Bahrain1’s Kris Thorne takes pro mod win at Thunder Valley Nationals

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Hussain Almaskati

In a dramatic turn of events at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Bahrain1 Racing’s Kris Thorne clinched the Pro Mod title at Bristol Dragway.

The race, part of the Super Grip series, saw Thorne initially finish as runner-up to JR Gray. However, a post-race inspection led to Gray’s disqualification due to a technical infraction, sending Thorne to victory.

This win marked Thorne’s first of the season and his seventh career victory, bringing a prestigious accolade to Bahrain1 Racing, which is under the patronage of Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty King Hamad’s Personal Representative and president of the Supreme Council for Environment.

In the decisive race, Thorne posted an elapsed time of 5.937 seconds at a speed of 203.55mph. Gray, before his disqualification, had a time of 5.812 seconds at 247.61mph.

Thorne’s path to the final included a semi-final win against Jose Gonzalez, with times of 5.820 seconds at 248.29mph versus Gonzalez’s 5.826 seconds at 247.66mph.

Gray had secured his final spot by defeating Mike Thielen.

Path to Victory

Thorne’s journey through the elimination rounds saw him defeat Rickie Smith in the initial stage and Ken Quartuccio in the quarter-finals.

Qualifying in first place among 23 competitors, Thorne’s performance was exemplary, affirming his position at the top of the Pro Mod ladder.

Despite Thorne’s success, his Bahrain1 Racing teammates - Justin Bond, Khaled Al Balooshi, and Jordan Lazic - faced early exits in the eliminations.

Bond was defeated by Thielen, Al Balooshi fell to Billy Banaka, and Lazic lost to Dymtry Samorukov.

The NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals is a key fixture in the 2024 NHRA season, a highly competitive series running from March to November.

This event was the fifth in a series of ten for Pro Mod racers, with upcoming competitions scheduled in Virginia, Indianapolis, North Carolina, Illinois, and Nevada.

Thorne’s victory not only underscores his skill and resilience but also highlights the competitive spirit and technical prowess of Bahrain1 Racing on the NHRA circuit.