by Bobby Bennett; Photos by Bryan Epps Mon, 2017-02-27 15:45
Mike Janis made sure his presence was known.
Janis captured the victory at the inaugural RPM Pro Winter Warm-up, defeating Danny Rowe in the final round of the event run in conjunction with the NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional opener in Orlando, Fla.
Janis proved he was the driver to beat from qualifying No. 1, and defeating Eric Latino (5.826) to earn the quarterfinal bye run. He then ran a 5.861 to beat Kenny Lang.
Janis saved his best for last, a 5.811, 246.03, to beat Rowe, who shut off and coasted to a 10.39.
Shane Molinari made the long trek from Washington state, and qualified with a strong 5.880 247.70 but lost in the second round to Rowe. Steve Matusek was second quickest with a 5.830, 249.03. His day ended with a semifinal finish, dropping a tough battle opposite teammate Rowe.
Pete Farber's classic Mopar ran strong with a 5.849, 250.55 and lasted until the second round. Jim Halsey, the first nitrous racer in the five-second zone, made a few hits but didn't participate in Sunday's eliminations. Chuck Little's New Hampshire-based Corvette laid down a strong 5.881, 244.74 in qualifying. Doug Winters ran a 6.047, 240.17 in his Chevelle. Shannon Jenkins made a few test laps in his nitrous-injected Mustang before loading up. Steve Whiteley's neat Cadillac ran a strong 5.887, 246.53. Bob Rahaim's nitrous entry was the lone bottle rocket in Sunday's field with a 5.882, 245.49. He was No. 8 qualifier and lost in the second round to Steve Matusek.
Mike Janis made sure his presence was known.
