Sat, 31 Oct 2015, 23:09 PM Pro Mod Points Leader Janis Upset in First Round

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Photo copyright 2015 Auto Imagery, Inc. Opening Championship Door for Coughlin at NHRA Toyota Nationals in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS --

Mike Janis

Series points leader Mike Janis was upset in the first round of eliminations Saturday in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Series portion of the NHRA Toyota Nationals, opening the door for Troy Coughlin to grab his second world championship crown.

Janis' supercharged Jan-Cen Chevy Camaro lost traction in a high-profile first-round match against title-contender Bob Rahaim's silver Corvette.

Meanwhile, Coughlin powered to a first round victory over Danny Rowe to cut Janis' lead to six points. If Coughlin can win his second round match over Sidnei Frigo, he will move into the points lead. The 2012 champ will then need to advance two more rounds in his yellow and pink JEGS Corvette to close out Rahaim and officially claim the crown.

Two-time defending world champ Rickie Smith's hopes of a series three-peat were squashed when he lost an opening round meeting with Khalid alBalooshi.

In other second round pairings, alBalooshi will face Steven Whiteley and No. 1 qualifier Don Walsh Jr. will race Pete Farber.

NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod eliminations will continue at 10 a.m.