PRO STOCK

A couple hours after Valvoline/Nova Services driver Shane Gray won the NHRA Toyota Nationals on Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he fired up the Chevrolet Camaro and drove it out of the winner's circle and back to the pit area.

It was a fitting moment for the veteran Gray, driving off into the sunset, as he is handing over the keys of the Gray Motorsports Pro Stock car to his son, Tanner, for 2017 and beyond.

"I've always wanted to drive the car back to the pits," Gray said. "It was a great weekend. I think I've been to nine semis this year and I haven't

won since the U.S. Nationals in 2014, so it's a great day.

"I've got one more race to run and then my son's getting in the car. I can't think of a better time to win and maybe we can go to Pomona and double-up. Awesome day."

Gray has been knocking at the door all season, especially after regrouping with his team and engine program early in the year. His nine semifinal appearances came in the last 15 races, and in the last six races, he's won once and reached four semis.

Gray qualified No. 4 in Vegas - the sixth consecutive race he's been fourth or better - and dispatched No. 13 qualifier Deric Kramer in the first round. Gray's pass of 6.698 seconds at 205.32 mph was more than enough to outrun Kramer's 6.739-second pass at 203.25 mph.