Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Series Closes Regular Season in Richmond at Race Powered by DPFXFIT by GESi

DINWIDDIE, VA – June 19, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The first five races of the 2025 season in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series have been dominated by two drivers, with J.R. Gray and Mike Stavrinos combining for four wins. But heading into Virginia Motorsports Park as part of this weekend’s American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals, Billy Banaka is looking to make another strong move.

He’s currently fourth in points and looking to win for the first time in his NHRA Pro Mod career. This weekend is the sixth of 10 events during the 2025 NHRA Pro Mod season and the last race of the regular season before the start of the Road to the Championship playoffs in Indy. This weekend’s event in Richmond is also powered by DPFXFIT by GESi.

Banaka has put together a solid season thus far in the loaded category, advancing to his first career final round at the four-wide race in Charlotte, where he finished as the runner-up to Gray, who is the current points leader after his Bristol win. Banaka was impressive there, too, advancing to the semifinals before a close loss to Stavrinos. He’s now ready to finish the job and getting the win at Virginia Motorsports Park would be an ideal way to close out his regular season.

“It’s been a grind, but we’re proud to be the top-running ProCharged car out here,” Banaka said. “Sitting fourth in points, we’re hanging tough in a stacked field. Thanks to my tuner, Brandon Stroud, and my crew, the car’s been consistent and I’ve been doing well behind the wheel. With the warmer temperatures coming this weekend, it’s going to take some finesse – and maybe a little luck – to keep going rounds. (But) we’re right where we need to be to make a real push.”

To do so, he’ll need to get by a loaded 21-car field in Richmond, one that also includes multi-time world champ Rickie Smith, Alex Laughlin, reigning world champ Jordan Lazic, Justin Bond and Mike Janis. Smith is the defending event winner and the veteran also looks to make a championship push at the race powered by DPFXFIT by GESi.

“For over 27 years global emission systems have been focused on the research and development of advanced emissions reduction technology. DPFXFIT brings to market the application-specific diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalysts for medium and heavy-duty trucks” said Darrell Trueman, Vice President Sales HD. “Sponsoring the NHRA Pro Mod class at Virginia brings together our technology and the business capabilities of race teams and owners. We are looking forward to continuing to develop great relationships.”

Mason Wright is the only other driver to win in the NHRA Pro Mod ranks this year, as Gray and Stavrinos have been a lethal duo. Both advanced to the final round in Bristol, but a whole host of talented drivers will look to change that this weekend in Richmond.

The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will kick off with two qualifying rounds on Friday at 4 and 6:15 p.m. ET, with the final two qualifying rounds set for 12:55 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 12:20 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals, visit nhra.evenue.net/list/RV. For more information about the NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, visit www.nhra.com.

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Global Emissions Systems Inc. or GESi (pronounced “Jesse”) specializes in the design, engineer, and manufacture of world-leading emission control technologies. As a leader in on-road and industrial applications, GESI provides cost effective and compliant solutions. DPFXFIT (pronounced “DPF X FIT”) is a complete line of aftermarket diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalysts, designed as an exact fit OEM replacement with all makes coverage for light, medium & heavy-duty trucks. To ensure optimal on-road performance, all substrates are catalyzed in-house with platinum group metals from inlet to outlet, this, combined with an OEM 1-piece canister provides improved durability and performance. All units include OEM quality clamps and gaskets and come with a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty. DPFXFIT: OEM durability & performance with aftermarket affordability. Always new, never re-manufactured! For more information, be sure to visit: www.dpfxfit.com!

About American Rebel Light Beer

American Rebel Light Beer is a product of American Rebel Beverage, LLC; a wholly owned subsidiary of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB). Since its launch in September 2024, American Rebel Light Beer has rolled out in Tennessee, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Indiana and Virginia and is adding new distributors and territories regularly. Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer. For more information about launch events and availability follow us on social media @AmericanRebelBeer or visit americanrebelbeer.com.

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MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Source: National Hot Rod Association 

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