(Words and photos by Benoit Pigeon) –The return of the Carolina Extreme Pro Mod Series was a big event. After a one year hiatus, the organization launched a six event championship series that has everyone in the door slammer world excited. What makes this series unique is the fact that they attract fast and slower race cars in a way that gives anyone a chance to start adding points at race one and those who run the full pull will be in the championship hunt by the time race six rolls around.
This event really made that point with many teams coming for testing as primary goal and racing as extra run opportunities. And talk about big shots, the mix was nice with PDRA, NHRA and a variety of less powerful cars from the region. Some broke parts, some resolved issues last minute before their regular series next event and even Rickie Smith brought his Turbo car and made passes that the public clearly enjoyed.
This race happened at Darlington, a track with major Pro Mod historical value. Only blowers and nitrous cars raced and in the end, it was Rickie Smith’s nitrous Camaro set up for outlaw racing VS Doug Winters and his recently updated Chevelle in NHRA legal trim who fought for the final. It was an exiting and close final with Winters taking the win. Participants will be different at pretty much each race as the fast cars get into their series and different ones will show up to test or just because it will be held at a track nearby. The bottom line, is those who show up at most events will get to gain points and while fast cars will come and go, less powerful cars will certainly get a true chance at the title in the fall.
Hey Brian –
The Red “69 Camaro” with “Rackley’s” on the side is my buddy David Rackley’s car – he owns the repair shop right down the street from our house. I’m pretty sure this was his first time out with the car which is brand new. He’s a long-time racer but this is a BIG step up in power even for him so I imagine he’s on a steep learning curve.
Cool to see the coverage!