Hernandez
wins NHRA O'Reilly Spring Nationals
crown
BAYTOWN, Texas –
If AMS Pro Modified Challenge racer
Josh Hernandez has perfected one
characteristic in drag racing, he
knows how to make a lasting
impression. Just one year after
suffering a high speed accident at
Houston Raceway Park, the Conroe,
Texas-based driver for the AMS Rage
team drove his Howard Moon-tuned
1968 Camaro to his second
consecutive victory at the same
facility during the NHRA O’Reilly
Spring Nationals.
Hernandez, the
2005 NHRA Pro Modified Rookie of the
Year, was the only repeat winner for
this year’s event.
“At a time like
this, the proper words are hard to
find in describing how major this
victory is for us,” Hernandez said.
“This is the end result of a strong
team and an undying vote of
confidence from my family. They mean
the world to me and this victory is
as much theirs as it is mine.
“I really have to
thank Tommy Lipar for the
opportunity and Dave and Gidget Wood
for all the support they have
devoted to this class and our team.”
Hernandez’
victory comes in the first official
event for the newly formed AMS Rage
Pro Modified team.
Hernandez entered
eliminations as the fourth qualifier
with a 6.139, 233.20.
Hernandez
methodically worked his way to the
final round by blasting out the
quickest elapsed time of the day
with a 6.112, 234.61 to defeat
Louisiana-based Harold Laird in the
opening session.
With the
atmospheric conditions gradually
deteriorating as time for the second
round rolled in, Hernandez didn’t
let that serve as a deterrent as he
once again established the quickest
lap amongst the winners. Hernandez
drove his Tim McAmis-built 1968
Camaro to a winning 6.168, 233.72 to
eliminate Matt Hagan.
Just one round
removed from his second consecutive
final round at Houston, Hernandez
turned in another stout performance
as he blasted out a 6.165, 234.57 to
stop Burton Auxier.
As impressive of
a performance as Hernandez turned in
during the semi-finals, he gave up
lane choice against Rowe in the
finals.
The race was
decided before it began as Rowe left
before the tree was activated,
handing the automatic victory to
Hernandez. Hernandez left no stone
unturned as he ripped off a .001
reaction and drove his way to the
winner’s circle with a 6.122,
234.98.
“This was our day
to shine,” Hernandez said. “I am so
happy for our team and Howard Moon,
they deserve this. They earned it
the old fashioned way. They worked
for it.”
|
