NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Reigning world champion Johnny Pluchino and his Ross Environmental Services Ford team earned their first Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock victory of the season Sunday at the 40th annual NHRA Reading Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

In his final round against No. 1 qualifier Brad Waddle, Pluchino ran a clean 6.331-second pass at 221.89 mph for the fourth victory of his career, second consecutive at Maple Grove Raceway. Waddle’s Innovators West Inc. Ford ran into trouble coasting to an 18.321 pass at only 44.76.

“I flubbed up two races this year, and I let my team down, which kills me, so to come out here and get the job done means a lot. I never want to let those guys down," Pluchino said. "Finally got Ross Environmental a trophy. My family is here again and we backed up our win from last year. It's little Brady's birthday in a couple days, I love you, buddy. I'm just happy.”

Pluchino started eliminations from the No. 3 qualifying position thanks to a 6.289 second pass at 222 mph. In the first round, Pluchino’s Ross Environmental machine defeated Vincent Nobile in his 2024 Chevy Camaro. Nobile had the starting line advantage but Pluchino chased him down, going 6.305 seconds at 221.20 mph to Nobile’s 6.339 at 221.05.

In the semifinals, Pluchino defeated points leader John DeFlorian with a 6.789-second run at 180.48 mph while DeFlorian had severe tire shake and shut his Total Seal Piston Rings Ford off early. He coasted to an 11.888-second run at 75.85 mph.

En route to the finals, Waddle defeated Dennis Firkus and his Done Rite Auto Chevy Cobalt with a 6.268 second pass at 223.69 mph bettering Firkus’ 6.344 at 219.47. In the semifinals Waddle took down John Montecalvo on the starting line when Montevalvo rolled through the beams -.362-seconds too early, turning on the red light. Waddle ran 6.321 at 223.14.

The JHG Mountain Motor Pro Stock series continues next weekend at the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, Sept. 18-21.