JEGS ProMod Challenge sends out restricted batch of Atlanta invitations

DELAWARE, Ohio (April 6) -- Organizers of the JEGS ProMod Challenge have released their list of invitees for the upcoming 28th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, which will be held April 24-27 at Atlanta Dragway. According to series director Troy Coughlin, it was a tough list to assemble as NHRA is limiting the tour to just 20 entrants for this event, leaving some dedicated teams on the sidelines.

"We sincerely feel we've put together a great group of drivers that will showcase Pro Mod racing in the best light," Coughlin said. "Unfortunately, we were limited to 20 spots so a few top teams will be sidelined. Because of this situation, which was part of the original agreement with NHRA, we wanted to get the invite list out as soon as possible so the other teams can make alternate arrangements. We believe that's the fairest way to work through this process."

Drivers offered invitations to the event are, in alphabetical order, Mike Ashley, Joe Baker, Roger Burgess, Raymond Commisso, Troy Coughlin, Steve Engel, Josh Hernandez, Mike Knowles, Kirk Kuhns, Harold Laird, Jay Payne, Shelly Payne, Brad Personett, Tony Pontieri, Scott Ray, Danny Rowe, John Russo, Rick Stivers, Tim Tindle, and Eddie Ware.

All of these drivers must officially accept their invitations by e-mailing their intentions to JegsProMod@earthlink.net before the close of business on Friday, April 11. Positions left open at that time will be filled by alternates.

Atlanta should be an interesting event as racers try to slow down the incredible start of Joe Baker, who has won the first two races of the 10-race JEGS ProMod Challenge in two separate racecars. Baker will be back in his own Willys racecar after claiming the Houston title in Roger Burgess' Chevrolet Corvette.

Baker's two wins has put him an astonishing 80 points up on his nearest rival, a remarkable tally after just two events.

One of the drivers hoping to close the gap on Baker is defending Atlanta champion Josh Hernandez. The Texan showed he has the equipment to make a run with a top qualifying effort in Houston. The defending series champion is currently 111 markers back of Baker in fifth place.

Sandwiched in between Baker and Hernandez, fellow top-five points earners Tony Pontieri, Ray Commisso, and Jay Payne also look to bag as many JEGS points as possible in the Deep South. Pontieri and Commisso both have runner-up finishes this year and former series winner Payne is as dangerous as ever.