Chris Powers Triumphs in JHG Mountain Motor Pro Stock at NHRA New England Nationals

Chris Powers powered his Sonny’s Racing Engines Chevy Camaro to a decisive win at the NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire. This event marked the second race of the eight-race schedule for the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock division in the 2025 NHRA season.

It was a big moment for Powers, who claimed his first official JHG Mountain Motor Pro Stock victory at New England Dragway. He previously won in 2019 when the class appeared as an exhibition, but this marks his first win since the category became a championship points class.

The final round saw Powers matched against reigning world champion Johnny Pluchino. However, Pluchino ran into trouble with his Feather Lite Batteries Ford at the starting line and could not complete his run.

This opened the door for Powers, who made a clean 6.723-second solo pass at 223.47 mph. Powers celebrated with his team after the win, expressing pride in Sonny’s Racing Engines and dedicating the victory to the memory of Leonard Sonny, who passed away in 2021.

Powers said the crew worked nonstop all winter to improve their performance and catch the competition after a demanding 2024 campaign.

Powers started the weekend in strong fashion by grabbing the top qualifying spot. That earned him a bye in the first round because Jerry Tucker’s Chevy could not compete after suffering damage in qualifying.

Powers took full advantage of the solo opportunity, clocking a fast 6.234 pass at 225.22 mph, which set the tone for the rest of the day. In round two, Powers lined up against Vincent Nobile, a former NHRA Pro Stock star and current Mountain Motor competitor.

Powers had the edge from the start and crossed the line first in 6.267 seconds at 224.43 mph. Nobile followed just behind at 6.288 and 223.80 mph.

Pluchino, the No. 2 qualifier for the event, advanced to the final after posting a 6.282 at 223.47 mph to eliminate Dennis Firkus (6.564 at 211.20) in the opening round. In the semifinals, Pluchino faced John Montecalvo, but Montecalvo’s car faltered, coasting to a 13.406 at 65.96 mph while Pluchino advanced with a 6.241 at 225.33 mph.

After Powers’ decisive performance in Epping, the JHG Mountain Motor Pro Stock series now turns its attention to Bristol Dragway for the Thunder Valley Nationals set for June 6-8. Powers and his crew look to carry this momentum into the next event, hoping to continue their strong start in the championship hunt.

Race teams across the paddock are aiming to catch up as the Mountain Motor Pro Stock tour continues through the summer. Powers’ win left his team excited for the rest of the season, knowing that the car and crew are capable of more great results.

The 2025 schedule is proving to be one of the most competitive yet, with close finishes and new faces challenging the established veterans. Enthusiasts will be watching closely as the series heads to Bristol, where conditions can change quickly and every round counts for valuable championship points. The competitive nature of this season mirrors top motorsport battles such as seen with memorable performances by top drivers at Monaco.