In an emotional and nerve-racking finish, John Montecalvo clinched his first IHRA Pro Stock World Championship. Smiles and tears were all around as John, wife Lois Anne and team celebrated a victory that was many years in the making. The joy written across each face of the Montecalvo team was an expression of the well-deserved payoff of years of dedication and hard work.

The weekend started off as one might expect, with Montecalvo qualifying in the top spot with a 6.358 at 218.30 mph, in the one and only qualifying shot for the pros. He had nearly three hundredths on the rest of the field and was looking in prime shape to go on and quickly clinch the Championship. After rain stole the show on Friday night and Saturday afternoon and then a heavy dew cancelled the Saturday night session, Pro Stock was set to go into eliminations nearly 48 hours after their one run down the Rockingham drag strip, but only to the eighth mile. Due to unsafe track conditions, the entire World Finals program was shortened from the quarter mile to the eighth. So on Sunday morning, Montecalvo came out for his first round, a competition bye run. Montecalvo took on the tricky track, but the track won in that session as it did with many of the drivers in Pro Stock’s first round. By winning round one, Montecalvo eliminated Pete Berner from the Championship hunt. If Montecalvo could get by round two, he would solidify his Championship victory. Unfortunately a malfunction caused the car to stumble out of the gate and opponent Ned Katuran got an easy victory. The Championship fate now rested in the hands of Frank Gugliotta who was still a contender after two rounds of competition. If Frank lost in the third round, the Championship was all Montecalvo’s. If he won, Gugliotta would take the honors.

As the fatal moments neared, Montecalvo waited in his pits, claiming he would jump off the tower if he lost and didn’t want to celebrate in front of Gugliotta’s team if he won. As Gugliotta’s opponent Bob Bertsch took a hole shot advantage and never looked back to take the win, Montecalvo became the newest IHRA Pro Stock World Champion. His crew, who were also waiting back at the trailer, but couldn’t keep their eyes off the scoreboards, were the first to relay the best news to fall on a racer’s ear.

“I was sitting in the trailer, not even paying attention to whether Frank was running or not,” Monte relayed. “Next thing you know we heard a scream and our guys rushed into the trailer to tell us we won. I didn’t believe them at first. I know I asked them four times if they were sure. It’s just unbelievable that this finally happened! We’ve come close so many times. All our hard work and years of chasing this thing finally paid off. Today made it all worth it!

“This Championship is as much for my crew as for myself. Lois Anne is always by my side. Tommy, William, Bobby, and Herb – I couldn’t have done it without them. They’ve worked hard for this day. Thanks to Sonny and Sonny’s Racing Engines, Rick Jones and RJ Race Cars, Pat with Ram Clutches, Dave Braswell and Doug Schreifer with Braswell Carburetors. All these guys are what made this Championship a reality for this team. They’re the best in the business and they’ve helped me achieve that title now. And I’ve got to thank all our loyal fans who have pulled for us over the years. We finally got the Championship for them!”

Montecalvo’s Championship comes after a long and hard-fought season with many ups and downs and an intense points chase the all season long. As seems to often be the case in the incredibly competitive Pro Stock field, the Championship came down to the last possible round with only a few points separating first from second. Montecalvo has been on both sides of the fence and understands what it’s like both to win and to lose in big in Championship chases.

“I feel for Frank. I’ve been in his shoes and I know what it feels like. I have to commend him and his team. They played straight up, no gimmies. Richard Freeman puts on a first class operation. His three car team is a very welcome addition to Pro Stock and my hat’s off to them.

“I wish every racer could win a Championship just to know what this feels like. I’ve gotten calls from one end of the country to the other, congratulating us. The support I’ve received from my peers and all who celebrate with us, makes this all come alive. It’s an incredible feeling!

“One of the best things about this is that I’ll now be able to defend my Championship on IHRA turf! With the new Mountain Motor Pro Stock Association we’ll be back racing with the IHRA again next year.  I couldn’t be happier with the chance to wear our number one next year and be able to race in the place we’ve known as home for so many years.

“This Championship means more than I can truly express in words.”

With a smile that will surely last for days and maybe the entire 2010 season, Montecalvo couldn’t convey enough joy and gratitude for all who were a part of John Montecalvo becoming the best of the best in 2009.