Thank Goodness Gray Motorsports is putting together a Fuel Injected Engine Program Already and no doubt a Chassis Tuning Program will start as soon as possible .
DENVER, N.C. (September 15, 2015) – This summer, NHRA announced a series of major changes for the Pro Stock category with the intent of developing a more relatable and appealing experience. The newly designated rules were monumental, but the Gray Motorsports NHRA Pro Stock team embraced the announcement and has been in constant motion ever since as they work to finish the 2015 season of NHRA's Mello Yello Drag Racing Series on a strong note while preparing a viable program for next season and years to come.
The Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis marked the end of the regular season for the NHRA competitors, and the surging team finished with three Gray Motorsports-powered Chevrolet Camaros in the top 10. Engine customer and teammate Larry Morgan is No. 6 in the FireAde Racing entry heading into the 2015 Countdown to the Championship, Shane Gray is No. 7 in the Gray Motorsports Camaro, and Jonathan Gray is No. 10 in the Gray Manufacturing Chevrolet.
Crew chief Justin Elkes, based out of the Denver, N.C., race shop, oversees the Gray Motorsports program. Since motorsports veteran Johnny Gray opened the doors in 2009, the Gray Motorsports Pro Stock team has accumulated 11 of those coveted NHRA national event trophies. Shane has four, 2014 teammate Dave Connolly earned three, and Jonathan scored one last year in his rookie season. Morgan, who joined forces with Gray Motorsports at the beginning of 2015, has made a powerful push and had one of his best seasons on record this year with two wins in three final rounds already on his scorecard.
"We're definitely ready for the Countdown," said Elkes. "I think our competitors see that we're ready as well, and what's coming next is what we've been working towards all year – these last six races."
The rule-changes that were announced in Denver this year at the Mile-High Nationals didn't perturb the young tuner. In fact, Elkes and the Gray Motorsports crew are ready to rise to the challenge.
"We didn't know exactly what the rule changes would include, and we certainly didn't know the magnitude of the changes, but we all knew something was coming," said Elkes, 34. "We've already started working on them, and I feel like we're in a good position. We should be up and running with an engine package for next year within the next few weeks, with all the rule changes implemented. I'm really excited for it, and I'm looking forward to this winter, for sure."
Starting on January 1, 2016, NHRA will require all Pro Stock teams to equip their cars with electronically-controlled throttle body fuel injection systems, specifically Holley EFI. NHRA is also mandating a 10,500 rev limiter to be added to the fuel injection systems. Hood scoops will no longer be allowed, and wheelie bars will be shortened.
"These are big changes, but we support them," said Elkes. "As NHRA competitors, I think that's important. It certainly changes how we do things, and it means that during the Countdown to the Championship we will really have a lot on our plate. But we have our guys back at the Gray Motorsports shop working on everything it's going to take to comply with the new rules, and that just shows the depth of our program. We have a great group of people who are all willing to work very hard, and that will show when we get to Pomona in 2016 for the Winternationals. While we're out racing these next six and the Countdown, our shop is going to continue working on what's in the future.
"It will be a totally different platform. Everything is going to be so different next year. We're focused on winning the 2015 championship, but right after the NHRA Finals, we're heading right to Bradenton, Fla., to start testing what we've been working on for 2016. We can't wait."
