John Montecalvo is going to battle down to the wire for a championship. That much is certain. What remains undecided is where he will race for the title.

Montecalvo, an accomplished mountain motor Pro Stock racer, currently stands second in both IHRA and ADRL points. He’s been in six finals already this season, four in IHRA and two in ADRL. Three IHRA and four ADRL events remain, with two of those sharing the same date.

Montecalvo’s good fortunes have morphed into a catch 22 situation.  After the next two ADRL events, Monte will have to make a choice between the IHRA North American Nationals or the ADRL Dragstock VI, both set for the Sept. 11-13.

John Montecalvo is going to battle down to the wire for a championship. That much is certain. What remains undecided is where he will race for the title.

Montecalvo, an accomplished mountain motor Pro Stock racer, currently stands second in both IHRA and ADRL points. He’s been in six finals already this season, four in IHRA and two in ADRL. Three IHRA and four ADRL events remain, with two of those sharing the same date.

Montecalvo’s good fortunes have morphed into a catch 22 situation.  After the next two ADRL events, Monte will have to make a choice between the IHRA North American Nationals or the ADRL Dragstock VI, both set for the Sept. 11-13.

“We’ve been very fortunate this year,” explains Monte. “But with the way the schedules are set, this means we are now in a catch 22. It is impossible to run for both the IHRA and ADRL Championships. Our team currently stands in a very good position for both. So I’m faced with the tough choice of which one to pursue. The better I do, the more of a dilemma I’m in. Sooner than later I’m going to have to make a decision. Ideally, I would like the opportunity to pursue both and support all events of both organizations. Now that the ADRL schedule is already released, we remain hopeful that we will not have this conflict next season.

“We’re going to go to St. Louis [the ADRL Gateway Drags II, Aug 7-8] and do our best, and review our cards after that. It’s going to be a tough choice, that’s for sure. Right now though, our focus is on the race at hand. Even though being successful in St. Louis will only increase our dilemma, that’s what we’re after. I’d rather be in that catch 22 than to not be in the hunt for either Championship.”

It is possible that Montecalvo may miss the ADRL Dragstock event and remain in the Battle of the Belts Championship race, but the date for that event is on the same weekend as the IHRA World Finals. Montecalvo and team will be forced to forfeit the chance at one Championship or the other.

This weekend’s Gateway Drags are sure to be a key move in Montecalvo’s catch 22.

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