Mother Nature was set on wreaking havoc at the Amalie Motor Oil North American Nationals, only allowing for one Pro Stock qualifying session, and making Saturday a complete washout.

On top of that, she also aided in perhaps one of the most pivotal Pro Stock match-ups of the season.

Coming into this event, John Montecalvo was 41 points behind leader Frank Gugliotta. To hold on to a vital chance at the championship Montecalvo needed to gain some ground this weekend - and he did just that.

In the single round of qualifying, Montecalvo got down the quarter-mile at an impressive 6.357 seconds at 222.29 miles per hour, placing him fourth on the charts. It also matched him up against No. 12 qualifier, and current points leader, Frank Gugliotta.

On Sunday all eyes were on this pair as huge Championship implications unfolded. The race wasn’t pretty as both drivers struggled to keep their cars on a straight path to the finish. Montecalvo won the pedal-fest, going through at a 6.858 to Gugliotta’s losing effort of 7.274.

This brought Montecalvo within 19 points of Gugliotta, intensifying the championship chase.

Frank Gugliotta (left) and John Montecalvo square off during the opening round of Elite Motorsports Pro Stock at the Amalie Oil North American Nationals at New England Dragway.

“What a weekend,” relayed Montecalvo. “We really needed Frank to go out first round, and the cards fell our way and we were able to do the job ourselves. It wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done and tightened up the points. We’re in a good position going into the final two races. I’m looking forward to battling this out."

Despite the tremendous start, Montecalvo’s day ended in the next round when he succumbed to Mike Bruno. Bruno went on to his first career final round where he eventually lost to event winner Bob Bertsch.

“I knew I got in a little deep when I went up against Bruno,” Monte explained. “So all I was thinking was ‘don’t go red, don’t go red.' I was confident in the team that we were going to have the faster car - all I had to do was have a conservative light - but we all know what happens when you think that way. Mike did a good job this weekend and made it to the final. Congratulations to him and [winner] Bob Bertsch.” 

Now within 19 points of Frank Gugliotta, Montecalvo is less than one round away from taking over the Pro Stock points lead.

“It’s definitely going to be a good fight. I have a great team and I know we have what it takes to win this thing. We also have that car with the No. 1 [Pete Berner] on the windshield making some moves, so right now the bulls eye is on Frank. I can’t wait to get to Maryland."