Strong finish to 2016 could still yield huge rewards for Pro Stock ace Shane Gray

DALLAS – As the second half of the six-race Countdown to the Championship begins this weekend with the 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA Fallnationals, Pro Stock driver Shane Gray and his Valvoline/Nova Services Chevrolet Camaro crew still have lots of goals they’d like to accomplish.

First is a continued run at the 2016 Mello Yello world title, which is still within reach of Gray’s red-hot race team. Secondly, the group would love to surpass the career-best fourth-place finishes Gray carded in 2010 and 2014. Finally, Gray is anxious to score another victory to add to his resume.

“There’s lots left to race for,” Gray said. “Our car has been very strong and we feel capable of winning every event we enter, including this weekend’s race at Texas Motorplex. Dave (Connolly, crew chief) and the guys have been making perfect calls on the car and the tune-up and we’re getting plenty of opportunities to score wins.

“We’re fifth in the points as it stands but fourth place is just a few points away and a top-three ranking could be there as early as this weekend. We’ll probably need those top two cars to falter a little so we can all catch up, but you never know what will happen.

“The one thing I know for sure is if we win Dallas, then we’ll definitely score more points than everyone else, so that’s what we’ll try to do.”

Gray has great history at Texas Motorplex. He was runner-up in 2013 and 2014, and locked up top qualifier honors in 2014 as well.

He’s also had an extremely quick and consistent racecar for most of this year, especially of late, as he’s raced to three semifinals finishes in the last four national events. Overall, Gray has eight final-four results this year.

“When you keep putting yourself in position to win, they will come,” Gray said. “We’re there; we just need to get over that final hump and put this Valvoline/Nova Services Chevrolet Camaro in the Winner’s Circle. I’d love to do it this weekend.

“Growing up out in the oilfields of New Mexico, we feel very much at home in Dallas. There’s not a whole lot of difference between the folks in North Texas and where I’m from in Carlsbad, New Mexico. It’s just hard-working people that love to have fun away from work, and a lot of them love racing.”

Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 4:15 and 7:15 p.m., Friday, and 12:45 and 3:45 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying action live from 7:30-8:30 p.m., Friday. Eliminations will air live from 2-5 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in ET).