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.
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