Derek Menholt wins his second 2026 JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod event at Route 66 Raceway, prevailing at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals and regaining the series points lead.

He defeats Jason Collins in the final with a 5.692-second, 250.23 mph pass. Collins launches on .004, but Menholt’s .012 reaction and stronger pace decide it.

The matchup features the top two qualifiers. Menholt leads qualifying at 5.667 seconds, 250.92 mph, converting benchmark speed into victory to become the season’s first repeat winner.

Menholt’s route includes wins over Alex Laughlin, reigning champion J.R. Gray, and title contender Justin Bond, underlining both execution and robustness across changing conditions.

Collins reaches the final by eliminating Kevin Rivenbark, Mike Stavrinos, and Billy Banaka. It is only his third NHRA Pro Mod start, yet performance remains composed.

The victory rebalances the title picture. Menholt’s points lead increases pressure on Bond and the chasing pack, where qualifying performance and lane choice increasingly prove decisive.

Menholt credits team execution and reliability from ProFlow Pumping Solutions support, while warning the field remains tight. “It’s going to be a battle to the end,” he says.

Collins arrives with momentum after winning in Valdosta. His sharp starting-line form and quick adaptation signal a sustained challenge once experience and data integration deepen.

The regular season concludes June 12–14 at Bristol Dragway during the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, offering a pivotal opportunity to bank points before the stretch run.

With over half the schedule complete, consistency becomes the differentiator. Clean lights, incremental gains, and repeatable tune-ups likely determine whether Menholt’s momentum converts into a championship.

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Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing’s biggest national events.