He’s out in front and plans to stay there. John Montecalvo has been looking for an IHRA Pro Stock Championship for a number of years. He’s come close many times before, but this time he’s hoping for a little more than being close. He heads into the upcoming World Finals 33 points ahead of second place man, Frank Gugliotta. It’s been a hard fought battle all season long, and with just one race left to go, Montecalvo is hoping to score big with his first IHRA Pro Stock Championship.

“We’re confident heading into this race. The last two events we’ve had top speed of the meet. We recently tested at MIR and were very successful there. Since then we sent the motor off to Sonny’s and he’s found even more power. So we know that we have what it takes.

“We’ve been very fortunate at Rockingham. Steve [Earwood, track owner] always does a good job preparing the track. We were runner up in the Shootout there last year and we’ve won the Rock four times, including last year at this event. We’d love nothing more than to repeat.”

Monte has a lot riding on this weekend, as both the Championship and the Elite Motorsports Pro Stock Elite 8 Shootout title are on the line.

“I would love to take home the rights to both the Shootout and the Championship, but my heart is definitely set on the Championship. Even though we’ll give it all we’ve got in both races, the Championship is my main focus. We’ve allowed it to slip away in the past, but that’s not acceptable this year. We’re in it to win it.”