O'FALLON, MO (October 26, 2010) – John Montecalvo has won championships and tasted plenty of success throughout his prosperous racing career.
But all of it paled in comparison to what he felt last weekend at Texas Motorplex.
Basking in the glory of winning his first American Drag Racing League (ADRL) World Championship, Montecalvo could barely contain his excitement in the moments following his win in the ADRL's innovative Speedtech "Battle For The Belts" in Extreme Pro Stock (XPS).
"Winning the IHRA title was a lifelong goal and I'm glad we did. But I've got to say this just blows it away," Montecalvo said. "It's an adrenaline overflow. It's so nice to be somewhere where you're appreciated. This organization loves doorslammers and this is just a dream.
"Elated is the word to describe this. This has been a dream year."
Montecalvo concluded his magical year by beating friend and rival Pete Berner in the "Battle For The Belts" finals.
Both went an identical 4.071, but Montecalvo's .061 reaction time was the difference in a tremendous side-by-side drag race.
It was the final brushstroke on Montecalvo's impressive and championship-clinching day at Texas Motorplex.
Montecalvo's day started with a 4.088 and a first-round win against Elijah Morton and he followed that with a 4.077 in the semifinals against Brian Gahm, who has the most wins of any driver in XPS history.
But Montecalvo was on his game and also got the best of Berner, who upset No. 1 qualifier Cary Goforth on the other side of the "Battle For The Belts" ladder.
"I was worried about Cary and you certainly can't count out Brian and Pete," Montecalvo said. "They're all my friends and we've known each other and raced against each other for such a long time.
"I'm happy it came down to the four of us because they're so good. It makes this that much more rewarding."
It was a dream finish to a year Montecalvo won't soon forget.
After missing the first race of the season, the New York native and his Chevy Cobalt had a summer stretch that was more dominant than any driver in XPS history.
Starting with his win at the Ford Drive One Summer Drags in June, Montecalvo won four straight races, becoming just the third driver in ADRL history – and first in the XPS division — to win four in a row.
That memorable stretch shot Montecalvo to the top of the points standings, but things weren't quite as easy heading into Ennis, Texas.
Montecalvo suffered a pair of early exits in two races before the World Finals and he was slightly worried about his chances in Texas. But instead of floundering in disappointment, Montecalvo and his team found what they were looking for at the perfect time.
"We dropped off the map (late in the season) and we were really concerned," Montecalvo said. "I'll admit it, my confidence suffered, but the team got it together. I have such a great team, I just had to do my part."
Everyone was equally on point at Texas Motorplex, as Montecalvo replicated the winning formula that brought him an XPS-best four event wins in 2010.
His Cobalt got quicker as the day went along, Montecalvo found his groove and got lane choice in each round, and he ended the night with an unforgettable celebration.
"We've had an exceptional year, and I'm very proud of what we've been able to accomplish," Montecalvo said. "My crew has worked incredibly hard all year long and they deserve this, too.
"I like wearing the number one on my car!"
Montecalvo also set his sights on what he hopes his future holds in XPS.
"I've never won two (championships) in a row," Montecalvo said with a smile.
But all of it paled in comparison to what he felt last weekend at Texas Motorplex.
Basking in the glory of winning his first American Drag Racing League (ADRL) World Championship, Montecalvo could barely contain his excitement in the moments following his win in the ADRL's innovative Speedtech "Battle For The Belts" in Extreme Pro Stock (XPS).
"Winning the IHRA title was a lifelong goal and I'm glad we did. But I've got to say this just blows it away," Montecalvo said. "It's an adrenaline overflow. It's so nice to be somewhere where you're appreciated. This organization loves doorslammers and this is just a dream.
"Elated is the word to describe this. This has been a dream year."
Montecalvo concluded his magical year by beating friend and rival Pete Berner in the "Battle For The Belts" finals.
Both went an identical 4.071, but Montecalvo's .061 reaction time was the difference in a tremendous side-by-side drag race.
It was the final brushstroke on Montecalvo's impressive and championship-clinching day at Texas Motorplex.
Montecalvo's day started with a 4.088 and a first-round win against Elijah Morton and he followed that with a 4.077 in the semifinals against Brian Gahm, who has the most wins of any driver in XPS history.
But Montecalvo was on his game and also got the best of Berner, who upset No. 1 qualifier Cary Goforth on the other side of the "Battle For The Belts" ladder.
"I was worried about Cary and you certainly can't count out Brian and Pete," Montecalvo said. "They're all my friends and we've known each other and raced against each other for such a long time.
"I'm happy it came down to the four of us because they're so good. It makes this that much more rewarding."
It was a dream finish to a year Montecalvo won't soon forget.
After missing the first race of the season, the New York native and his Chevy Cobalt had a summer stretch that was more dominant than any driver in XPS history.
Starting with his win at the Ford Drive One Summer Drags in June, Montecalvo won four straight races, becoming just the third driver in ADRL history – and first in the XPS division — to win four in a row.
That memorable stretch shot Montecalvo to the top of the points standings, but things weren't quite as easy heading into Ennis, Texas.
Montecalvo suffered a pair of early exits in two races before the World Finals and he was slightly worried about his chances in Texas. But instead of floundering in disappointment, Montecalvo and his team found what they were looking for at the perfect time.
"We dropped off the map (late in the season) and we were really concerned," Montecalvo said. "I'll admit it, my confidence suffered, but the team got it together. I have such a great team, I just had to do my part."
Everyone was equally on point at Texas Motorplex, as Montecalvo replicated the winning formula that brought him an XPS-best four event wins in 2010.
His Cobalt got quicker as the day went along, Montecalvo found his groove and got lane choice in each round, and he ended the night with an unforgettable celebration.
"We've had an exceptional year, and I'm very proud of what we've been able to accomplish," Montecalvo said. "My crew has worked incredibly hard all year long and they deserve this, too.
"I like wearing the number one on my car!"
Montecalvo also set his sights on what he hopes his future holds in XPS.
"I've never won two (championships) in a row," Montecalvo said with a smile.
