Pro Modified was conceived in the 1990s as a drag racing class blending nitrous oxide and carburetors with supercharged alcohol-fueled vehicles. Ted Jones, serving as IHRA Vice President, faced the challenge of evolving drag racing after the departure of Winston as a sponsor. His introduction of Top Sportsman aimed to capitalize on the rise of fast door cars that were outpacing traditional sportsman categories. The success of Top Sportsman helped pave the way for Pro Modified, which emerged from both necessity and the desire to create a unique drag racing identity.

The class gained traction when Mike Thermos of NOS sponsored a Quick Eight shootout, marking the transition from casual exhibitions to a formalized racing class. However, parity became a pressing challenge when a blown alcohol car significantly outperformed nitrous entries, prompting Jones to prioritize balance within the class.

Despite some initial skepticism, particularly towards turbochargers due to past experiences that threatened other racing categories, Jones envisioned an even broader scope for Pro Modified. He dreamed of integrating injected nitro into the mix, likening the dynamic to a spectacle of sensory experiences. While this innovative combination could have transformed the class, it never materialized, underscoring how race progression often hinges on the collective willingness to explore new avenues within the sport. Ultimately, Jones’s vision remains tantalizingly unrealized, representing an evolution that could have elevated Pro Modified’s identity even further.



Source: competitionplus.com