Real Pro Mods at Jupiter, Florida

Words by Kay Burk
Photos by Adam Cranmer and Steve Gruenwald

Steven Whiteley was the Pro Mod winner. (Adam Cranmer photo)

The RPM Pro Mods, who compete with the J&A Service series on the NHRA circuit, traveled to Palm Beach International Raceway, the IHRA-owned track in Jupiter, Fla., for the Feb. 26-28 Real Pro Mod & Sportsman Southern Showcase.

The NHRA has made some rules changes for 2016 reducing boost for the turbocharged cars from 43 to 41 lbs. and taking 50 lbs. off their weight. This was the first time the turbocharged teams could test the new combination in real competition. Nineteen teams took part in the event on the quarter mile.

It appeared to have little effect as Low ET was set at 5.751 seconds by Jonathan Gray, who has moved from Pro Stock to Pro Mod this year. Top Speed was Clint Satterfield’s 270.81 mph, who did not qualify for the 16-car field.

Jonathan Gray (Adam Cranmer photo)

Gray made his Pro Mod debut at PBIR and was impressive right out of the trailer. In addition to having Low ET, he qualified at the top of the list and came very close to winning but broke on the starting line against Steve Whiteley.