Hernandez blasts to No. 2 in qualifying and scores first-round win

MADISON, Ill. (May 3, 2008) -- Defending JEGS Pro Mod Challenge champion Josh Hernandez reminded fans and racers alike today how he earned his title, delivering a the second-quickest elapsed time of 5.955 seconds in qualifying at the O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals and scoring a win in the first round of eliminations against Brad Personett.

Hernandez entered this weekend's event with a huge deficit in the points, but his performance so far has given him what he called "a really good feeling."

"Any time you can come out and be top qualifier, it gives you a real boost of confidence going into eliminations, and not that we were feeling pressured, but every round counts, and we need to make up a lot of ground to get back into the mix," Hernandez said.

Hernandez also recorded the fastest speed so far in the meet, 241.89 mph, a feat that could earn him a bonus of $500 from New York Motorsports. Added to the $1,000 from Ohio Crankshaft for the low qualifier, the bonuses would total $1500 not including prize money.

"It's great to have companies want to get involved with this class, and Stan and Mary Ray from Ohio Crankshaft are just awesome people. I can't thank them enough for their support," he said.

In the first round of eliminations, Hernandez faced off with Brad Personett and his turbo '53 Corvette. Personett had a slight lead off the line, but Hernandez' '68 Camaro quickly passed him and went on for the win and the chance to run again tomorrow.

"The car is running really well, and I have to say that Jim Oddy [crew chief] really has a handle on things. I had a little rumble in first gear, but otherwise it was a smooth, fast run all the way down the track," he said.

Hernandez will have his hands full in eliminations tomorrow as he squares off against another former champion -- Jay Payne. Payne ran a blistering 5.920/240.29 in his first-round defeat of Roger Burgess, setting the stage for a classic dual in round two.

"Every time I race against Jay, I know I have a battle on my hands because he has so much experience, and with a monster run like he ran today, tomorrow should be a great race," Hernandez said.

Eliminations are scheduled to conclude Sunday afternoon.