Brad Brand raced to victory at the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx Sunday from the No. 16 qualifying position at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus, the world’s most prestigious drag race.
Brand defeated top qualifier Don Walsh with a powerful run in his 1953 Corvette in the opening round and never looked back as he took his first career victory at the rain-delayed event at historic Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.
After upsetting the No. 1 qualifier, Brand claimed victories over Steve Matusek and Rickie Smith, while Mike Castellana defeated Troy Coughlin in the semi-finals to meet Brand in the final round.
Brand’s final round performance of 5.914 seconds at 251.63 mph clinched him the win. Castellana’s Chevy Camaro had problems at the start of the final, and he shut it off near mid-track.
With the runner-up finish, Castellana moved four points ahead of Smith in the season points standings.
The NHRA Pro Mod Series continued Sept. 14-16 with the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, N.C.