The NHRA Pro Modified division has a crop of new faces joining its ranks in 2021, and its newest member is Jerico Balduf. Balduf’s new hot rod is already showing plenty of potential after a solid debut at the World Doorslammer Nationals, and his team plan on bringing some big energy to the NHRA this season.
Balduf has been a standout driver regionally and in the PDRA for many years; his signature Batman-themed paint job is still a major feature on his new Andy McCoy Race Cars-built 1969 Chevelle. A Noonan HEMI topped off with a Mike Janis roots supercharger provides the horsepower, while a Quick Drive and Liberty 3-speed transmission put the power to the ground.
Balduf says his the team has always wanted to go NHRA Pro Mod racing, and they’re seizing an opportunity that was presented to them.
“We’ve always wanted to do this and this opportunity just fell into our lap, so we took advantage of it. We’re still going PDRA racing with the other car. We’ve set that car up with a screw blower and it’s in full outlaw Pro Mod 1/8-mile trim. Going back to 1/4-mile racing has been interesting and it got my attention the first full pass. I like 1/8-mile better because there’s more driving involved. The back half of a 1/4-mile run is fun and when you pull the chutes you need to be ready for what’s coming. I definitely enjoy putting up a big number and running as fast as I possibly can,” he explains.
The new car performed well during its first appearance at Orlando Speedworld Dragway; Balduf made the 16-car field for the World Doorslammer Nationals and ran a personal best of 5.75 at 253 mph during eliminations.
“It was pretty nerve-wracking that first run just because you never know what can happen — a brand new part can fail and cause issues. Every run makes me more comfortable and we’re used to this car after the event. It was an awesome experience going as fast as we did; I had no idea how fast the car went until I saw the time slip, but it was one heck of a ride,” Balduf says.
The team plans on competing at as many NHRA national events as time allows, along with a full PDRA schedule, as well. Balduf will make his NHRA Pro Mod debut this weekend in his home state of Florida during the season-opening Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.
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