If the Nitro Champs was anything to go by, Pro Stock will be the standout category at the upcoming Gulf Western Oils Winternationals. Over the past couple of seasons, the gap between the front and back of the field has closed drastically, with the real potential of having the first six-second, eight-car field.
The elimination format will take the reins for the final two rounds, which means intense qualifying sessions. Given how tight the bracket is at the moment, Pro Stock will without doubt be the class to watch throughout the weekend. With 11 cars entered for this year’s iteration, three cars will have to pack up early. The teams will have three shots at qualifying over Friday and Saturday, before going into eliminations on Sunday morning. With how tight Pro Stock is expected to be at the Winternationals, everyone in the field has a chance of qualifying — and it will be those who show up when it counts that make it in.
The 200mph barrier, originally crossed by Lee Bektash at the 2014 Australian Nationals, has not been run since. With the advent of the leaded fuels ban in Australia, progress in staying above this barrier has stalled. However, in recent seasons it has looked like it could be broken. Similar to the six-second barrier, drivers have been on the cusp of this milestone for years — and it will no doubt be broken soon. It could happen at the Winternationals, and there are a few drivers who are capable. Tyronne Tremayne, driver of the Tremaniac Racing Camaro, narrowly missed out on breaking the barrier at the Nitro Champs, running a 6.855 at 199.85mph, showing just why Pro Stock is not to be missed at the Winternationals.
The two standout teams from the Nitro Champs were Unique Racing and Tremaniac Racing, with another Rob Dekert v Tyronne Tremayne final. The two are starting to form something of a rivalry on track, having faced each other in every final round at events in which they’ve both competed during the NDRC/PDRC era. Another final between these two is definitely on the cards at the Winternationals — but with the added stress of making it into an eight-car Pro Stock field, anything could happen.
The teams will have three shots at qualifying over Friday and Saturday, before going into eliminations on Sunday morning. With how tight Pro Stock is expected to be at the Winternationals, everyone in the field has a chance of qualifying — and it will be those who show up when it counts that make it in.
Photo: Cackling Pipes