HERNANDEZ WINS E-TOWN PRO MOD
This was Hernandez's 15th win in the eight-year history of the JEGS ProMod Challenge series, by far the most of any racer. It was the first time he claimed a trophy at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
"We owed this to a couple of people," Hernandez said. "We were on a great streak coming into this race a year ago and Tim Tindle whipped us and ended that deal so we wanted to come back strong here. That was the plan and it all worked out."
Reigning JEGS ProMod Challenge champion Josh Hernandez made a big move Sunday
with his second victory of the season. Hernandez beat Mike Castellana in the
final round of the 39th annual Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals to jump from sixth
to second place and is now just 51 points behind leader Tony
Pontieri.
This was Hernandez's 15th win in the eight-year history of the
JEGS ProMod Challenge series, by far the most of any racer. It was the first
time he claimed a trophy at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
"We owed
this to a couple of people," Hernandez said. "We were on a great streak coming
into this race a year ago and Tim Tindle whipped us and ended that deal so we
wanted to come back strong here. That was the plan and it all worked
out."
The winner's circle celebration was subdued as the NHRA tour
continues to mourn the loss of Funny Car racer Scott Kalitta, who was killed
Saturday after a horrifying accident in the final session of
qualifying.
"This was certainly done with mixed emotions," Hernandez
said. "I was just numb today. I mean, I'm happy to get another win but it
doesn't feel like you want to celebrate. We'll just take the trophy, bid
farewell with respect to a great, great person and champion drag racer, and get
out of here."
The runner-up result was impressive for Castellana, who was
racing in his first JEGS ProMod Challenge event of the year. The three-time JEGS
winner ran the quickest and fastest pass in NHRA competition by a
nitrous-powered car when he went 6.048 at 239.65 mph in the
semifinals.
"He got my attention," Hernandez said. "It was perfect
conditions for him to run the first five-second nitrous pass in history in the
finals but he broke something and had to shut off. We were geared up for
anything and that's why we put that 5.983 (at 240.51 mph) on the board in the
final. We knew we'd need a big pass.
"I can't say enough about my Team
Rage/Tommy Lipar Racing crew guys, who are like family to me and keep this thing
running like a freight train. My uncle Randy even came up to give support so it
feels good to do well with family around."
The JEGS ProMod Challenge
takes two months off before its next event, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, which
run from Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at Indianapolis Raceway Park.