Along with the drivers who have competed in every event this season, several local drivers will be joining the battle for the Get Screened America Warrior and the $10,000 purse. The 19 drivers competing in Englishtown are: Burton Auxier, Joe Baker, Vinnie Budano, Roger Burgess, Mike Castellana, Raymond Commisso, Tommy Gray, Jim Halsey, Dave Hance, Chip King, Mike Knowles, Taylor Lastor, Frank Patille, Jay Payne, Brad Personett, Danny Rowe, Rickey Smith, Tim Tindle and Melanie Troxel.

Troxel, a veteran of Top Fuel Funny Cars and Dragsters as well as their alcohol-burning cousins, will be making her debut in Pro Mod competition driving for R2B2 Racing and ProCare Rx. Having earned the title of the NHRA's quickest woman, Troxel said she completely respects the power and unpredictability of these cars.

"With the full suspension and short wheel base of these cars, you have to finesse them, not muscle them like the nitro Funny Car I drove last. I'm just really excited to be driving again, and I have always loved door-slammers, so this is a fun opportunity," Troxel said.

Troxel will face-off against the best of the best in the land, with current points leader Burton Auxier and Al-Anabi and nitrous-fraternity teammate, No. 2 Mike Castellana leading the charge to take the Get Screened America Warrior for the weekend. Just behind them, Troxel's teammate and team owner, Roger Burgess heads the super-charged contingent from third place, a little more than three round-wins out of first.

Topeka, Kan. winner Tim Tindle is anxious to continue his winning ways, while Topeka runner-up Jay Payne, Matco Tools' Joe Baker, Houston winner Danny Rowe and the third member of the R2B2 Racing team Raymond Commisso are all looking to make a move and secure their place in the top-eight and qualifying for the Matco Tools Pro Mod Clash.

Not to be counted out are B&J Transmissions-backed Mike Knowles, Turbo-powered Brad Personett, and Texas-based Taylor Lastor, along with the temporarily-sidelined Rick Stivers - all within a few round-wins of making the Clash. Also in the hunt are Chip King in his 'Sublime Lime" Plymouth Barracuda and Rickey Smith.

New faces to the Challenge this year in Englishtown are local-favorites Vinnie Budano and Dave Hance along with veteran Jimmy Halsey and Frank Patille driving his Tim McAmis-built 1957 Buick Pro Mod. 'Tombstone' Tommy Gray will be making his second appearance of the season in his Undertaker '68 Camaro.

With the all-star lineup on the track, Get Screened America will test to see just how much the Pro Mod action really raises a fan's blood pressure, and will also offer health screening tests that include blood glucose testing, body mass index tests, eye vision exams, a skin cancer scan to scan faces for potential damage under the skin, and a special health risk assessment kiosk where fans can register basic health information and qualify to win a 'Wii' and 'Wii Fit.'

"We are pleased to present Pro Mods to NHRA fans and be a part of the best drag racing anywhere," said Roger Burgess, CEO of ProCare Rx. "Get Screened America offers healthcare education and promotes healthcare screening and testing. We feel NHRA fans are greatly benefiting from the information and the reminders we're providing during the Pro Mod events."

Get Screened America's mission is to educate Americans of the importance of health screening and testing and to provide access whenever possible to simple, free tests and screenings for different health conditions at selected sporting venues. Screenings may include tests for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and certain cancers, while always stressing early testing for colorectal, breast and other invasive conditions.

The Get Screened America Pro Modified Challenge presented by ProCare Rx is a national showcase of Pro Modified cars, pairing the best blown, nitrous, and turbo-charged racers against one another for the coveted World Championship. Sometimes called "The most exciting class in drag racing," the fan-favorite class uses the platform of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series to showcase the stars in major markets nationwide, reaching a broad demographic audience.

Courtesy of Matthew Brammer