NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Pro Stock veteran V. Gaines has announced his retirement, effective immediately, from NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competition.

 

Gaines, 69, of Lakewood, Colo., said in a statement released Thursday that he was grateful for his time in the sport and the relationships he made along the way.

 

"Well over 20 years ago, we started this racing adventure," Gaines said. "We have made some amazing friends along the way, met some of the most loyal fans a race team could ever want to have, and we have formed a partnership with Kendall Motor Oil that will never be forgotten. We have always taken our racing serious, but more important, we have always raced to enjoy weekends and have some fun.

 

"This decision is purely based on the fact the fun has left this chapter in life. We are thankful for all the support from our friends, fans, and family, and most of all from Kendall Motor Oil."

 

Gaines scored four victories and 184 round-wins in 458 races in a career that began in 1994. He posted his first event win in 2000 in Dallas, where he also earned his second win the following year. He also collected victories in Phoenix (2008) and Reading (2012). Additionally, Gaines has 13 runner-up finishes, mostly recently in Sonoma in 2014.