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DINWIDDIE, Va. (October 6, 2007) - From newly crowned 2007 World Champion Josh Hernandez delivering a blazing 5.990/241.67 performance, to 2006 World Champion Jay Payne opening his parachutes after 600 feet in his second qualifying attempt and failing to qualify for the 16-car field, the AMS Pro Mod Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc. once again delivered an amazing show in front of packed bleachers and standing-room only fans at the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals in Richmond, Va.
Hernandez and his Howard Moon-tuned Tommy Lipar Racing '68 Camaro were the highlight of the day, ripping off a straight-down-the-groove shot that set both ends of the Virginia Motorsports Park record and brought the crowd to their feet with cheers.
"That was a wild ride," Hernandez said. "I know it looked good on the video and for the fans, but inside the car it was all over the place. The nose lifted and dipped, and I was fighting it all the way down. When I looked up and saw the numbers, I was really amazed.
"What a testament to Howard and the team, but also this whole class. The guys out here have really been pushing the limits, and have pushed us so hard all year. My hat's off to all of them," he said.
Hernandez also ended on top of the list of qualifiers for the $50,000 ProCare Rx Pro Mod Clash, as the finalists were decided after qualifying was completed. Drivers earned points throughout the past five events based on their qualifying position and consistency in qualifying. The top eight drivers will compete in eliminations to be held in Las Vegas at the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals, October 26-28.
Also making the cut are Tony Pontieri, Tim Tindle, John Russo, Jay Payne, Shelly Payne, Steve Engel, and Raymond Commisso. Pairings will be determined randomly and announced before qualifying in Las Vegas.
ProCare Rx Chairman and CEO Roger Burgess said, "It's been great for me and my company to be a part of this whole series this year, especially with the drama coming into this weekend. I'm extremely happy for the drivers who made the Clash, and I'm definitely looking forward to Vegas when we get to award the trophy and the $25,000 cash grand prize."
After a strange first-round qualifying attempt for Tim Tindle where his '67 Mustang GTO jumped and then nearly hit the Christmas Tree before he lifted and limped down the track, the Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. resident grabbed the No. 11 spot with a 6.171/231.95.
Tindle said, "The left lane wasn't the best lane during the first pass, but we were able to get this Chuck Ford powered 'Stang down the right lane during the second round of qualifying. Tomorrow's race will be no easy task, but we just need to focus on one round at a time."
Tindle is paired with hard-charging Ohio Crankshaft flagship driven by Scott Ray. Ray qualified No. 6 with a 6.089/237.95.
Local-boy Matt Hagan drove his '68 Camaro to a No. 12 spot in front of family and friends from Christiansburg, Va.
Eliminations are scheduled to begin just after Pro Stock runs, some time around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, October 7.
HERNANDEZ CONTINUES PRO MOD DOMINATION IN RICHMOND;
Field set for $50,000 ProCare Rx Pro Mod Clash
DINWIDDIE, Va. (October 6, 2007) - From newly crowned 2007 World Champion Josh Hernandez delivering a blazing 5.990/241.67 performance, to 2006 World Champion Jay Payne opening his parachutes after 600 feet in his second qualifying attempt and failing to qualify for the 16-car field, the AMS Pro Mod Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc. once again delivered an amazing show in front of packed bleachers and standing-room only fans at the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals in Richmond, Va.
Hernandez and his Howard Moon-tuned Tommy Lipar Racing '68 Camaro were the highlight of the day, ripping off a straight-down-the-groove shot that set both ends of the Virginia Motorsports Park record and brought the crowd to their feet with cheers.
"That was a wild ride," Hernandez said. "I know it looked good on the video and for the fans, but inside the car it was all over the place. The nose lifted and dipped, and I was fighting it all the way down. When I looked up and saw the numbers, I was really amazed.
"What a testament to Howard and the team, but also this whole class. The guys out here have really been pushing the limits, and have pushed us so hard all year. My hat's off to all of them," he said.
Hernandez also ended on top of the list of qualifiers for the $50,000 ProCare Rx Pro Mod Clash, as the finalists were decided after qualifying was completed. Drivers earned points throughout the past five events based on their qualifying position and consistency in qualifying. The top eight drivers will compete in eliminations to be held in Las Vegas at the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals, October 26-28.
Also making the cut are Tony Pontieri, Tim Tindle, John Russo, Jay Payne, Shelly Payne, Steve Engel, and Raymond Commisso. Pairings will be determined randomly and announced before qualifying in Las Vegas.
ProCare Rx Chairman and CEO Roger Burgess said, "It's been great for me and my company to be a part of this whole series this year, especially with the drama coming into this weekend. I'm extremely happy for the drivers who made the Clash, and I'm definitely looking forward to Vegas when we get to award the trophy and the $25,000 cash grand prize."
After a strange first-round qualifying attempt for Tim Tindle where his '67 Mustang GTO jumped and then nearly hit the Christmas Tree before he lifted and limped down the track, the Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. resident grabbed the No. 11 spot with a 6.171/231.95.
Tindle said, "The left lane wasn't the best lane during the first pass, but we were able to get this Chuck Ford powered 'Stang down the right lane during the second round of qualifying. Tomorrow's race will be no easy task, but we just need to focus on one round at a time."
Tindle is paired with hard-charging Ohio Crankshaft flagship driven by Scott Ray. Ray qualified No. 6 with a 6.089/237.95.
Local-boy Matt Hagan drove his '68 Camaro to a No. 12 spot in front of family and friends from Christiansburg, Va.
Eliminations are scheduled to begin just after Pro Stock runs, some time around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, October 7.
