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Johnny Pluchino Battles Fierce Night Fire in Mountain Motor Pro Stock Shootout
Highlights
- Johnny Pluchino to compete in Mountain Motor Pro Stock Shootout
- $100,000 total purse at 49th Night Under Fire event
- 23 cars entered; 16 advance after two qualifying sessions
- $50,000 winner decided after four elimination rounds
- Event organized by Keith Kelling, Bill Bader Jr., Bill Cromling III
- Expected audience includes 40,000 fans and global online viewers
Johnny Pluchino will contest the Mountain Motor Pro Stock Shootout powered by Ross Environmental at the 49th Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire at Summit Motorsports Park, chasing a $100,000 purse.
Long Island‑based Pluchino treats this as a home event, racing with Elyria‑based Ross Environmental Services, a hazardous and industrial waste leader since 1949, plus other Ohio backers.
The 2024 JHG NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock champion and two‑time PDRA Extreme Pro Stock title winner carries proven pedigree and an expectation of consistency under pressure.
A 23‑car entry underscores depth. One session Friday evening and another Saturday afternoon set the times, with the quickest 16 forming the ladder for eliminations. That aligns with the series’ 16‑car field format.
23 cars enter, and two qualifying sessions set the 16‑car ladder for eliminations.
From there, four elimination rounds decide a $50,000 winner, so early pace matters for lane choice and bracket position as much as outright performance.
Pluchino stresses establishing a banker in qualifying, then repeating the process under race pressure. He credits a disciplined crew routine for minimizing risk across quick turnarounds.
The event carries a $100,000 purse, including $50,000 to the winner after four elimination rounds.
The shootout came together weeks before the event, as crew member and sponsor Keith Kelling partnered with Bill Bader Jr. and Bill Cromling III to finalize the package.
Organized on short notice by Keith Kelling, Bill Bader Jr., and Bill Cromling III.
Attendance is expected to reach 40,000, with global streaming interest. Fans can watch Night Under Fire live, amplifying the platform for teams and sponsors.
An expected 40,000 fans on site, plus global streaming, elevates the event’s profile.
Ross Environmental Services leads the sponsorship group, with Kelling Equipment Repair of LaGrange and Reed’s Salvage of Grafton. Partners include Ram Clutches, Kaase Racing Engines, AED Competition, and Hoosier.
Further backing comes from Feather‑Lite Batteries, S‑K Speed, New York Boom Trucks, Maxima Racing Oil, and Combined Auto Body, reinforcing the program’s regional ties.
With depth across the bracket and limited qualifying, margins will be small. Pluchino targets a clean sheet and a local‑feeling weekend, aiming to close the night with winner’s circle photos.
Visual Summary
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$100K Purse
MOUNTAIN MOTOR SUMMIT SHOOTOUT
Johnny Pluchino home-away hero
heads a 23-car charge for $100,000 at the legendary Night Under Fire.
heads a 23-car charge for $100,000 at the legendary Night Under Fire.
23 Cars Entered
16 Qualify
1 Winner: $50,000
40,000 Fans
Racing for Ross Environmental in their “backyard”
🏆
2024 NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock Champ & 2x PDRA Extreme Pro Stock World Title
16
→
1
4 Elimination Rounds
(Must win every one)
“We’re ready to give it everything for our Ohio sponsors and all the fans – we want that winner’s circle photo!”
Miles Carter covers grassroots and regional drag-strip action, from bracket racing to street-legal shootouts. His event previews and performance-upgrade guides keep local racers up to speed on timing-slip trends, tire tech, and weekend race highlights.
