Gaines scores first win of the season
(10-8-2012) MOHNTON, PA – V. Gaines was victorious in his Mopar-powered Dodge Avenger in Pro Stock on Monday in the rain-delayed conclusion of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, Pa. For Gaines, it marked his first win of the season and fourth of his career.
“All of us at Mopar would like to offer congratulations to V. Gaines on his big win at the NHRA Reading event,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “V. has been campaigning with Mopar power for many years and is a loyal and longstanding advocate for our brand. Mopar-powered Pro Stock cars have earned eight wins this year, and we look forward to V. and his fellow Mopar-powered drivers contending for more wins in the final two races of the season, as well as Allen Johnson continuing his battling for the championship.”
Gaines used a lap of 6.515-seconds at 212.26 mph in the final round to pick up the win over Dave Connolly, who fouled out on a red-light. On his way to the final Gaines downed Warren Johnson, Greg Anderson and Jason Line. The victory over Line, who is currently second in points, also greatly benefitted Pro Stock points leader Allen Johnson in his chase for a first Pro Stock title. Gaines opened the event as the No. 4 qualifier, and also recorded a career-best elapsed time of 6.489-seconds in the quarterfinals on Monday en route to the victory. Prior to his win at Reading, the last Pro Stock triumph for Gaines came at Phoenix in 2008, where he was victorious over Line.
“We finally showed this weekend that we can compete in the cold weather conditions,” said Gaines. “I wish I could say it was all because of the driver, but our car is so fantastic right now. We wanted to hang on to the No. 1 qualifying spot, but we still won the race. We’ll get the No. 1 spot sooner or later.”
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