NEW YORK NATIVE CASTELLANA TAKES QUALIFYING LEAD IN PRO MOD SERIES AT TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. - New Yorker Mike Castellana powered his nitrous-injected Al-Anabi Racing ’69 Camaro to the qualifying lead in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx portion of the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals Friday at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
Castellana’s first qualifying attempt was disqualified due to a tech violation, but he made up for it on his second attempt as his machine covered the quarter-mile distance in 5.856 seconds at 245.72 mph.
If his time stands through Saturday’s final qualifying session (1:45 p.m.) it would be his third No. 1 position of the season and fifth of his career. A runner-up at this event in 2010, Castellana is a three-time winner on the circuit including one victory this season, but has never won at his home track.
The only female competitor in the Pro Mod series, Leah Pruett, was second in her turbocharged ProCare Rx Ford Mustang with a 5.883 at 247.88. Donald Martin was third overall behind the wheel of his supercharged Sterling Bridge ’68 Camaro with a 5.898 at 247.07.
Martin’s teammate, series points leader Danny Rowe, was sixth in his identically prepared supercharged Sterling Bridge Camaro, posting a 5.910 at 246.44.
The first round of eliminations starts Saturday at 4:15 p.m. and Pro Mod eliminations continue Sunday at approximately 2:30 p.m.
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Friday's results after the first two of three rounds of qualifying for the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, fourth of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx.
Pro Modified -- 1. Mike Castellana, Chevy Camaro, 5.856, 245.72; 2. Leah Pruett, Ford Mustang, 5.883, 247.88; 3. Donald Martin, Camaro, 5.898, 247.07; 4. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 5.899, 251.63; 5. Robert Patrick Jr., Mustang, 5.904, 238.60; 6. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.910, 246.44; 7. Pete Farber, Daytona, 5.920, 246.35; 8. Roger Burgess, Chevy Corvette, 5.926, 248.16; 9. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.927, 241.89; 10. Mike Janis, Mustang, 5.966, 244.07; 11. Steve Matusek, Mustang, 5.970, 251.39; 12. Jay Payne, Camaro, 5.977, 244.12; 13. Donald Walsh, Mustang, 6.061, 252.05; 14. Vinny Budano, Camaro, 6.141, 233.56; 15. Troy Coughlin, Camaro, 6.218, 238.30; 16. David Hance, Chevy Bel Air, 6.324, 230.49.
Not Qualified: 17. Kevin McCurdy, 6.367, 222.07; 18. Kenny Lang, 8.495, 110.41.
