This was one of the most electrifying years in the history of the pro mod class while those monsters have been running with the NHRA. 18 years have passed since a simple exhibition and the evolution into the 5-second cannons of today. The two combatants were Rickie Smith and Mike Janis, grizzled veterans of the pro mod wars in multiple sanctioning bodies through the years. When we came to Las Vegas for the final race of the season there was not a lot of mystery. Janis lead Rickie by just over 20 points, effectively one round.
The drama was heightened when Janis lost in the first round and Smith advanced, pulling to within spitting distance of Janis and pulling within spitting distance of the championship. It was really tense when Smith pulled to the line to race Rick Hord in the second round as Janis was brought to the top end to either hoist the trophy in victory or to become the loneliest man on Earth watching Smith celebrate.
Guys like Jeb Allen have done this before. The 1981 top fuel world championship was decided as Allen looked on and the brakes went his way. Rather than be lonely, Janis watched Rick Horde outrun the red and white nitrous Camaro of Smith. The crew came down, whooped and hollered, and kicked off a celebration that they have been longing to throw for years now.
Truly an amazing end to an amazing year.
