TJ Pruitt
(09-13-14) PITTSBORO, NC – After a productive meeting with Extreme Pro Stock drivers at the recent PDRA Dragstock event in Rockingham, N.C. both the PDRA and the Mountain Motor Pro Stock teams are making efforts to have the class back for the PDRA’s sophomore season. PDRA Race Director, Bob Harris, stresses that they want to have Pro Stock as part of the their program and hopes that teams and sponsors support the class.
“We’re willing to do what it takes to have Extreme Pro Stock as a regular class with the PDRA,” stated Harris. “We’ve enjoyed having them this year. We just need to see that the drivers and sponsors are willing to support us in this as well.”
Cale Aronson, driver of an Extreme Pro Stock Mustang, had to miss parts of the inaugural PDRA tour, but has made the commitment to follow the entire season in 2015. “We really enjoy being part of the PDRA as it hosts the world’s fastest door slammer cars in the world and works to promote the interests and needs of all involved, from the spectators to the teams,” told Aronson. “We are looking forward to working with the PDRA team to better promote not only our own class, but the organization as a whole and many of our sponsors are looking forward to continuing support as well. It was great hearing from Jason Scruggs, how much he enjoyed Pro Stock and how it was the class that originally brought about modern door slammer cars!”
Class spokesman and former World Champion John Montecalvo echoed sentiments: “We had a very productive meeting with the PDRA staff and look forward to seeing growth in the class next season. We’ve made eighth-mile racing our home over the last several years and have especially enjoyed this year with the PDRA. We look forward to our future with this fast moving new series that has experienced phenomenal growth in just its first year.”
“The Rockingham meeting went well and we were assured that with some help from us, Pro Stock will be back in 2015. I, as well as many other teams, were excited about the good news. We are all looking forward to racing in the PDRA in 2015,” added John Pluchino, who is currently second in PDRA Extreme Pro Stock points and is excited for the opportunity to continue his success with the PDRA next season.
Class manufacturers and sponsors were also in the XPS meeting and also voiced their commitment to supporting the class.
“Coming off a great spectator turnout in Rockingham it is great to hear PDRA’s plans to continue with the Pro Stock class for 2015,” told RAM Clutches’ Pat Norcia. “Pro Modified began as Pro Stockers on steroids, which essentially paved the way for the Pro Nitrous, Extreme, and Boost classes. I look forward to PDRA continuing to develop eighth-mile drag racing in 2015.”
“My backbone is with large cubic inch Pro Stock, naturally aspirated engines,” agreed Sonny Leonard, CEO of Sonny’s Racing Engines. “With Pro Stock back in 2015, our company will be involved.”
As one of the four owners of the PDRA and the original force in founding the organization, Jason Scruggs hopes that having a home for Mountain Motor Pro Stock within the PDRA will help the class thrive:
“The PDRA is excited to have Pro Stock cars back for 2015,” he concluded. “We want what’s best for the Pro Stock class. I’ve been a huge fan of Pro Stock since the late ‘80s. We want a class that’s healthy, that’s growing, and that has a good show for our fans. We want the IHRA to have a good show of Pro Stock cars, as well since they are also having the class back next year. So we are going to have to work together as organizations and with the Pro Stock community to do what’s best for the class and help them grow. Hopefully new cars will be built and new drivers will join the class. They have two good places to race now, and we would like to see the class prosper and get back to where it was 15 years ago.”
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