Danny Rowe (Steve Gruenwald photo)

Evidently Rowe’s tuner, Jimmy Rector, had the lane figured out but an unfortunate .012 red light by Rowe negated a 5.825/251.53, which really stung when Castellana spun the tires and headed toward the wall before he lifted. He still got the win light and a trip to the finals.

In the other pairing in the semi-finals Steve Whiteley and his supercharged Cadillac would meet the best turbocharged car in the field driven by Troy Coughlin. Coughlin proved his .008 RT in the second round was no fluke with a .012 RT, but lost traction and slowed to a 6.213/197.16. Whiteley cruised into the finals with a near effortless 5.826/251.02 and a slot in the finals.

The final round was a redux of the semi-final races. Whiteley driving his supercharged Cadillac had lane choice and chose the preferred right lane. His opponent was the nitrous oxide/EFI-powered 2017 Camaro of Mike Castellana. Whiteley had a respectable .052 light and a 5.791/253.52 lap -- a career best ET and speed – and defeated Castellana, who had the better RT (.034) but experienced that same tire shake he had in that lane in the semi-finals.

The Whiteley family was able to celebrate the victory in style as his mother Annie won the Top Alcohol Funny Car event on Sunday as well.


(Steve Gruenwald photo)

“It doesn’t get any better than this. It’s such a blessing being in the winner’s circle with my mom,” Whiteley said. “I can’t express how thankful I am. Not only for J&A Service on a couple of accounts. They sponsor this series, but it’s more intimate than that, at least for me. You know, J&A Service, that’s Jim and Annie Whiteley, that’s Mom and Dad. These guys don’t understand how much more this hits me. I just let the clutch petal go. My guys make this happen. I cannot thank them enough.”

The NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series returns April 28-30 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, N.C.

Pro Modified Point standings (top 10)

1. Steven Whiteley, 114; 2. Mike Castellana, 91; 3. Danny Rowe, 74; 4. Troy Coughlin, 72; 5. Mike Janis, 55; 6. Kevin Rivenbark, 52; 7. (tie) Michael Biehle, 51; Eric Latino, 51; 9. Steve Jackson, 38; 10. Rickie Smith, 36.