Derek Menholt Claims Dramatic Victory in Pro Mod Season Opener at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
GAINESVILLE, FL – Derek Menholt powered to an exciting win in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports on Sunday at the 57th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, kicking off the category’s milestone 25th season at Gainesville Raceway.
Menholt, driving his ’69 Chevrolet Camaro and qualifying ninth, navigated a tough bracket with consistent runs before capitalizing on a red-light foul by runner-up Lyle Barnett in the final round. Menholt’s winning pass clocked a blistering 5.690 seconds at 251.02 mph, securing his second career NHRA Pro Mod victory and his first at the iconic Gainesville venue. The triumph marks the first diamond Wally of the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season for the Pro Mod class.
The final came after strong semifinal performances: Menholt edged reigning world champion J.R. Gray with a 5.741 at 248.25 mph, while Barnett advanced with a 5.709 at 251.95 mph over Mike Castellana.
Key Results Highlights:
Round One: Menholt opened with a 6.665 at 145.30 mph (def. Mike Thielen on red light). Other winners included Sidnei Frigo (5.716/250.23), Lyle Barnett (5.698/251.06), Mike Castellana (5.793/247.16), Kevin Rivenbark (5.759/246.39), Alex Laughlin (5.701/249.86), J.R. Gray (5.750/250.32), and Chip King (5.788/239.36).
Quarterfinals: Menholt (5.718/250.13 def. King), Gray (5.738/251.11 def. Laughlin), Barnett (5.703/252.24 def. Rivenbark), Castellana (5.755/247.84 def. Frigo – dead heat on ET).
Semifinals: Menholt (5.741/248.25 def. Gray), Barnett (5.709/251.95 def. Castellana).
Final: Menholt (5.690/251.02) def. Barnett (red light foul).
The event, the first of 11 in the 2026 NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, showcased the class’s signature high-horsepower battles amid packed grandstands at Gainesville Raceway.
The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports continues with the next event on the 11-race schedule. For full results, points standings, and more, visit NHRA.com.
video courtesy of NHRA
