Have you heard of four wide racing? While the idea may not be new, as early drag racing venues tested many variations to traditional side-by-side drag racing, the innovative hero that brought a new twist to the NHRA Nationals was promoter Bruton Smith who introduced the format at zMAX Dragway over a dozen years ago. Since then, the concept expanded west to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which like the Charlotte track, also hosts a two-wide event each year.
The second race of the 2023 FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports was powered by Culp Lumber Company at zMAX Raceway in conjunction with Circle K Four-Wide NHRA Camping World National outside Charlotte NC over the weekend. Pro Mod offers something unique for every racing fan with doorslammer bodies from multiple generations, and multiple options for engine power and choice of fuel.
Located in Concorde NC, zMAX Dragway hosted incredible competition from the stars of the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod series over the weekend including reigning 2022 Pro Mod world champion Kris Thorne, multi-time champion Rickie Smith, and former world champion Khalid alBalooshi. Both Justin Bond and JR Gray Jr., who finished first and second at the seasoner opener at Gainesville Raceway also qualified for Sunday’s elimination rounds.
Bond Stays Perfect for FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Season
About the only thing that Justin Bond didn’t win at the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Racing Series at zMAX Dragway for the 2023 Four-Wide event in Charlotte was Number One qualifier. Bond posted a 5.746 ET to finish in second behind Rickie Smith’s 5.726-second elapsed time in qualifying. In semifinal round one, Smith and Gray Jr. advanced by eliminating Kevin Rivenbark and defending champ Kris Thorne.
Semifinal round two saw the Gatornationals winner Justin Bond and Jason Lee eliminate Marcus Birt as Stan Shelton took himself out of competition by leaving the tree too early. Bond, who had already won his opening quad, posted a 5.706 ET enroute to the Pro Mod Final. Lee left early, Smith left last and coasted home, Gray nailed the hole shot, and Justin Bond powered his way to the win. Bond extended his points lead in Pro Mod to 38 points over Gray Jr.
photo courtesy NHRA
Route 66 NHRA Nationals
The third round of the 2023 FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports will be raced in conjunction with the Gerber Collision and Glass NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance on May 19-21 at Route 66 Raceway outside Chicago.
