Derek Menholt Claims Second NHRA Pro Mod Victory of 2026
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JOLIET, Ill. — May 17, 2026 — Derek Menholt became the first two-time winner of the 2026 JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports, defeating Jason Collins in the final round at Route 66 Raceway.
Menholt ran 5.692 seconds at 250.23 mph to claim his third career NHRA Pro Mod victory and retake the championship points lead. Collins left first with a .004 reaction time, but encountered trouble down track, allowing Menholt to drive past for the win.
After qualifying No. 1 with a 5.667 at 250.92 mph, Menholt advanced through Alex Laughlin, reigning world champion J.R. Gray and Justin Bond before meeting Collins in the final.
The Chicago victory followed Menholt’s season-opening win in Gainesville and established him as the first repeat winner of the year.
Collins continued his impressive start in NHRA Pro Mod by reaching his second consecutive final in only his third series appearance.
The Chicago event was the fifth of 11 races in the 2026 season and was powered by ProFlow Pumping Solutions.
