Shane Gray part of small group of challengers to KB Racing’s 2016 dominance
SEATTLE – There’s no denying that the new fuel-injected era of NHRA’s Pro Stock class has been dominated by a 
single team: KB Racing, whose top-two drivers have gobbled 14 of the first 15 trophies this year. But there is a small group of bona fide challengers chipping away at the KB Racing juggernaut, and Valvoline/Nova Services Chevrolet Camaro driver Shane Gray is definitely a part of the chase.
“The switch to EFI and the limitations in rpm and length of the wheelie bars that we all must adhere to this year definitely changed the dynamic of the class,” Gray said. “But the way I look at it is if those guys at KB Racing have figured it out, then the rest of us should be able to as well. There are no excuses in drag racing.
“We’ve been hard at it trying to catch those guys and put forth a competitive race car at every event. It seems we’re creeping up on them, and we’re anxious to continue that trend this weekend in Seattle.”
Gray arrives at the 29th annual ProtectTheHarvest.com NHRA Northwest Nationals on an impressive streak of nine top-half qualifying efforts, which has helped lift him five spots in the Mello Yello championship points standings. His next goal, aside from the always-present objective of winning each race, is to lock up a spot in this year’s Countdown to the Championship.
“Anyone that knows me will tell you we don’t really watch the points and the standings too much,” Gray said. “Of course, you hear about it in the media and such, but we just like to keep our heads down and work hard. If you do that, the points and the wins will come.
“I am pumped up for Seattle. We had a strong car in Sonoma (Calif.) and reached the semifinals there, so there’s no reason to think we can’t do better at Pacific Raceways. It’s a great track in a beautiful part of the country, and although it’s about as far from home as we get on the tour, the fans there always make you feel at home.”
Realistically, Gray could break into the top five in the three races left before the playoffs begin. He’s currently seventh, 68 points behind engine customer Drew Skillman and 74 back of Vincent Nobile.
Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2:30 and 5:30 p.m., Friday, and 1 and 4 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying action from 5 to 6 p.m., Friday, and 11 to 12 p.m., Saturday. FOX will carry eliminations live from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in PT).
