Mountain Motor Pro Stock returns to IHRA in 2013
Berner, select teams to compete at Grand Bend, Martin Nitro Jam events
NORWALK, Ohio (June 28, 2013) – Throughout 2013, rumor mills teemed with hints and questions about the return of Pro Stock to the IHRA. Recently, the rumors were put to rest as IHRA made the announcement that Pro Stock would be featured at two of their Nitro Jam events this year.
Pete Berner and the Summit Racing Equipment Team will be among four teams returning to the genesis of Mountain Motor Pro Stocks for the MOPAR Nitro Jam Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex, July 19-21 and the CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam presented by Perry Harley-Davidson at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, August 9-10.
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Pete Berner's Summit Racing Equipment Pro Stock will be in action at two Nitro Jam events in 2013
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"The secret is out," Berner said. "We're going back to IHRA, and I'm really looking forward to racing again at what used to be home for Mountain Motor Pro Stock. This four car, Chicago style shootout is sponsored by Summit and I want to thank Jim [Greenleaf], as well as Scooter [Peaco, IHRA Vice President], for their efforts in making this a reality. I know that Pro Stock is a favorite class of many drag racing fans and I hope they are as glad to see us back at IHRA as we are to go back.
"The last time we ran quarter-mile, we set the World Record. With the car and power we have now, we've surpassed our eighth-mile time on that record setting run, so depending on the conditions, we might have the opportunity to reset it again."
Paul Spriet, Grand Bend Motorplex Owner/Operator, is also looking forward to seeing Pro Stock return to his facility with the IHRA
"Having Mountain Motor Pro Stock back at GBM for the 14th Annual IHRA Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals is a dream come true. Many of our fans grew to love this class as it evolved within the IHRA program because it is the one class based on pure power, no power adders, no blowers, just 800 cubic inches of raw horsepower. GBM also holds many firsts for the Mountain Motor Pro Stock program. We were the first track to have a Pro Stock break into the 6.30's and then into the 6.20's. With the advancements the class has made since then there is no telling what they will run this year!"
"We're thrilled to have the thunder of Mountain Motored Pro Stock back at GBM," added GBM General Manager, Rob Biekx. "There's nothing else with the authoritative roar of 900 plus inches of power and it's going to be great to hear that music again at the Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals!"
Two-time IHRA champion Berner will return to IHRA for the first time since 2009
Berner will also be attending the Martin Nitro Jam, August 9-10.
"We always look forward to racing at U.S. 131. Even just testing there, we have fans come out to show their support. I'm sure the Pro Stock and Summit fans in that area will be happy to see the return of Pro Stock to IHRA. I know that I and my team are excited and looking forward to what the future holds.
Jason Peterson, General Manager of U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, is excited to see what Pro Stocks will do on his quarter-mile track
"It's been several years since we've seen 900 cubic inch, unlimited Pro Stocks run on the quarter-mile. It's great to have them back and to see great side-by-side, 220 miles-per-hour racing. I'm confident it will be worth the wait."
Berner won championships in IHRA competition in 2008 and 2006 and he finished runner-up to series veteran John Montecalvo by five points in IHRA's last fulltime season of Pro Stock racing in 2009. He has eight wins and 21 final round appearances during his IHRA career.
"At both events, we'll have a variety of the fastest Pro Stock cars in the world," Berner elaborated. "Fans will certainly not be disappointed. This is a great chance to showcase our heritage in front of the IHRA fans and will be a good move for our class and for the sport. Many of our fans have been asking us about racing on the quarter-mile again. I hope their enthusiasm in seeing us back at IHRA will match my own! This Summit Racing Equipment Team is very excited about returning to the quarter-mile and seeing our old friends and fans!"
Tickets are on sale now for both events and are available online at www.nitrojam.com.
