Only the faces are the same

Words by Jeff Burk
Photos by Jeff Burk and Steve Gruenwald
3/24/04

he NHRA AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge opened their 2004 season as they traditionally do at the NHRA Gatornationals the third weekend in March. NHRA has mandated that Pro Mod is an "exhibition" class and that participation is "by invitation only," so there were precious few new faces or cars for the Pro Mod fans.

Scotty Cannon made his NHRA Pro Mod debut in his tried and true '53 Studebaker, but has replaced the AJ wedge with a Hemi.

The one really new machine was Brad Anderson's '67 Camaro driven by NHRA veteran Jay Payne who slid into the seat when his wife and Brad Anderson's daughter, Shelly, became pregnant with their second child. (Burk photo)

Danny Rowe and Mike Ashley (photo) had new rides, with Rowe getting out of his '37 Chevy to drive yet another '63 'Vette for Ashley, while Ashley got out of his Willys and into a brand new GT-500E '67 Mustang that had backing from the legendary Carroll Shelby. (Burk photo)

Canadian veteran Al Billes showed up with a '53 'Vette built for him by Pro Mod racer Tim McAmis. The car was decal free with the exception of one can of "Whoop Ass" on the door post. McAmis is not driving this year, as he has too much work to leave his Hawk Point, Missouri shop. All the work in the shop must have paid off, as Billes won his first AMS event. (Gruenwald photo)