As the winter days slowly crept by this off-season, V. Gaines simply grew more anxious and it was certainly easy to understand why.

Coming off a career-best season in 2012, the Pro Stock standout was itching to get back behind the wheel. Gaines wasted no time in asserting himself on Thursday, claiming the No. 1 qualifying spot at the season-opening NHRA Winternationals in Pomona with a spectacular 6.538 at 211.49 mph.

As the winter days slowly crept by this off-season, V. Gaines simply grew more anxious and it was certainly easy to understand why.

Coming off a career-best season in 2012, the Pro Stock standout was itching to get back behind the wheel. Gaines wasted no time in asserting himself on Thursday, claiming the No. 1 qualifying spot at the season-opening NHRA Winternationals in Pomona with a spectacular 6.538 at 211.49 mph.

Three qualifying sessions remain, but Gaines put himself in line for his first ever No. 1 qualifier in Pro Stock, making it the perfect way to pick up where he left off in 2012.

Gaines discusses his Thursday run in this video.

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