NHRA’s Congruity Pro Mod Drag Racing series, regular season finale….

J.R. Gray extended his incredible run in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series at Virginia Motorsports Park, defeating Dmitry Samorukov in the final round to claim his third win in the past four races as part of the weekend’s American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals.

It was the sixth of 10 races during the 2025 NHRA Pro Mod season and this weekend’s event was powered by DPFXFIT by GESi to close out the regular season in the category.

Gray closed out the regular season in style in his Al-Anabi Performance Camaro, continuing a dominant run with a pass of 5.787-seconds at 251.49 mph to defeat Samorukov, who had an unfortunate showing in the championship round.

JR Gray continued his hot hand in Pro Mod winning for the 3rd time this season – to wrap up the NHRA regular season points title.

Samorukov lost control shortly off the starting line, hitting the left guardwall. He crossed the center line and then hit the right guardwall before coming to a stop. Samorukov was alert and exited the car under his own power and was examined onsite by NHRA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Surface before being released.

In the end it was “from Russia with lumps” for Dmitry Samorukov – who crashed his car (again) within NHRA class competition.

For Gray, it was the latest moment in a terrific 2025 campaign, as he won for the third time this season and the fourth time in his career. It was also his fourth straight final-round appearance as Gray continues to impress this season.

He defeated a very swift (despite the hot event conditions) field that drew in 21 entries and produced a 16-car bump spot at 5.864 secs.

“I just believe everybody has to catch up,” Gray said. “We’re putting time in day in and day out, and there’s always somebody working on these cars. This is four finals in a row for me and we’ve been in every final round as a team this year, so we’re really ready.”

To reach the final round, Gray, who qualified second, defeated Doug Winters, Derek Menholt and Sidnei Frigo.

Before the final round, Samorukov enjoyed a strong weekend, qualifying No. 1 with a 5.764 secs (low ET) at 249.39 mph and then defeating former world champions Mike Castellana and Mike Janis, and Stan Shelton to reach the championship round for the second time in his career.

Ageless Rickie Smith was the fastest Pro Mod car at VMP – hitting 253.07 mph with his nitrous assisted Mustang which was top of the event.

As he often does – it was Rickie Smith setting top speed of the meet for Pro Mod racing.

Brazil’s Sidnei Frigo had his best season showing for 2025 – going to the “final four” on Sunday.

Within a very shocking twist of fate – both of Canada’s top runners in NHRA Pro Mod racing – did not qualify at Virginia!  Our defending World Champion Jordan Lazic (above) from Rutland BC, ran a best of 5.874 secs (=#18).  Justin Bond (Mission BC) in fact attempted qualifying in two different cars (!) but his best run of 5.888 secs was also left on the outside.  (Bump = 5.864 secs)

The points will reset for the final four races, with Gray taking the points lead into the playoffs as he looks for his first Congruity NHRA Pro Mod world championship.

The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series opens its Road to the Championship playoffs as part of the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals on Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Final Regular Season Points Standings – Congruity NHRA Pro Modified

1. JR Gray, 639; 2. Mike Stavrinos, 467; 3. Rickie Smith, 404; 4. Billy Banaka, 393; 5. Mason Wright, 330; 6. Sidnei Frigo, 275; 7. (tie) Alex Laughlin, 274; Dmitry Samorukov, 274; 9. Stan Shelton, 265; 10. Mike Janis, 234.

Posted with files by NHRA Communications & Bruce Biegler
All Photos by Dave DeAngelis

To view additional Pro Mod class photos from this race visit LMLC Media Gallery: HERE