 Russo 630 -420
8 Janis 570 -480
9 Commisso 560 -10
9 Ray 560 -10
11 Palmer 540 -30
12 Laird 470 -100
13 Stivers 440 -130
14 Gray 360 -210
15 Knowles 220 -350
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