The 2026 JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports officially has its first repeat winner, and Derek Menholt made sure everyone noticed.
Menholt powered to victory Sunday at Route 66 Raceway during the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK, defeating red-hot rookie Jason Collins in the final round to become the first two-time winner of the season. The victory came during the fifth of 11 races on the 2026 NHRA Pro Mod schedule, with the weekend powered by ProFlow Pumping Solutions.
The win also pushed Menholt back into the championship points lead as the NHRA Pro Mod title fight continues to tighten heading into the heart of the season.
Derek Menholt Delivers In High-Stakes Final Round
Menholt entered eliminations as the No. 1 qualifier after laying down a stout 5.667-second pass at 250.92 mph earlier in the weekend. Collins, meanwhile, arrived in Chicago fresh off his breakthrough victory in Valdosta and was making just his third career NHRA Pro Mod start.
When the final round began, Collins was nearly perfect on the starting line with an incredible .004 reaction time. But shortly after launch, trouble struck Collins’ machine, allowing Menholt to capitalize. Menholt responded with a strong .012 light and ripped off his quickest run of eliminations, charging to a 5.692-second pass at 250.23 mph to secure his second victory of the 2026 season and the third NHRA Pro Mod win of his career.
“It’s going to be a battle all the way to the end,” said Menholt, who now has three career NHRA Pro Mod wins. “Jason has made a big run in the past three races, and there’s going to be a lot of guys coming for us, but this one feels good.”
Route 66 Raceway Victory Reclaims Points Lead
Menholt’s latest win gives him victories in both Gainesville and Chicago, making him the only driver in the category with multiple wins this season. The championship picture in NHRA Pro Mod continues to remain ultra-competitive, with multiple drivers capable of winning on any given weekend. Menholt’s consistency, however, has proven to be a major advantage through the opening five races.
To reach the final round, Menholt defeated a loaded field that included Alex Laughlin, reigning world champion J.R. Gray, and former points leader Justin Bond. Collins continued his impressive rookie run by advancing to his second consecutive final round. The newcomer defeated Kevin Rivenbark, Mike Stavrinos, and Billy Banaka during eliminations before finishing runner-up in the championship round.
With Menholt reclaiming the points lead and several contenders already visiting the winner’s circle this season, the NHRA Pro Mod championship fight is shaping up to be a competitive battle.
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