A Western Canadian rising star racer produces high impact results during a NHRA National level debut…..
In what may be a textbook example of a resounding successful first impression – Jordan Lazic (from Rutland BC) – grabbed some Professional racing headlines during last weekend’s NHRA’s Midwest Nationals held at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.
Lazic, who has over the last couple of seasons been on the fast track within the Western Canadian Pro Mod scene (including WCPM championship 2023) – took full advantage of his first career race opportunity within the highest level FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
The event, which was powered by Jerry Bickel Race Cars and M&M Transmission, was event #9 of 10 during the 2023 season in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports. It was also the third of four races in the category’s Road to the Championship, as fans were treated to a wild day of eliminations on Sunday from St. Louis.
After qualifying second (5.751 secs) Lazic impressed in eliminations and ultimately secured the win at his first career race when his opponent Jason Scruggs (from Mississippi) was unable to make the call in the championship round. That handed the victory to Lazic with an easy single capping off an incredible weekend effort driving the JBS Motorsports/Bahrain 1 Racing Camaro.

Jordan Lazic made major drag racing headlines while winning in Pro Mod at his debut NHRA national event!
Prior to that, Jordan had earned round win lights against Mike Thielen, Stan Shelton and Mike Castellana while running as quick as 5.757 secs at 247.20 mph during eliminations.
With his victory, Lazic became only the 3rd driver in NHRA Pro Mod history to win in his debut national event race – joining fellow Canadian Kenny Lang from Winnipeg MB who also did that — back in 2010 at Gainesville).
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Justin Bond, Khalid AlBalooshi, and Bahrain 1 Racing,” Lazic said. “I’m just lucky to be here. I was thinking if I didn’t win this race, I wouldn’t have a job in Las Vegas, so hopefully he’s going to bring me there.”

Prior to his very successful first NHRA nationals venture – Jordan Lazic had clinched the 2023 WCPM series title racing this fan favourite supercharged ’57 Chevy.
Scruggs, who qualified No. 1 for the second time this season after going 5.749 secs in qualifying, reached his fourth career round and third in four races thanks to victories against Doug Winters, defending world champion Kris Thorne and Khalid AlBalooshi. Scruggs went as quick as 5.702 secs during eliminations – which was low ET of the weekend in the class — during his second-round win.
Lazic’s Bahrain 1 Racing teammate – Khalid AlBalooshi, was credited with top speed of the event for Pro Mod at St. Louis at 252.24 mph.
In the points standings, Thorne was able to stay on top, with his lead now at 31 points over Justin Bond, 50 points over Castellana and 69 against Jason Lee heading into the last race of the Road to the Championship. Thorne is seeking his second straight world title in the category.
The FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports closes out its season on Oct. 26-29 as part of the NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Posted with files by NHRA Communications & Bruce Biegler
Photos Courtesy of Alex Owen (Auto Imagery)
DragRaceCanada file photos by Les Puchala & Dave DeAngelis