With an impressive list of accomplishments in the outlaw doorslammer world, including a PDRA Pro Boost title in 2017, El General/Q80 Racing and driver Jose Gonzalez are poised for a new challenge as they shift their focus to the NHRA’s E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod Drag Racing Series this season.

Continuing what has been and prosperous relationship, ProLine Racing’s Eric Dillard and tuner and reigning championship tuner Steve Petty will spearhead Gonzalezs’ legal Pro Mod effort, while a brand new Jerry Bickel Race Cars-built 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will serve as the chariot for which the Dominican Republic native will press into competition this season. The Camaro will sport power from PLR’s venerable 520 Hemi, with twin 88mm Precision turbos.

The team is presently entered only at the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals in Florida in two weeks, and while the NHRA will be their primary focus, a full campaign to chase the championship is still to be decided. Also to be determined is whether El General/Q80 will participate on a part-time basis with the PDRA or not, where Gonzalez is both the reigning champion and national record holder in his ’67 Mustang.

Petty, who tuned the recently-retired Troy Coughlin to three NHRA Pro Mod championships, including the 2017 title, will make Gonzalez — the world elapsed time record holder for full-bodied vehicle at 5.40-seconds — an instant player in the NHRA. Petty will also again serve as a consultant for Sidnei Frigo’s PLR-powered Corvette.

During last week’s Pro Modified test session at the Orlando Speed World Dragway, Gonzalez laid down a 5.76 at over 254 mph behind the wheel of the sleek new Camaro.