Pro Mod Meltdown

Words and photos by Joe McHugh

The Texas Automatic Outlaws (TAO) were the feature attraction at Houston Motorsports Park and their April 14th Pro Mod Meltdown event. This was the third race on the TAO 2012 schedule and, with threatening overcast skies, racing was the priority. A steady stream of late-arriving fans produced a strong turnout and the action on the track did not disappoint.

Ten teams were on hand to qualify for the eight-car elimination ladder. Included in the mix was first-time TAO participant Paul Brandt from Katy, Texas, in his 1988 IROC Z Camaro. Brandt’s first run netted him a respectful 4.74 at 110.92 and the team now had a baseline to step up in the second session.

<< The highlight of round one qualifying was a straight and smooth 4.48 at 149.85 mph by Cowboy Woods (passenger side) making his season debut. (Lead photo also).

Running against Brandt in the other lane was series director Randy Rencher in his “Money Shot” 2002 Firebird. On the burnout Rencher’s Bird broke the motor and unfortunately was done for the night. Another casualty of the first session was Eric Stubbs. Stubbs discovered an oil leak upon returning to the pits and the leaking rear main seal was too much to continue.

Chris Smith led the first round of qualifying running 4.40 at 162.98. Smith had a foreign influence helping with the ‘62 split-window machine this night as friend and fellow racer Stefan Petersson from Trollhatten, Sweden, was in town visiting. Petersson has pitched in with Smith Racing before, giving the Houston-based team a hand at the 2010 ADRL World Finals in Ennis, Texas.

The second session provided some interesting results. Brandt was
                not able to improve and legged a troubled 7.08 at 59.98
                                  and stood on his first run which placed him 6th.