Quarter Final Finish at Gators for Mike Knowles

Courtesy of Kozak Motorsports Marketing

Gainesville, FL – Heading into the season opening Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, presented by NapaFilters.com, Pro Modified’s Mike Knowles was eager to show what he had worked on this past off-season. After a few months of R&D along with several on track test sessions Knowles knew he had something for his fellow competitors.

“I mean yea, we knew we weren’t going to set any records but we knew we were right there with the rest. The progress we’ve made over the off-season has given our team a new confidence and we couldn’t wait to show it. Brad (Personett) and Billy (Rice) work great together. I know it’s only two guys but they can do more than most teams with a dozen guys,” said Knowles.

Knowles walked the walk when he qualified his “Blown Money” ’68 Camaro in the top half of the field with a 5.964 at just over 240 miles per hour.  That run paired him in first round eliminations with the ’69 Daytona of Baldwinville, Massachusetts’, Pete Farber. Knowles posted a psychic reaction time of 0.007 and took the win with a 5.91 elapsed time at just under 242 miles per hour.

The win over Farber matched Knowles with former series champ, Mike Castellana. Castellana qualified number one and defeated Jay Payne in the first round. At the hit Castellana took a slight starting line advantage and was able to pull away on the top end taking the win over Knowles with a 5.81 to Knowles’ 5.92.

“Hey, we had a very good weekend. We qualified well and took a round,” said Knowles. “We know we can hang with the top teams on the blower side and we have the consistency to go rounds against the turbo and nitrous guys. I still feel the blower’s are somewhat handicapped but we still have a little wiggle room to gain something.

Overall though, I’m really happy with this weekend. Brad and Billy did an awesome job. Brad not only calls the tune up, he gets in there up to his elbows. From being a guy who struck fear into everyone with a turbo car he’s showing boost is boost no matter what the adder. I’m really proud of him and Billy,” added Knowles.

Next up for Mike Knowles and the rest of the Pro Care RX Pro Mod Challenge Teams will be the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, NC on the weekend of April 13th-15th.