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IHRA: Montecalvo Has Impressive Showing In Sunoco Pro Stock Showdown

19 October 1998

SHREVEPORT, LA.-- A season's worth of accumulating points was culminated with the running of the Sunoco Pro Stock Showdown, a special race within a race at the IHRA World Finals in Shreveport, La., and hosted by Red River Raceway. Points were accrued on the basis of the Nite Of Fire, Saturday evening sessions during the season. John Montecalvo, a Center Moriches, N.Y., based driver, was happy to be a part of the program.

Montecalvo, in the Citgo Racing 1997 Monte Carlo, was the eighth seeding entry in an eight car program. His position paired him against the Ford entry of Chris Holbrook, also the IHRA world record holder. The Ford pilot reacted first and was forced to lift early. This enabled Montecalvo to pass by with a 6.841/205.19 to advance to the second round.

The final four matched Montecalvo versus the Cleveland, Ohio, based 1997 Monte Carlo of Angelo Alesci. Alesci left slightly quicker off of the line and both drivers engaged in a competitive race until Montecalvo was forced to lift early. Alesci took the win with a 6.730/206.01 while Montecalvo coasted to a 7.96/129.37.

In qualifying for the IHRA World Finals, Montecalvo currently resides in the 7th position with a 6.770/204.39. There will be a session this evening which will conclude all of qualifying.