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CLERMONT, Ind. (September 2, 2007) - After qualifying No. 2 in the AMS Pro Mod Challenge battle for the U.S. Nationals title, Josh Hernandez, driver of the Dr. Moon's Rage '68 Camaro, is one round closer to defending his title. In the first round of eliminations, Hernandez defeated nitrous standout and veteran competitor Mike Castellana in a race full of drama and powerful determination.
As the first pair of cars in eliminations on Sunday afternoon, Hernandez and Castellana both completed their burnouts and prepared to wage war on the track, but neither driver was anxious to be the first to completely stage their cars. Both drivers advanced to light the "pre stage" bulb on the starter's Christmas tree, but the pair waited for what seemed an eternity as crew chiefs and even NHRA Official Starter Rick Steward paced nervously, urging the drivers to stage and race.
"I'll tell you what," Hernandez explained. "It's always fun to race Mike Castellana, because he is so experienced and such a great driver.
"There wasn't any frustration on my part, I was just taking my time, knowing that he was going to do the same," he said.
After Hernandez lit his second "stage" bulb, Castellana still waited almost six seconds to pull his Western Beef 2007 Mustang to the line. With nearly identical reaction times, Hernandez consistently powered away, and took the win light, 6.053 239.10 to 6.201/231.00.
"A little drama doesn't hurt - it adds to the show, and I know Mike was prepared for the dual, as was I," he said.
Hernandez had entered eliminations qualified No. 2 with a 6.044/238.81, behind Mike Janis' 6.020/240.59.
"Now, we have to get the Camaro ready for tomorrow and the rest of eliminations, because, I definitely am planning on fully defending my title as U.S. Nationals winner," Hernandez said.
Hernandez will face Shelly Payne in the quarterfinals when eliminations continue Monday.
HERNADNEZ TAKES ROUND ONE IN HIS DEFENSE OF U.S. NATIONALS TITLE
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 2, 2007) - After qualifying No. 2 in the AMS Pro Mod Challenge battle for the U.S. Nationals title, Josh Hernandez, driver of the Dr. Moon's Rage '68 Camaro, is one round closer to defending his title. In the first round of eliminations, Hernandez defeated nitrous standout and veteran competitor Mike Castellana in a race full of drama and powerful determination.
As the first pair of cars in eliminations on Sunday afternoon, Hernandez and Castellana both completed their burnouts and prepared to wage war on the track, but neither driver was anxious to be the first to completely stage their cars. Both drivers advanced to light the "pre stage" bulb on the starter's Christmas tree, but the pair waited for what seemed an eternity as crew chiefs and even NHRA Official Starter Rick Steward paced nervously, urging the drivers to stage and race.
"I'll tell you what," Hernandez explained. "It's always fun to race Mike Castellana, because he is so experienced and such a great driver.
"There wasn't any frustration on my part, I was just taking my time, knowing that he was going to do the same," he said.
After Hernandez lit his second "stage" bulb, Castellana still waited almost six seconds to pull his Western Beef 2007 Mustang to the line. With nearly identical reaction times, Hernandez consistently powered away, and took the win light, 6.053 239.10 to 6.201/231.00.
"A little drama doesn't hurt - it adds to the show, and I know Mike was prepared for the dual, as was I," he said.
Hernandez had entered eliminations qualified No. 2 with a 6.044/238.81, behind Mike Janis' 6.020/240.59.
"Now, we have to get the Camaro ready for tomorrow and the rest of eliminations, because, I definitely am planning on fully defending my title as U.S. Nationals winner," Hernandez said.
Hernandez will face Shelly Payne in the quarterfinals when eliminations continue Monday.
