PMRA team wins Pro Modified Invitational during national drag race event at the Grand Bend Motorplex
GRAND BEND, ON (July 18, 2011) – Jack Grainy blasted his way to victory during the IHRA Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex over the weekend.
The Pro Modified Racing Association regular competed with several other teams in the event's Pro Modified Invitational, and the Tonawanda, New York driver won an IHRA Iron Man for his efforts, his second such title in 16 years."This has been a great win for us," said Grainy after the win. "We are very happy to win, and we were proud to be a part of the PMRA at this race.
"Our next goal," he continued, "is to win a PMRA race, hopefully this season."
A veteran Pro Modified team, driver Jack and crew chief Sonny have competed for many years, and was one of the initial teams when the PMRA began in 2004.
PMRA competitor Eric Latino of Whitby, Ontario, qualified number one for the race with his 1969 Camaro with a 6.186, 235.15, and Grainy, in the Grainy Brothers 1967 Camaro was right behind with a 6.233, 230.33 pass. Next was the 1963 Corvette Pro Modified of PMRA driver Derek Hawker of Corbyville, Ontario, who qualified third with a 6.294, 224.47.
In the semi-final, Grainy was slower off the tree than Hawker, but Grainy drove around him to win the race, posting a 6.143 in the process. Latino was unopposed in his semi.
For the final, the race was decided at the starting line, as Grainy cut a .092-second reaction time over Latino's .143 second reaction time. Both drivers ran identical 6.117-second times for the race, with Latino running a 240.00 to Grainy's 233.56, but could not catch Grainy.In Top Sportsman action, Quick 32 Sportsman Series competitor Bill Wilson drove the Wilson & Gray entry to the event win.
Grainy, Hawker, Latino, and the rest of the PMRA competitors along with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS will return to the next scheduled PMRA event, the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts at Grand Bend August 5-7. This will be round four on the 2011 tour. Presently leading the PMRA is Vito Montesano of Maple, Ontario, followed by Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario, and third is Latino.
Qualifying for the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS will take place Friday and Saturday August 5-6, with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday August 7. The weekend will also feature Top Fuel and Nostalgia Funny Cars, and Junior Dragsters. Canadian Ike Maier is expected to compete in the Paton Racing Top Fuel Dragster.
Complimentary spectator event tickets will still be available at Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts locations across Ontario, at businesses in Stratford, or by contacting the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, the Pro Modified Racing Association or the Pro Bike & Sled Series.General parking is $20 per car load and weekend camping is available.
For information about the Stratford Spectacular Hot August National presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts at the Grand Bend Motorplex, call (519) 238-7223, visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com or www.stratfordspectacular.com
Photo Credit: Dale Boeru - Canadian Drag Racing Photos ~ www.canadiandragracingphotos.com
