NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Jose Gonzalez reached his third E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by J&A Services final of his career and second of the season. All the more impressive? Gonzalez made the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Pro Mod final from the No. 16 position by defeating Erica Enders, who qualified for the field as an alternate. 

Related: Pro Mod Ladders

Gonzalez will race No. 14 qualifier Bob Rahaim, who took down Sidnei Frigo on the other side of the Pro Mod ladder. Gonzalez picked up his last victory more than a year ago, at the 2018 NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte. He reached the final round in Atlanta in May but came up short to Pro Mod leader Stevie “Fast” Jackson. 

The wait has been longer for Rahaim, who has two career victories. Rahaim last won in 2016 by defeating Mike Castellana. Neither Castellana nor Jackson were factors in the semifinals, as many heavy hitters fell early in a wild day of Pro Mod racing at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. 

Gonzalez grabbed a hundredth on the tree against Enders and extended his advantage on the track. He ran a 5.85-second pass to secure lane choice against Rahaim, who posted a 5.892 against Frigo. Frigo got out of the throttle early in his run, allowing Rahaim to cruise to a comfortable semifinal victory. 

You can catch the final live on NHRA.tv. The final is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Eastern.