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JEGS ProMod Challenge finale should be highlight of the season


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LAS VEGAS, NV. October 25, 2008: Coming off a race that featured the quickest Pro Mod field ever assembled, a remarkable 14 racers in the five-second zone, five of the six quickest elapsed times in history, the first five-second run by a NOS-powered car, the quickest run ever of 5.900 seconds, and a world record pass of 5.905 seconds, the JEGS ProMod Challenge heads to its season finale in Las Vegas with the goal of raising the stakes even higher.

"It's been a remarkable year for the JEGS ProMod Challenge and we couldn't be happier to be associated with all these great racers," series organizer Troy Coughlin said. "The entire Pro Mod world is still buzzing about Richmond (Va.) and everything that happened there. It was arguably the best Pro Mod race ever.

"Now we've reached our final race of the year and we're in the midst of the closest points race in series history. Josh Hernandez and Tony Pontieri are so close that it's going to come down to which guy does the best at this race. That's as exciting as it gets. We all know we won't see the record-breaking elapsed times we saw in Richmond at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway because of the altitude, but we are still anticipating some big fireworks."

Aside from deciding the 2008 champion, the eighth annual ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals could produce the seventh different winner of the 10-race 2008 season, the fourth different first-time winner of the year, and the eighth track record for both elapsed time and top speed.

The series is also holding a first-of-its-kind "Crowning of the King" ceremony at both the racetrack and a special year-ending party that will celebrate the new champion's accomplishments like never before.

Sunday night, the JEGS ProMod Challenge is closing its season in style with a party at Christian Audigier The Nightclub at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Aside from recognizing the '08 champ, the series will honor the Rookie of the Year, the Run of the Year, and the Ohio Crankshaft Top Qualifier of the Year.

Additionally, a presentation will take place for the Busted Knuckle Award, recognizing the top contribution by a crew member, and the Steve Engel "Big Man, Big Heart" Award, which will be given to a member of the Pro Mod community that best exemplifies the late racer's gregarious spirit and generous nature.

"We've had a great season and that's a direct result of the efforts put forth by the 50-plus racers that have participated in JEGS ProMod Challenge events this year," Coughlin said. "Having said that, there are a few special people that rose above the rest and we want to honor them for their contributions.

"I can't wait to get started."