After a decade as an exhibition class, the Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will make its official debut as a full-fledged NHRA series at this weekend's Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, and team owner and driver Roger Burgess couldn't be happier.

"A lot of people contributed a lot of time and effort to make this happen," Burgess said. "By becoming an official class, it legitimizes everything we've been doing. Racing for Wally [trophies] is going to be very exciting. Everyone wants one of those little gold men. They are the NHRA's iconic symbol of success."

NHRA President Tom Compton lauded Burgess' effort and dedication to make the new series a reality.

"The Get Screened America Pro Mod Series wouldn’t be possible without Roger Burgess, and I'm not talking about his obvious sponsorship of the series through his business," said Compton. "I'm talking about Roger Burgess himself.

"We don’t take launching a new series lightly, and without our belief in Roger Burgess and what he brings to the relationship, both personally and professionally, this would not have been possible. We owe a great deal of appreciation and gratitude to Roger for his belief in the NHRA and his belief in the class. He's very passionate about the Pro Mod class, and he's very genuine. We're thrilled and excited to begin a new era with the Get Screened America Pro Mod Series in Gainesville."

According to Burgess, since the announcement of the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, requests for a spot in the elite field have gone off the charts.

"It's a historic time for Pro Mods, and we've been overwhelmed with requests from teams that want to take part in the series," Burgess said. "The NHRA was kind enough to push our number of entries for Gainesville from 24 to 28, and we still have several more wanting in.

"Being on ESPN2 also will help tremendously, especially with bringing corporate sponsors to the table for all of our competitors. This is a big year for us."

Burgess will be among the drivers looking to claim the first Wally at the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals beginning Friday at Gainesville Raceway.

"We have a brand-new '67 Camaro we wanted to use in 2010, but it hasn't tested very well, so we've decided to start the season in one of last year's cars, a '63 Corvette," he said. "We obviously still have quite a bit of confidence in that car. We'll get the new one figured out and have it on track as soon as it's ready.

"If the weather cooperates, we could see the first all-five-second field at this track. Every car on the entry list has run in the fives and half have run 5.8s. The fans are in for a treat."

When not at the racetrack, Burgess manages several businesses, which he says makes the downtime between seasons go quickly. But once the season gets close, the owner and founder of ProCare Rx and R2B2 Motors says he takes steps to get in a racing frame of mind.

"When the off-season first arrives, you have to kind of forget about driving if you can," Burgess said. "When I'm out of the car, I have a lot of other interests to keep me occupied, so it's not too tough to get through it all.

"When the season gets closer, I begin training. I do a lot of visualization. I'll try to remember the best run we've ever made and just relive it over and over in my mind. You want to train yourself to instinctively do all the things that make it a good run."

Part of that instinct is to get the feel for what it's going to be like on race day.

"I put my firesuit on at the shop and just wear it around," Burgess said. "It's important to be as comfortable as possible in your gear, so I'll wear it until I realize I forgot I was wearing it, then I know I'm used to having it on.

"We have a practice Tree as well. It doesn't replicate the car completely, and it certainly doesn't react like the car, but it keeps you mentally sharp and gets your mind to focus.

"We've got a big season ahead of us. It's about to start, and we're all very excited. I can't wait to fire up the car on Friday."
 

As part of a NAPA Auto Parts March promotion, Ron Capps will drive the NAPA Filters Dodge Charger Funny Car at the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, March 11-14, the third event of the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

During March, consumers will receive a free NAPA racing cap with any purchase at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores (while supplies last) and will receive 40 percent off the regular price of NAPA Gold Filters (air/oil/fuel/cabin air). At NAPA AutoCare Centers or any installer using NAPA parts, consumers will receive a $20 mail-in rebate when they purchase a NAPA Gold Air or Cabin air filter in conjunction with an oil change using a NAPA Gold or ProSelect oil filter.

"I've been talking about the NAPA Know How that has helped us get to the final round in Pomona and to the quarterfinals in Phoenix, in the first two races of the 2010 season," said Capps, who is third in the points standings, "and that's the theme this season. NHRA racing fans should take advantage of this promotion and root us on in Gainesville. We won the race in Topeka last year with the Adaptive One Brakes NAPA body, so we're hoping for the same results with the NAPA Filters body."

“We are looking forward to seeing Ron run the NAPA Filters paint scheme this weekend at the Gatornationals. We couldn’t think of a better place to showcase the above promotions than this historic event. We hope the fans enjoy the paint scheme and are able to take advantage of our special offers during the month of March," commented Mike Rearden, NAPA director of events/sponsorships.

The amended 2010 NHRA Rulebook, containing amendments made Dec. 8, 2009-March 1, 2010, is available online in the secure Members section of NHRA.com. Members and associate members may view, download, and print the amended Rulebook or portions of it at their convenience. Amendments, which also appear as a list under the Competition tab on NHRA.com and regularly in National DRAGSTER, are highlighted in the updated online version for easy reference.

The NHRA Rulebook is an online benefit for members that in 2010 replaced the print version, previously distributed in membership kits or as a ride-along to an issue of National DRAGSTER. For those who prefer a traditional print version, a limited number is available for sale. NHRA members will receive a 30 percent discount on one copy by calling 800-308-NHRA (6472) to order.

HOW TO ACCESS THE RULEBOOK: Members and associate members who are already registered to use the secure Members section need only log in at the top left of any NHRA.com page as usual and then click on Member Features to access the Rulebook.

Members and associate members who haven’t yet registered to use the secure Members section must first register to be able to access the online Rulebook and all of the other online member benefits. To register, log on to NHRA.com and click on Member Website Registration at the top of any page.

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