Successful day of testing has Shane Gray prepared for St. Louis surge

ST. LOUIS – Pro Stock driver Shane Gray’s start to NHRA’s six-race Countdown to the Championship was fairly successful. He qualified fourth, won an eliminations round, and moved up one spot in the Mello Yello points. But the competitive racer wanted more from the weekend, prompting a Monday test session in Charlotte to further his preparation for this weekend’s fourth annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals.

“We all felt like we had a car that could have won the Charlotte race,” Gray said. “But in Round 2 the engine cut off for a second right after the launch, and even though it started right back up, we’d already lost our momentum and ultimately the race itself. It had us a bit puzzled, so we stayed and tested and thankfully figured out what happened.

“We’re totally ready for St. Louis. Our minds are clear and the guys are focused. Charlotte could have been better but it could have been worse, so we’ll count our blessings and try to do better in St. Louis. There are still lots of rounds left in the season, and it’ll be fun to try to finish up at the top.”

Gray certainly has the ability to shake things up in this year’s chase. The Charlotte race marked the 13th consecutive event where his Valvoline/Nova Services Chevrolet Camaro earned a top-half position on the race day eliminations ladder, showing everyone he has the horsepower to contend for every trophy.

Proving that point, Drew Skillman, who leases engines from Gray Motorsports and runs as a teammate to Gray, won the Brainerd, Minn., national event a month ago.

“I think people know we are here,” Gray said. “Between myself, Drew, and Alex (Laughlin, another engine customer and teammate) we’ve had our share of big runs and round-wins. Of course we want more, and we’re all focused on finishing strong.

“This year has been a new era for Pro Stock with the fuel-injection rule and some of the other things they changed in our class. It’s been a year of adjusting everything we’ve always done and lots of trail and error. Some teams have done better than others, and I’m pretty pleased with how my guys have reacted.

“It comes down to hard work, like most things. My guys aren’t afraid of working hard. That’s what we do, and we stay within the confines of our pit and keep everything right in front of us. That’s been a successful formula for us.”

Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2:45 and 5:15 p.m., Friday, and 1:45 and 4:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying action from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday. Eliminations will air live from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in CT).