AMS PRO MOD: All Eyes on Richmond Pro Mod Qualifying
Press Release For Immediate Release All Eyes on Richmond Pro Mod Qualifying DINWIDDIE, Va. (October 3, 2007) - With Josh Hernandez already crowned the run-away 2007 AMS Pro Mod World Champion, drivers in the AMS Pro Mod Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc. shift their focus to qualifying for the $50,000 ProCare Rx Pro Mod Clash and taking home a part of the more than $30,000 purse to be awarded as the series makes a stop at the hallowed grounds of Virginia Motorsports Park for the Torco Race Fuels NHRA Nationals. The top five drivers in the ProCare Rx Clash points (Josh Hernandez, Tim Tindle, Tony Pontieri, Jay Payne, and Steve Engel) have all clinched their spot to compete in the eight-car shootout to be contested in Las Vegas, October 25-28, leaving seven drivers within 230 points fighting to break through. Currently, Shelly Payne, John Russo, and Mike Janis are above the bump spot, with Raymond Commisso, Scott Ray, Harold Laird and Rick Stivers vying to get in. Points for the ProCare Rx Clash are earned two ways: qualifying order and consistency, with the top qualifier earning 160 points, No. 2 - 150, on down to ten. Consistency is determined by taking the variance between a driver's best and worst qualifying runs and awarding 160 points to the most consistent, incrementally down to ten points. Conceivably, a driver can earn 320 points in a weekend. Lexington, Ky. resident Rick Stivers said, "I know I have to be on my game if I'm going to make it, and I guarantee I've never taken qualifying so seriously as I am this weekend. I'd love nothing more to take away the $25,000 cash by winning in Vegas, but I've got to qualify first, and that means every pass counts." Hard charging John Russo and Mike Janis are coming off a final round appearance in IHRA competition, and Scott Cannon, Jr. is flying high after blasting through the IHRA world record last weekend with a blazing 5.938/242.63. AMS Pro Mod World Record is held by 2007 World Champion Josh Hernandez at 5.912, set at the first event of this season. Hernandez said, "There's no doubt that the cars are getting quicker and quicker out here, and, with the competition that's scheduled to come, this is really anyone's game. My goal this weekend is to stay consistent, just like we have all year, and I know that Howard [Moon, Hernandez' crew chief] will have her ready to run." Renowned chassis builder Tommy Mauney will make a cameo appearance behind the wheel of Danny Rowe's '63 Corvette, and newcomer George Landis will debut in AMS Pro Mod Competition this weekend as well. In all, 20 drivers will compete for the AMS Eagle in Richmond, a full field based on NHRA limitations. Series Director Matthew Brammer said, "The anticipation of this event is so high - there are so many great teams, and the track and weather should be pristine. I think you will see records fall and upsets abound - but, then, what would you expect - it's Pro Mod drag racing at its best! "Drivers are fighting for their chance to win the ProCare Rx Clash Cash, and still competing for final spots in the BAE Challenge, too. Add to that the competition that comes naturally at an AMS Pro Mod event, and that equals excitement," he said. Qualifying rounds are scheduled for 3 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 5 and at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. Eliminations will begin Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., and conclude Sunday, Oct. 7. Drivers invited to Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals 1. Scott Cannon 2. Raymond Commisso 3. Troy Coughlin 4. Steve Engel 5. Tommy Grey 6. Matt Hagen 7. Josh Hernandez 8. Mike Janis 9. Chip King 10. Harold Laird 11. George Landis 12. Tommy Mauney 13. Jay Payne 14. Shelly Payne 15. Tony Ponteri 16. Scott Ray 17. John Russo 18. Mike Stawecki 19. Rick Stivers 20. Tim Tindle Current BAE Championship Points (after 8 of 10 races) 1. Josh Hernandez 4104 (Clinched Championship) 2. Jay Payne 2191 3. Raymond Commisso 2185 4. Tony Pontieri 1784 5. Steve Engel 1673 6. Tim Tindle 1571 7. Troy Critchley 1356 8. Shelly Payne 1248 9. Harold Laird 1220 10. Scott Ray 1120 11. John Russo 1007 12. Mike Janis 850 13. Doug Palmer 841 14. Rick Stivers 813 15. Scott Cannon 801 16. Matt Hagan 653 17. Bryan Seward 613 18. Dan Rowe 597 19. Troy Coughlin 531 20. Mike Stawicki 520 Current Points in $50,000 Pro Care Rx Pro Mod Clash Pos. Name Points behind 1 Hernandez 1050 2 Tindle 880 -170 3 Pontieri 870 -180 4 J Payne 840 -210 5 Engel 800 -250 6 S Payne 670 -380 7 Russo 630 -420 8 Janis 570 -480 **** 9 Commisso 560 -10 9 Ray 560 -10 11 Palmer 540 -30 12 Laird 470 -100 13 Stivers 440 -130 14 Gray 360 -210 15 Knowles 220 -350 ### Media Contact: Matthew Brammer - Active Marketing pr@activemarketing.com 623-879-4290 For more information about the AMS Pro Mod Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc., please visit the series website: www.AMSpromods.com. About AMS Pro Mods: The AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge, presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc. pits the very best blown, nitrous, and turbo-charged Pro Modified drag racers against one another for the coveted BAE Championship Cup and a combined a purse and championship fund of more than $365,000. On a national platform at ten NHRA national events, the AMS Pro Mods are at the pinnacle for Pro Mod racers worldwide. Often called some of the most challenging straight-line racing in the world by drivers and crew chiefs alike, the cars utilize different combinations of methanol-burning engines in late-model full-body chassis and produce around 2,500 horsepower. The cars also utilize full suspension and must be equipped with working doors on each side of the vehicle to maintain aesthetically "car-like" appearance. Top performance numbers for the quarter-mile races are in the high five-seconds at speeds in excess of 245 mph. About Tindle Enterprises Tindle Enterprises Inc. (T.E.I.) is a locally owned contracting company in Freeport, Fla. that specializes in underground utility and quality site construction. The company serves the Florida panhandle and continues to grow to meet the high demand. The company is firmly established with a set of strong values: Total Dedication, Excellent Performance, and Individual Customer Satisfaction. Tindle Enterprises Inc. "T.E.I" is a contracting company based in Freeport, Fla. that specializes in underground utility and quality site construction. The company serves the Florida Panhandle and continues to grow to meet the high demand in the construction and development industry. The company is guided by set of strong values: Total Dedication, Excellent Performance, and Individual Customer Satisfaction. HITnRUNtravel.com is the official travel site for AMS Pro Mod teams. All profits from the site are directly used to fund the official AMS charity - Parker's Partners. The next time you fly, try HITnRUNtravel.com. SHELOR.com is the official Online Automobile Source for the AMS Pro Mod Challenge. SHELOR.COM is the online marketplace for Shelor Motor Mile, based in Christiansburg, Virginia - one of the largest automotive dealers in the country, selling Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota/Scion, Chrysler/Dodge, Subaru and Kia brands, as well as a full line of Haulmark haulers and trailers. With over 30 years of experience, Stivers HVAC Inc. serves the heating and air conditioning needs of home and business owners in the Central Kentucky area with quality you can trust and customer service you can depend on. Offering the fastest and most reliable service in the area, we have the experience and expertise to get the job done right the first time. Our skilled professionals provide the knowledge and experience to help you select the best high-efficiency system for your heating and cooling needs, and use only the finest tools and materials to service and repair your existing system, no matter what brand it is. # # #