“Iron Mike” Conquers PM Challengers

New York’s Mike Castellana collected his third career NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series ProCare Rx victory during NHRA’s 3^rd annual running of the Four-Wide Nationals held near Charlotte NC….

Mike Castellana was dominant while winning and taking over the NHRA ProCare RX Challenge season points lead.

Mike Castellana clobbered the ProCare RX Pro Mod field driving his awesome nitrous-injected Al-Anabi-sponsored 2012 Chevy Camaro.  He  made a single in the final round after his competitor was unable to make it to the starting line, and cruised to a winning 6.250 secs at 180.45 mph to assure the victory.

Mike Castellana stood on the podium @ NHRA Concord

 Mike had been scheduled to face Leah Pruett in the highly feared “Mustang Sally” car from the R2B2 Racing stable in the championship final.  But Leah’s turbocharged car did suffer some extreme engine damage during a semi-final round and her talented team wasn’t quite able to complete repairs within the scheduled time allotted.

It was the second consecutive final round appearance for Castellana, who was defeated at NHRA Gainesville by arch rival Rickie Smith. Castellana did face Smith in the quarterfinals round during eliminations and was able to avenge that loss. 

Castellana also defeated Chip King, and the No. 1 qualifying car driven by Canadian-native Danny Rowe (5.874 secs) enroute to the finals. With the win, Castellana takes over the overall championship points lead from Smith.

Pro Mod runner-up Pruett was credited with top speed of the event at 251.81 mph. 

Pro Mod class newcomer Brad Brand had a strong debut -- qualifying #2 and going to the semifinals