NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Steven Whiteley and his J&A Services Cadillac CTS-V are returning to Gainesville Raceway this weekend where he claimed the first Pro Mod National Event win of his career in 2017. Whiteley kicked off last season with a win and expects to do it again at this weekend’s 49th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.

For this 25 year old, in addition to enjoying time with wife Delaina, son Brec, and new baby girl Bayslei Grace, and keeping up with demand at J&A Service, the off season consisted of racing two independent Pro Mod races, including the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals and Lucas Oil & RPM Winter Warm Up, where he appeared in the finals and semifinals, respectively.

With his 7th overall series finish in 2017, Whiteley is eager to get back to a full season of competition.

“We’ve invested a great measure of energy in our normal tuning window over the winter,” Whiteley said. “We have experienced some off-season success and are looking to transition that success into this weekend’s race.”

“Getting my first win here (Gainesville Raceway) last year makes it special,” he continues. “Winning alongside my mom was kick ass. The more I drive and race, the more I understand the mental aspect of racing. The driver’s seat is literally my office. I try to change and manipulate my driving style along with changes in the car to make me better at my job.”

Gainesville raceway is known for its fast track conditions. At the 2017 national event, Whiteley set a career best speed of 253.52 mph.

“With optimal track conditions, there is no reason why we can’t improve. Racing against all of these other teams is not child’s play. I want to win every round possible and outrun them all. We have to keep pushing if we want to even be in the show, much less compete in the class. Should be an awesome weekend of racing.”

Steven Whiteley will race alongside his father Jim Whiteley in the highly competitive Pro Mod class this weekend. With a confirmed 35 class entries, qualifying of the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Series begins Friday, March 16
at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Round 1 of eliminations begins at 12:15 p.m. Sunday. All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time and are subject to change.