PRO STOCK
 (Linda Brock photo) |
John Montecalvo (in the far lane against Rob Mansfield) really must like the Rockingham track as he got his second Pro Stock win there in a row. He won at last year’s season finale. The Center Moriches, New York, driver had to settle for runner-up at this season’s San Antonio opener, but got the Ironman at the Rock beating defending Pro Stock champion Peter Berner in the final. Montecalvo’s Cobalt turned in a 6.388/218.83 to defeat the 6.6398/218.65 of Berner’s GTO.
Rob Mansfield’s Wilson Manifolds-backed Cobalt was No. 1 qualifier with a 6.333/218.51. Rockingham was the first race for the team after the addition of Jeff Perley, former crew member for NHRA Pro Stock standouts Greg Anderson and Jason Line. Mansfield was eliminated in the first round by Montecalvo by a mere .004!
 The legendary “Tricky Rickie” Smith qualified his Skull Gear-sponsored Cobalt at No. 8 with a 6.367 at 219.69, but was eliminated in the first round. (Linda Brock photo) |
 Rocky Watford didn’t qualify his Cobalt. (Linda Brock photo) |
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PRO MODIFIED
The Pontiac Firebird of Scott Cannon Jr. was consistently quicker than all of the other Pro Mods at the event, causing IHRA tech officials to tear down the car making sure the engine was legit. It was. (The good news for Chevy fans is that the car used to be a Camaro!) Eleven of the 16 qualifiers were driving Chevrolets.
 Ed Hoover’s ’63 Corvette (near lane) qualified at No. 3, but was defeated in the first round by Kenny Lang’s ‘53 Corvette (far lane). In the final round Lang had tire shake, giving the win to Cannon. (Linda Brock photo) |
 Steve Vick made it to the semis in his ’63 Corvette, but broke, moving Cannon into the final. (Linda Brock photo) |
 The ’07 Cobalt of Mike Janis qualified at No. 16 and went out in the first round. (Linda Brock photo) |
 Kelly Martin’s ’57 Chevy Bel Air went out in the first round. (Linda Brock photo) |