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BAYTOWN, Texas (March 28, 2007) - The AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge Presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc., will take to the quarter-mile at the O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park this weekend, with drivers looking to deliver a spectacular show of Pro Mod drag racing in the Lone Star state. Points leader and Gainesville winner Josh Hernandez hopes to make the event a three-peat, having won in his home town the past two years, while 2006 World Champion Jay Payne is looking to qualify and make up ground in the points chase to defend his title.
With new national records in both ET and speed having been set at the first event by teammates Hernandez and Troy Critchley, the Howard Moon-tuned duo know there is a target tattooed on their backs.
"It was a great race in Florida, but, on race-day in Houston, it's anyone's guess," Troy Critchley, the 2006 event low qualifier, said. "I know that people are champing at the bit to get at me and Joshie, and it adds some excitement, but, we both still just have to race our races.
"It's what makes Pro Mods so exciting," he added.
Along with Jay and Shelly Payne, several other drivers have their eyes set on taking home the AMS Eagle and the $10,000 prize, including Torco-drivers Scott Cannon, Jr. and Matt Hagan; Al Billes-tuned John Russo, Tony Pontieri and Raymond Commisso; Steve Engel and Brandon Pesz; Cody and Zach Barklage; Scott Ray, Chip King, Eddie Ware, 2006 event runner-up Danny Rowe, Mike Stawecki; HITnRUNtravel.com's Bryan Seward, and series presenting sponsor Tim Tindle.
Despite the anticipation of performance for all of the teams and drivers, the death of fellow racer Eric Medlen is definitely on their minds. AMS Staff Leasing owner, Dave Wood, said the loss is something that will affect drag racing forever.
"Any time something like this happens, it makes us all take a look at why we do this. I want to personally send my condolences to the Medlen family as well as John Force's whole team and the racers and fans that loved Eric. It's a family out here, and we've lost someone special," Wood said.
Qualifying for the second of ten events in the AMS Pro Mod Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc. is scheduled for 2:45 and 5:45 p.m. on Friday, March 30, with a final chance to make the 16-car field at 11 a.m. Saturday morning. Eliminations begin at 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, March 31, and the final eight will battle during NHRA eliminations beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 1.
AMS Pro Mods Head to the Lone Star State
BAYTOWN, Texas (March 28, 2007) - The AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge Presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc., will take to the quarter-mile at the O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park this weekend, with drivers looking to deliver a spectacular show of Pro Mod drag racing in the Lone Star state. Points leader and Gainesville winner Josh Hernandez hopes to make the event a three-peat, having won in his home town the past two years, while 2006 World Champion Jay Payne is looking to qualify and make up ground in the points chase to defend his title.
With new national records in both ET and speed having been set at the first event by teammates Hernandez and Troy Critchley, the Howard Moon-tuned duo know there is a target tattooed on their backs.
"It was a great race in Florida, but, on race-day in Houston, it's anyone's guess," Troy Critchley, the 2006 event low qualifier, said. "I know that people are champing at the bit to get at me and Joshie, and it adds some excitement, but, we both still just have to race our races.
"It's what makes Pro Mods so exciting," he added.
Along with Jay and Shelly Payne, several other drivers have their eyes set on taking home the AMS Eagle and the $10,000 prize, including Torco-drivers Scott Cannon, Jr. and Matt Hagan; Al Billes-tuned John Russo, Tony Pontieri and Raymond Commisso; Steve Engel and Brandon Pesz; Cody and Zach Barklage; Scott Ray, Chip King, Eddie Ware, 2006 event runner-up Danny Rowe, Mike Stawecki; HITnRUNtravel.com's Bryan Seward, and series presenting sponsor Tim Tindle.
Despite the anticipation of performance for all of the teams and drivers, the death of fellow racer Eric Medlen is definitely on their minds. AMS Staff Leasing owner, Dave Wood, said the loss is something that will affect drag racing forever.
"Any time something like this happens, it makes us all take a look at why we do this. I want to personally send my condolences to the Medlen family as well as John Force's whole team and the racers and fans that loved Eric. It's a family out here, and we've lost someone special," Wood said.
Qualifying for the second of ten events in the AMS Pro Mod Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc. is scheduled for 2:45 and 5:45 p.m. on Friday, March 30, with a final chance to make the 16-car field at 11 a.m. Saturday morning. Eliminations begin at 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, March 31, and the final eight will battle during NHRA eliminations beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 1.
