HERNANDEZ BLAZES TO WORLD RECORD AT WORLD FINALS
Three world championships clinched in weather-delayed season finale

Josh Hernandez

By Mike Perry – IHRA Communications

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (October 22, 2006) – Josh Hernandez put his name in the record books while Quain Stott, Pete Berner and Mark Thomas put their names on world championship trophies at the Universal Technical Institute World Finals in Rockingham, N.C.

Hernandez (Conroe, Tex.) thrilled the crowd with a 5.990 pass during the second round of eliminations to record the first sub-six second Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified pass in IHRA history. He tore down the left lane in his ’68 Camaro into the record books, shattering the world record John Russo set Saturday night when he posted a 6.012.

Quain Stott

While Hernandez was setting the record, Quain Stott (Columbus, N.C.) was busy clinching the 2006 championship. Stott entered the World Finals 10 points ahead of Glenn Kerunsky in the Pro Mod standings, and Kerunsky failed to qualify for the show. When Danny Rowe fell in the second round of eliminations Stott had his first-ever championship.

Stott completed his dream evening by asking his girlfriend, Cynthia, to marry him. She accepted.

Pete Berner

Pete Berner (Crete, Ill.) also clinched a title in the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock class. Berner was behind Tony Gillig in the points chase heading into the World Finals, but his two elimination round wins, coupled with Gillig falling to Robert Patrick in the first round, gave him the championship.

Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas (Louisville, Ohio) won his sixth career Alcohol Funny Car championship by advancing to the final round while Rob Atchison, his closest competitor, fell to Fred Tigges in the first round.

The weather reached the dew point at approximately 8:30 in the evening, causing IHRA officials to suspend sportsman and professional eliminations until Monday. Racing will resume Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. for sportsman, with the professional classes resuming at approximately 10:30. The Alcohol Funny Car final rounds have yet to be run while the Nitro Funny Car, Top Fuel, Pro Modified and Pro Stock classes are in the semifinals.