John Montecalvo currently sits number two in the IHRA Nitro Jam Points Standings. He’s just 41 points behind leader Frank Gugliotta, but he’s looking to narrow that gap this weekend at the Amalie Motor Oil North American Nationals at New England Dragway.

This isn’t just another track on the tour for Montecalvo. This is his home stop and the place where he captured his first Pro Stock Ironman.

“I always love going up to Epping,” tells Monte. “It’s our closest national event track which always makes this race more special, as well as the place where I got my first IHRA win. The area is beautiful. Anytime we get a chance, Lois Anne and I like to go down to the Seafood Festival in Hampton Beach. It’s a great place to visit, and I’m looking forward to going back again this year, not only for the attractions, but mainly because this is a great opportunity to make some serious moves in the points battle.”  

The Championship is mathematically down to three competitors: Frank Gugliotta, Montecalvo, and Pete Berner. With just three races left, every point is crucial.

“We should have some good New England air up here and I could see a new national record coming out of this weekend. I know everybody’s going for the kill because it’s do or die time. We have a good battle heating up between Frank, Pete and myself. Pete’s a former World Champion so you can never count him out, and Frank has been tough to beat all year. Although, these aren’t the only guys I’m going to have to worry about this weekend. We have our own sheik in IHRA; he’s from Oklahoma and his name is Richard Freeman. This year he’s fielding three cars and sponsoring the class shoot out. I’ll have to watch out for all of his cars, not just the Flying Meatball, but I’m up for the challenge.”

“As like Frank we have also narrowly missed the championship numerous times.  In the past it has been minute mechanical issues that have bit us.  My crew has been going over the car from one end to the other to eliminate these types of disasters.  One thing I do know is I have an excellent team and plenty of power.  The last time down the quarter mile we took top speed of the event.  As Frank would say we ‘checked out’.  Trust me we are not going to let it slip away this time!!!”