After a season on the sidelines, veteran doorslammer racer Mike Thielen is set to return to NHRA Pro Modified competition this season, reuniting with the Janis family racing operation for the full 11-race season to compete for a world championship beginning at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 6–8, at Gainesville Raceway.
Thielen will pilot a ’67 Mustang tuned by the father-son Mike Janis Sr. and Jr. duo and equipped with a roots-style supercharger, marking both a return to familiar territory and a fresh start following a year away from the cockpit. His Washington-based company, Glacier Aviation Inc., a helicopter pilot training flight school, will again serve as the team’s primary sponsor.
“We kind of got the band back together and I’m back with the Janis family racing,” Thielen said. “They helped me get my start in Pro Mod, and it just felt right to come back. Last year was hectic with business, moving into a new house, and a lot going on personally, so we took the year off to let things settle down. Now we’re in a better spot, and when the opportunity came up to get back in the seat, we took it.”
Thielen’s Pro Mod journey began with Mike Janis Sr. and Mike Janis Jr. before racing a nitrous-fed Camaro with Rickie Smith in 2024. The reunion brings a sense of continuity as he prepares to jump back into one of the most competitive classes in drag racing. He’ll drive the same ’67 Mustang that Janis Sr. drove in NHRA Pro Mod competition last season.
“I’ve been in Chevys since day one on the West Coast, so switching things up and getting into a Mustang is pretty cool,” Thielen said. “It’s a new look, a new car, and I’m excited to get back with the original team.”
Despite missing a year of competition, Thielen remained closely connected to the NHRA Pro Mod scene, even attending the season finale in Las Vegas. The time away only reinforced how much he missed being part of the tight-knit group.
“I’ll be brutally honest – I missed it every day,” Thielen said. “I followed all the races and even went to Vegas just to see everybody. It’s such a cool class. Everyone’s tough, but it’s a great group of people. I’m just excited to get back around everybody.”
In addition to Glacier Aviation’s continued support, Thielen acknowledged partners including AvFuel, Luke 1:37 Racing, Glacier Gun Club, T Brothers Liquor Lodge, and the Janis Superchargers team for helping make the return possible.
The team plans to test at Bradenton Motorsports Park before final preseason testing runs in Gainesville, with Thielen eager to make his first qualifying hit of the season when NHRA Pro Mod kicks off at the Gatornationals.
This story was originally published on February 20, 2026. 
