NHRA’s Pro Mod and Pro Stock classes have an added weekend of racing to look forward to early next year. On March 6-7, there will be a $50,000-to-win contest at Orlando Speed World Dragway, Bithlo, Fla. that will serve as a test session for Pro Mod prior to its Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals season-starter and a possible financial boon for the Pro Stock class, celebrating its 50th anniversary during the 2020 season.
Announced by Drag Illustrated’s Wes Buck, by Richard Freeman of Elite Motorsports and Orlando Speed World’s Ozzy Moya, the event definitely gives both classes an impetus to have their entries in extraordinary condition. The entry fee, according to Buck, will be nominal and, with (at minimum) $50,000 to win, not only do the promoters expect to see plenty of cars over the two-day event, they hope and expect to fill the Dragway’s 27,000 seats.
As Buck put it, this race will be the perfect cure for early season cabin fever. All cars must be NHRA-legal and full technical inspections will be held prior to and during the contest. Buck also noted he intends to continue his World Series of Pro Mod, held the second weekend of August at Bandimere Speedway outside Denver, Colorado. This event, closer to sea level, will certainly bring higher speeds and better lap times, he noted.
Expected to be on-hand are reigning Pro Mod champ Stevie “Fast” Jackson, perennial competitor and three-time champ Rickie Smith, Steve Matusek and reigning Pro Stock champion Erica Enders, who cemented her third title at Pomona in November.
This year will also be the start of the Pro Mod Experience at each of the class’ 12 NHRA races, similar to the set-up for Mello Yello at each of the series’ 24 contests. There will be entertainment as well as opportunities to purchase E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod merchandise, and autograph opportunities for fans on-site for the competitions.
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