Drag Racing Action Online  Images Phil Hutchison

Crisp cool weather greeted the racers at the annual Pro Mod Invitational at Cecil County Dragway in Maryland the third week of October. Super times were  the norm throughout the weekend with mineshaft conditions and great track conditions.

After three rounds of qualifying, 2024 Invitational winner Steve King from Strasburg VA led the field in his blown Covette at a 3.566 @209.04. Right behind King was Frank Falten IV from Pasadena MD in the Candy Man Camaro with a 3.570. 

Also in the 3.5 second range was Ed Burnley’s 3.594. Jim Halsey had his new Blacklist Camaro finally in the show at a 3.636 after scrubbing off his first two trys in Q1 and Q2.

Andy Jensen had his turbocharged Camaro in the #5 spot with a 3.658 with Jason Lee right behind Jensen with a 3.671.

First round was nothing but upsets with King, Falten, and Halsey all going out making it anyone’s race.  

Due to the early darkness and chill, the decision was made to continue the racing on Sunday under, once again, great conditions.

In a battle of turbocharged cars, Jensen took out Steve Gorman’s Mustang with a quick 3.661 to Gorman’s 3.729. 

The other semifinal pair had Ed Burnley getting an easy win as Mike Archenbach’s Mountain Man Camaro rolled through the beams. 

In the finals, Jensen had the better reaction time over Burnley and took the win with a 3.715 to Burnley’s losing 3.76.

After the win, Jensen who owns Jensen Engine Technologies said,  “It was great, we didn’t really think we had a chance to win, but we love Cecil and the car ran as best it ever had. We knew we were racing some cars faster than ours. 

“But after the weekend progressed and we saw some of the heavy hitters go out, we knew we had a chance to win this thing. We just kept our nose to the grindstone and ran the numbers when we needed to.” 

“My #1 guy Mark Mont has been with me for years and he turns the car around between rounds. Unloads the car, packs the chutes, does it all.

Also, Kevin McCurdy helps with my chassis setup and Rob Burris and Uncle John Burris are there to help with the tune-up. Uncle John is a wealth of knowledge on the turbo cars. We take what we have, stir it up and see what happens.” 

“Finally, my wife Tiffany. We have been tougher for 10 years and she has always backed me up. She’s a big part of the team. Couldn’t do it without her.”