Fresh off his first career victory in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, Billy Banaka now finds himself as the man to beat heading into this weekend’s playoff race as part of the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway.
The wild, four-wide victory in Charlotte vaulted Banaka into the points lead with only two races remaining in the 2025 season. The trip to St. Louis marks the third event in the “Road to the Championship” playoffs and Banaka’s win handed him a 34-point lead over Michael Stavrinos.
It’s already been a wild postseason in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod class, but Banaka is riding high after the victory and hopes to keep rolling at the penultimate race of the season at World Wide Technology Raceway.
“It was a wild and unforgettable day in Charlotte,” Banaka said. “Honestly, when I saw the red light flash, I thought the win was gone – I really believe I had lost. But the way the cards fell and thanks to my crew, my family and everyone behind me, it worked out.
“It was my first NHRA Pro Mod win and to take over the points lead heading to St. Louis, well, that’s a dream scenario. We know nothing is settled yet, but we’re going in with confidence, focus and everything on the line.
This weekend is the ninth of 10 events during the 2025 Congruity NHRA Pro Mod season and the third of four playoff races. This weekend’s event in St. Louis is powered by Jerry Bickel Race Cars and M&M Transmission. Both companies are mainstays for several top drivers in the Pro Mod world, with the race also taking place close to Jerry Bickel Race Cars headquarters.
“Taking over Jerry Bickel Race Cars is both an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously,” said Rick Hord, who is the new owner of JBRC. “There aren’t many cars you can pick up on a Thursday and race on a Friday, but that’s what we do — and we take great pride in that. JBRC has built a reputation to deliver race-ready performance and unmatched quality, and my commitment is to carry that forward. That’s why we continue to sponsor and look forward to the NHRA Pro Mod class in St Louis.”
It will be a loaded lineup in St. Louis, with 20-plus cars slated to try and take down Banaka. Stan Shelton is the defending winner of the race, while a host of top drivers remain in title contention with two races left.
Stavrinos had a difficult weekend in Charlotte, failing to qualify, but he only dropped to second in points and is less than two rounds out of first. Sidnei Frigo is third, 55 points out of the top spot, while Mason Wright is 65 points behind Banaka in fourth. J.R. Gray, who had a dominant regular season, is fifth, while Rickie Smith, Derek Menholt, Alex Laughlin, Mike Castellana, Mike Janis and Ken Quartuccio round out the top 10.
The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will kick off with two qualifying rounds on Friday at 1:40 and 4:15 p.m. CT, with the final two qualifying rounds set for 2 and 4:45 p.m. on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 9:15 a.m. CT on Sunday, with the second round slated to follow at 12:40 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.
This story was originally published on September 25, 2025. 
