Rick Stivers, driver of the Trane '06 Stratus Pro Mod, ran a World Record ET Saturday in his
first-round victory in the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge at the NHRA Virginia Nationals.
Stivers set the record with his qualifying blast of 5.837 seconds to take the pole, and then
delivered the required one percent backup in his first-round win over Scott Ray by running an
even-quicker 5.835 to Ray's 5.998. The only possible way he could not leave with the record would
be if another driver runs quicker on Sunday and delivers a backup in the remaining three rounds of
competition.
"This track is amazing, and the conditions have just been stellar," Stivers said. "Brad has really
found the sweet spot in this car, and we've been able to put all of the power down to the track to
keep this Trane on a rail."
By setting a record, he would add 20 points to his total for the weekend, bringing his deficit down
to just 33 points in order to qualify for the Matco Tools Pro Mod Clash in Vegas. From there, he
will have to beat Tim Tindle in the quarterfinals and win two more rounds and go all the way to the
finals in order to take over the No. 8 spot. If by chance he does not have the record, he will have
to win the event in order to advance.
For Stivers, though, who's birthday is Sunday, the opportunity to win another race and jump up
further in the points after having missed three races and not qualifying at the U.S. Nationals is
something that motivates him.
"I think it really shows what an incredible operation Brad Anderson has going and what a genius he
really is at tuning a car. Of course I want to make the Clash and win this race, but to even be in
this position is a testament to Brad and the whole BAE team," Stivers said.
The balance of eliminations scheduled to run Sunday afternoon, with Stivers facing Tim Tindle in
round two to start the Pro Mod action.
