NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Mike Castellana maintained the qualifying lead and ran the quickest elapsed time in NHRA Pro Mod history during eliminations Saturday at the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the SpringNationals at Royal Purple Raceway. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing, presented by Real Pro Mod Association, is the second of 12 events this season.

Castellana’s 5.759-second pass at 250.46 mph in his Al Anabi Racing ’17 Camaro during Friday’s qualifying sessions secured him the No. 1 qualifier. During eliminations, Castellana defeated Michael Biehle II with a national elapsed time record run of 5.722 at 251.77. 

“It's great,” Castellana said. “First I gotta thank Khalid Hamad for giving me the opportunity to drive this car this year. I gotta thank Frank Manzo and my crew. It's unbelievable what they do. Right now, I feel like I'm in Wonderland or something right now.” 

Jonathon Gray, who is racing Rickie Smith’s second car while Smith recovers from back surgery, qualified second and went on to defeat Shannon Jenkins in the first round. Gray ran a 5.815 at 223.17 to defeat Jenkins on a holeshot. 

Shane Molinari, who qualified third, defeated Chuck Little and No. 4 qualifier Danny Rowe bettered Larry Morgan. 

J&A Pro Mod Series eliminations continue Sunday at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Royal Purple Raceway.