Mason Wright Secures Victory at Gerber Collision NHRA Nationals

Mason Wright took his first win of the 2025 NHRA Pro Mod season at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals, held at Route 66 Raceway. Wright faced J.R. Gray in the final round and secured the victory after Gray left the line early, drawing a red light that ended Gray’s run.

Even though Wright’s win came after Gray’s mistake, Wright’s own performance was more than enough to claim the event. He ran a strong 5.734 seconds at 251.25 mph in his Chevrolet Camaro.

This event marked the fourth stop on the 10-race Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series calendar for the year.

Wright’s trip to the finals started with a No. 1 qualifying run, clocking a quick 5.676 at 253.66 mph. His Camaro showed impressive consistency throughout eliminations, as he stayed in the low 5.70-second range on every pass.

To reach the final, Wright defeated Chip King, Mike Stavrinos, and Ken Quartuccio. With this performance, Wright moved up to fifth in the Pro Mod points standings, making his second career NHRA Pro Mod victory and helping his team celebrate a much-deserved win.

Speaking after the race, Wright credited his team for their work across the weekend. He stated that he did not perform as well as he wanted on the starting line, but the crew gave him everything needed to win.

Wright’s result is part of an ongoing trend this season, as the last three No. 1 qualifiers at Pro Mod events have gone on to win the race. The victory at Chicago was especially important for Wright, who entered the event looking to bounce back after early losses earlier in the year.

On the other side of the bracket, J.R. Gray continued his hot streak in the category by reaching his second final round of the season. Gray, who recently won in Charlotte, advanced through tough matchups with Derek Menholt, Billy Banaka, and Kevin Rivenbark.

His strong performance across eliminations moved him into the Pro Mod points lead, while his teammate Mike Stavrinos now sits in second. Rickie Smith is currently ranked third in the standings as the series moves forward.

The Route 66 NHRA Nationals was powered by Flying H Drag Strip and celebrated its 25th annual running. The event drew strong competition and produced fast qualifying sessions and close racing in eliminations.

Chicago provided another showcase for the high speeds and tight margins that define NHRA Pro Mod competition, keeping fans and teams focused on every round. With four of ten races complete, the Pro Mod championship remains wide open.

The next stop on the tour is set for June 6-8 at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee. As the points battle heats up, each event becomes even more critical for drivers chasing the Pro Mod title.

Wright’s win gives both his team and fans plenty to celebrate as the series heads to Bristol. This breakthrough moment in Chicago could shape the rest of his 2025 season.

The battle for the championship will continue as drivers regroup and prepare for the next challenge ahead.