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One of the most popular classes in all of drag racing hits the track at Mission Raceway Park this weekend.
That class is Pro Modified, and these wild-and-wooly cars, the fastest in the world with fully functioning doors as opposed to one-piece bodies, are the headliners in the Pepsi Pro Mod Challenge, Presented by the Province. The last major racing event of the season at Mission will also crown the 2003 points champion in the West Coast Pro Mod Association.
Some 13 of these 225-mph monsters will attempt to qualify for the 8-car final field, which should lead to what many are predicting will be record times, especially if the weather isn’t too hot.
As always, the Pro Mod cars will be either the supercharged alcohol-burning type, or the carbureted, gasoline-powered versions with nitrous oxide assist. Very different cars, but very similar performance, and fans can pick their favourite type to cheer for.
Approximately half the entries consist of Canadians, with three local drivers leading the way. From Richmond comes Glen May and his Cranberry Connection Ford Ranger. Trevor Lowe will represent Agassiz and the Fraser Valley with his veteran ’57 Chevy. And Jay Syvertsen comes out of Surrey with his radical Chevy truck. Other Canadian racers taking on the invaders from the United States hail from Alberta and Saskatchewan, including The West Coast Pro Mod points leader, Glen Kerunsky, and the current quickest supercharged Pro Mod car in the country, and Mission track record holder at 6.25 seconds, Rick DiStefano, both from Calgary.
In addition to the Pro Modified cars, a co-feature at Mission will be the Mopac Street Car Shootout presented by Boston Pizza. The fastest street-legal cars in the West, led by arch-rivals Glen Braid and Don Murray, both with new or improved cars, will be scorching the Mission quarter-mile, looking for that elusive first run under seven seconds and over 200 mph. Five other classes of street cars will also compete. Completing the program will be the Canada West Doorslammer cars, Super Stock Eliminator, the popular and fast Top Comp cars, and the latest round of the local ET Bracket Racing Series.
This will be one of the most action-packed weekends of the racing season at Mission, a true racing happening for the hard-core fan. Qualifying will be held on Saturday at noon, 2:00 and 4:00, while final eliminations will go Sunday at noon. Admission is $15 each day. Mission Raceway Park is located on Highway 11 between the Mission Bridge and the Lougheed Highway.
Photo caption - The Pro Mods of Rick DiStefano and Joe Delehay face off at Mission (Gerry Frechette Photo)
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