Mike Stavrinos captured the biggest win of his career Monday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, claiming the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series title at the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals. The victory not only delivered redemption after last year’s runner-up finish, but also launched Stavrinos into the championship points lead as the category’s four-race Road to the Championship playoffs got underway.

Stavrinos powered to a winning 5.719-second run at 251.63 mph to defeat Derek Menholt in the final round. It marked his third win of the 2025 season and his fourth final-round appearance. Stavrinos had advanced to the Indy final one year earlier, only to fall to Ken Quartuccio. This time, he sealed the deal with an emphatic performance after defeating Chip King, Sidnei Frigo, and number one qualifier Stevie “Fast” Jackson en route to the final.

“One year ago, we came up short and I told myself I was going to win this thing next year,” Stavrinos said. “I promised myself I was going to win this deal and we did just that, and I give all the credit to my crew. We came in, qualified well and put it in the winner’s circle. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best and I’ve looked up to Stevie for many years. I was really looking forward to racing him today. The Indy win is huge and now we’re going to focus on the world championship.”

For Menholt, the weekend represented a career milestone as he reached his first NHRA Pro Mod final round, defeating J.R. Gray, Rickie Smith, and defending Indy winner Quartuccio before falling short against Stavrinos. With the victory, Stavrinos holds a 61-point lead over J.R. Gray in the championship standings, while Smith sits third, 68 points behind.

The NHRA Pro Mod tour resumes September 19-21 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte for the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals, the second stop on the playoff trail.