BRISTOL, Tenn. – Despite just slipping into the field as the No. 16 qualifier, Jose Gonzalez raced to his first win of the year on Sunday during E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service action at Bristol Dragway.
Gonzalez went 5.848 seconds at 256.06 mph in his turbocharged Q80 Racing Camaro to knock off Bob Rahaim, who ran 5.914 seconds at 238.72 mph in his nitrous-powered Camaro. It is the second win for Gonzalez, who qualified 16th before picking up round wins against No. 1 qualifier Todd Tutterow, Brandon Snider and Erica Enders to reach his fourth career final round.
“I honestly didn’t think we were going to make it into the field and here we are in the winner’s circle from the No. 16 spot,” said Gonzalez, who moved to fourth in points. “This Q80 Racing team really works their butts off and they have given me this car I have complete trust in every time I go down the track. I knew if I could just get into the field I could make it happen and here we are.”
Rahaim, who qualified 14th, reached his sixth career final round in the class with wins against defending world champion Mike Janis, Khalid AlBalooshi and Sidnei Frigo. Stevie Jackson maintains the points lead as the class started the second half of the season in Bristol.