Shane Gray Returns to NHRA Racing in Pro Mod for 2027
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Shane Gray is heading back to NHRA competition, and his return will come in a new class, with a familiar group around him.
The former Pro Stock national event winner will make his Pro Mod debut in 2027, driving in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Modified Series presented by Elite Motorsports. Gray will take over the Elite Motorsports, Modern Racing, and Mason Wright Racing Pro Mod entry, formerly driven by Mason Wright and currently driven by Aaron Stanfield.
The announcement, made from Wynnewood, Oklahoma, on 29 July 2026, brings Gray back to national-level NHRA racing after stepping away from the driver’s seat at the end of the 2017 season. His return also reconnects him with Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman, whose relationship with the Gray family stretches back well before this new Pro Mod programme.
Richard Freeman said the move felt natural because of the long relationship between Elite and the Gray family.
“We’ve had a long standing history with the Gray family,” Freeman said. “We used to race in Competition Eliminator with him and his brother Johnathon. We rented Shane motors in 2013 when he was still racing Pro Stock. Pretty sure he made it to a handful of final rounds that year.”
Freeman also pointed to the respect between the two sides as a reason the timing made sense.
“One thing that has always stayed consistent was our mutual respect for each other. It feels like it’s time for him to come back to NHRA racing with us, and be part of our racing family. It feels right having him come on board.”
Gray reached 13 Pro Stock final rounds during his career, earning five national event victories. He advanced to five finals in 2013 and won the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals in 2014 alongside crew chief Justin Elkes. His final Pro Stock victory came at the 2017 NHRA Gatornationals.
Gray stepped away from driving at the end of the 2017 season as his sons, Tanner and Taylor, continued developing their own successful motorsports careers. With both now firmly established, Gray said the timing was right to return.
“Both my boys are at the point where they don’t really need Dad anymore, so I’m ready to go racing again,” Gray said. “I can’t think of a better opportunity than teaming up with Richard Freeman at Elite and Justin Elkes at Modern Racing. We’ve always been friends, and the Modern Racing shop is only 15 minutes from my house.”
Gray is expected to test at Rockingham Dragway later this year, marking his first pass in a Pro Mod car.
“I’ve never driven a Pro Mod before. I’ve sat in the car, but that’s about it,” Gray said. “I’m a student of the game, and even at 54 years old, I’m looking forward to the challenge of learning something new and having some fun. I think Pro Mod fits me.”
Gray’s return adds another national event winner to the Pro Mod field and brings together a great driver, team and tuner combination. Additional details surrounding the program, including testing plans and the car’s 2027 debut, will be announced at a later date.
