Pro Stock’s Friday and Saturday qualifying sessions at the dragstrip always bring intense drama as teams push their naturally aspirated engines to the absolute limit. Sitting at the top of the qualifying ladder brings immense pride and crucial championship points. To make those weekend nights even more thrilling for the fans and teams, GESi officially renewed its multi-year partnership to sponsor the top qualifying spot in the Pro Stock class.
Starting this week at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, the quickest driver in the category will take home a cool $2,000 bonus. This cash prize adds serious incentive to an already fierce competition. Last year proved just how hard these drivers fight for the top spot. Six-time world champion Greg Anderson dominated the field by securing eight pole positions and extending his all-time record to 141 career top spots. Dallas Glenn eventually won the world championship and grabbed six top qualifying spots along the way. Matt Hartford, Cody Coughlin, and Eric Latino each managed to claim one pole position during that grueling season.
Latino holds a unique position in the drag racing world. He actively competes against the best drivers in the factory hot rod class and also serves as the CEO of GESi. His company specializes in engineering and manufacturing top-tier global emission systems. He understands exactly what it takes to run at the front of the pack. Latino noted: “The level of competition is incredible and recognizing the No. 1 qualifier is something we believe in.” NHRA officials also love the extra storylines this cash bonus creates during the weekend broadcasts. Advertising director Jeff Morton mentioned that the prize money consistently makes racing teams push their mechanical equipment even harder.
Fans packing the grandstands this year can expect to see drivers dumping the clutch and risking everything for that top spot. With the GESi cash prize sitting on the line at every single NHRA event, the fight for the No. 1 qualifying position will deliver incredible racing all season long.
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