It really doesn't matter which class you run; everybody wants to win the "Big Go". Once again, it was a spectacular fan event at the 65th annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals with Pro Mod veteran Mike Castellana scoring his first career victory at the prestigious event. Castellana relied on a holeshot in the final round of E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service action on Monday at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis to defeat longtime rival Rickie Smith. The fan-popular series in Indianapolis was presented by Hot Wheels and marked the ninth race in the twelve-race event for the E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod 2019 series.
It was Castellana's tenth win in his E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Series and his second victory of 2019 racing season. Castellana, who had finished second on two previous occasions, drove his blown Al-Anabi Performance Camaro to a 5.758 second ET at 248.43 mph win over Rickie Smith's 5.747 ET at a faster 250.83 mph pass. Castellana, who was second fast qualifier, icked up round wins against Sidnei Frigo, Doug Winters and AAP teammate Brandon Snider to reach the final round. Smith, a three-time world champ and the No. 1 qualifier this weekend, advanced to his 23rd career final round thanks to round wins against Eric Latino, Khalid AlBalooshi and defending world champ Mike Janis.
The Top 10 point standings in E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod Series following the 65th annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis after nine of twelve events: 1. Steve Jackson, 689; 2. Mike Janis, 567; 3. Todd Tutterow, 556; 4. Jose Gonzalez, 527; 5. Sidnei Frigo, 485; 6. Khalid alBalooshi, 425; 7. Mike Castellana, 410; 8. Rickie Smith, 407; 9. Brandon Snider, 366; 10. Chad Green, 362. The E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service continues at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, Sept. 27-29 in St. Louis. It is the 10th of 12 races during the 2019 season.
Photo courtesy of RPM: Real Pro Mod
Featuring the world’s fastest and most exotic doorslammer racecars, the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service offers something for every kind of drag racing fan. With more than 3,000 horsepower, the "suspended door" Pro Mod cars travel the quarter-mile in less than six seconds at speeds exceeding 250 mph. Visit Real Pro Mod online to learn more.
