AMS and RPM Depot bring Pro Modified racing to NHRA in 2006

Ending months of speculation about the possible demise of the category in NHRA competition, the ten-race AMS Pro Modified Challenge is scheduled to continue in 2006 and beyond in conjunction with NHRA national events. AMS Staff Leasing has joined with mail-order house RPM Depot as title sponsors of the fan-favorite class. Also joining in support are Brad Anderson Engineering, Pinnacle Business Solutions and Lend America.
  
The AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Drag Racing Challenge presented by RPM Depot will compete alongside the NHRA POWERade series in Gainesville, Houston, Bristol, Englishtown, St. Louis, Memphis, Indianapolis, Dallas, Richmond and Las Vegas. All ten races will be broadcast with a two-week delay on ESPN2’s Inside Drag Racing. Masters Entertainment will produce the television shows.
 
At the helm of the series will be Matthew Brammer, president of Phoenix-based Active Marketing. Brammer is replacing outgoing Kenny Nowling who will no longer be associated with the series. Brammer said “It’s my goal to secure long-term funding in 2006 so the Pro Mod class will remain alive and well for years come under the NHRA umbrella.

“We’ve been working closely with AMS and RPM Depot to put the program on the right track – a track that has long term plans. In the meantime, I’m really hoping for a smooth year,” he said. “Everyone – including and especially the officials at NHRA – has spent hours and hours to assure a quality show.
 
“Now that the contract has been signed, we can begin the invitation process. Because we are limited by space at the events, we have to manage the number of entrants some way to assure a competitive, exciting series. My plan is to make contact with drivers within the next week to discuss their participation for the events. I have already been besieged with requests to participate in the series, and I want to be sure to develop an invitation system that is fair and equitable.

“I know there are a lot of teams and drivers that have held spots open on their schedules for us, and I want to get information into their hands as quickly as possible,” Brammer said.

“I’m available should any one have questions or concerns,” he said. “I can be reached either by email at ProMod@ActiveMarketing.com or at my office: 623-879-4290. I want the communication lines to be open and easily accessible.”
 
“For teams and drivers interested in participating in the series, please email me at the above mentioned address immediately. I will be working with the series sponsors to develop a fair and equitable list within the next few days,” he said.
 
AMS Staff Leasing’s owner Dave Wood said, “We weren’t sure we were going to be racing in the NHRA this year, but Mike, Jeff and Matthew have worked behind the scenes to make sure things worked out.  I really love Pro Mod, and it’ll be a great year for the class in every series.”
 
Brammer said, “We tried to arrange the schedule so that there wouldn’t be any conflicts with any other series, and the rules have been established to be consistent with the IHRA. With all of the options available, it’s a great year to be in Pro Mod. I believe the AMS Series will be the premium destination for racers, giving them access to the best exposure and value for their sponsors through television and fan exposure.”

Each event will feature 16-car fields as set during three qualifying sessions (two on Friday and one on Saturday).  The first-round of eliminations will be Saturday evenings, concluding on Sundays with the final three rounds of eliminations.

Drivers will compete for points to win the RPM/BAE World Championship: a winner-take-all $25,000 prize. In addition, a combined, per-race purse of $19,000 will be on the table. Winners receive a check for $5,000, runners up - $3,000. Drivers eliminated in the semi-finals receive $1,500, second round - $1,000, and those eliminated in first round receive $500.

“The series is provides a first-class venue for drivers and a great show for the fans,” Brammer said. “I’m looking forward to working with the drivers, teams and the NHRA to give the best, safest entertainment possible.”

“First stop – Gainesville,” he said. “It’s going to be an exciting year!”

NEWS ARCHIVES: