MMPS AT NHRA
single-tag trailer, we work 40 hours a week and
don’t race for a living, and that’s something a lot
of fans can relate to.”
Speaking of the fans, the exhibition race at
Indy definitely made an impression on them. One
of the coolest things for drivers, says Missouri-
based racer John DeFlorian, was all of the cars
towing back to the pits on the return road that
ran right in front of the spectator stands. “People
were standing and clapping, cheering – for us!
“The fans just love how fast these cars are,” De-
Florian adds. “They’re used to seeing these Pro
Stock cars run low .50s, and we can roll out 6.20s
at 225. They’re just impressed.”
DeFlorian had a great show at the exhibition
race at Indy, running the low E.T. and top speed of
the weekend. And he’s looking forward to taking
that enthusiasm to all four scheduled Mountain
Motor Pro Stock NHRA races in 2019.
As for the future of the class and its relationship
with the NHRA, 2018 PDRA Extreme Pro Stock
world champion Steven Boone says he thinks it’s
what the fans need. “The fans want to see Ford,
Chevy, Mopar. We give them a variety of different
cars. We’re not just a field of Camaros.”
Boone says he would love to drive a traditional
500ci Pro Stocker, but that isn’t where his true
love is. “This Mountain Motor Pro Stocker will
rip your head off taking off, and it’s still trying to
tear you apart all the way down the track,” he says.
“It’s one of the funnest cars out there to drive.”
“I think this is just the tip of the iceberg,” adds
DeFlorian. “The Indy deal last year was our op-
portunity to get our toe in the door. Because it was
so well received, I think this is just the beginning
of something that will be very impressive over
the next few years. You’ll see a lot of growth in
this class.”
Class veteran John Montecalvo says he hopes
the NHRA continues to bring Mountain Motor
Pro Stock into even more races in 2020 and be-
yond, until they have a full series. The New York-
based driver has plenty of experience racing in
the IHRA circuit, including running IHRA races
at Epping several years ago. “I’m most excited
about going back to Epping. They have a great
fan base there, and it’s close to home. I’m excited
to go there this year.”
The resounding message from drivers is that
they’re thankful to the NHRA for giving them the
opportunity to race for a Wally in Houston, Char-
lotte, Bristol, and Epping this year, and they’re
excited to put on a show for fans. Time will tell
if we’ll see their names listed on NHRA’s 2020
race schedule.
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