News Summary
J.R. Gray triumphed at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, marking his second win of the season in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Gray outperformed teammate Mike Stavrinos in a thrilling final round after a rain delay. With a time of 5.762 seconds, Gray not only secured the victory but also rose to the top of the series points leaderboard. This win underscores Gray’s talent and determination in the competitive world of drag racing as the season progresses.
Bristol, Tennessee – J.R. Gray secured his second victory of the season in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series on June 9, 2025, during the 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. The win marks Gray’s third career victory in NHRA Pro Mod racing, further establishing his presence in the competitive drag racing circuit.
In the final round, Gray faced off against his Al-Anabi Performance teammate Mike Stavrinos after a lengthy rain delay impacted the event schedule. Gray clocked a remarkable time of 5.762 seconds at a speed of 250.46 mph, achieving the quickest run of Sunday’s eliminations. Stavrinos finished the race just behind Gray, with a time of 5.778 seconds and a speed of 248.48 mph.
This event was significant as it represented the fifth race in a series of ten for the 2025 NHRA Pro Mod season, powered by Cardinal Insurance. Gray’s path to victory included a series of challenging matchups; he overcame Chip King in the first round, Stevie Jackson in the quarterfinals, and Rickie Smith in the semifinals to reach the final round.
Stavrinos, for his part, advanced to the finals by defeating competitors Derek Menholt, Alex Laughlin, and Billy Banaka, marking his third final appearance this season. Following the race, Gray ascended to the top of the points leaderboard in the series with a total of 463 points, while Stavrinos remained in second place with 413 points.
The final standings from the Bristol Dragway event concluded with Gray taking the top position, followed by Stavrinos in second, Rickie Smith in third with 352 points, and Billy Banaka in fourth with 309 points. The next race on the NHRA Pro Mod calendar is slated for June 20-22, 2025, at the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals in Richmond, Virginia.
Gray highlighted that the win represented a journey of “redemption,” emphasizing the dedication and hard work put forth by his crew throughout the season. The race in Bristol showcased not only Gray’s skills but also the intensity and competitiveness that characterize the NHRA Pro Mod series, where each round is fought fiercely by elite drag racers.
The 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals was an important milestone in the NHRA Pro Mod season and set the stage for the upcoming races, where both Gray and Stavrinos will continue to vie for points and further establish themselves as top contenders in the series.
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Additional Resources
- Drag Illustrated: J.R. Gray Grabs Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Win at Bristol Event
- Google Search: J.R. Gray NHRA Pro Mod Bristol 2025
- NHRA: Sunday News and Notes
- Google Scholar: J.R. Gray NHRA Pro Mod Bristol 2025
- Competition Plus: Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Set for Bristol
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NHRA Pro Mod Series
- BVM Sports: J.R. Gray Clinches Second NHRA Pro Mod Win
- Google News: NHRA Pro Mod Bristol 2025
- Drag Illustrated: Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Series Returns to Bristol
- Wikipedia: Drag Racing
