Western Canadian Pro Mod driver Kenny Lang achieved a long time dream last Sunday when he earned his first career “Ironman” during the IHRA’s Spring Nationals at Rockingham, NC.

Driving his spectacular and refurbished ’53 Corvette and displaying his new association with DragRaceCanada’s popular NitroMoose line of products, Lang and his talented crew (from Manitoba) were all business all weekend while putting forth a dominating display.

After qualifying #2 for the very swift Pro Modified program with a 6.031 secs effort, Lang and company coaxed three more low 6.0 secs runs on Sunday to advance past Jason Hamstra, Billy Gibson and Tommy D’Aprile.  That was to have set up a much anticipated final round date with defending IHRA World Champion Scott Cannon.  However when Cannon’s car had engine problems and developed a leak, Lang rode off into the North Carolina sunset on a single and as a victor.   The win came in what was in fact Lang’s third straight final round appearance at the “Rock” including the 2007 racing season.

Western Canadian Pro Mod driver Kenny Lang achieved a long time dream last Sunday when he earned his first career “Ironman” during the IHRA’s Spring Nationals at Rockingham, NC.

Driving his spectacular and refurbished ’53 Corvette and displaying his new association with DragRaceCanada’s popular NitroMoose line of products, Lang and his talented crew (from Manitoba) were all business all weekend while putting forth a dominating display.

After qualifying #2 for the very swift Pro Modified program with a 6.031 secs effort, Lang and company coaxed three more low 6.0 secs runs on Sunday to advance past Jason Hamstra, Billy Gibson and Tommy D’Aprile.  That was to have set up a much anticipated final round date with defending IHRA World Champion Scott Cannon.  However when Cannon’s car had engine problems and developed a leak, Lang rode off into the North Carolina sunset on a single and as a victor.   The win came in what was in fact Lang’s third straight final round appearance at the “Rock” including the 2007 racing season.

“We’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time,” said a relieved Kenny Lang.  “It was our fourth career IHRA final and I’m so glad we were able to finally break through.  The IHRA’s Rockingham event is for sure one of their biggest and most prestigious races of the season so to win here makes it even more special.”

Lang was quick to cite the awesome presence of his tuner and engine builder Al Billes as a key factor in the victory. 

“Al and my crew provided me with a car that was dominating and that really helps your confidence as a driver for sure,” he added.  “The car was fast and consistent and we had a ton of HP to work with.  We were the fastest car during each and every round and I think that really says something given the high level of competition in this class.”

For Al Billes, Lang’s victory is just the latest notch in his impressive drag racing career which includes not only notable personal driving accomplishments but also now near legendary Pro Mod class tuning associations.

“It’s always a great feeling when you can put people you know and work with into victory lane,” said Billes.  “Kenny isn’t one of the most well funded teams out there but he and his guys accomplish an awful lot through hard work and desire.  It’s great that he got his first score at this level -- but I expect it won’t be his last.  They should never again be taken lightly.  They have the best equipment.  They have become contenders.”

As to be expected the big victory has filled Lang’s team with confidence for the rest of the season.

“To win big this early in the season makes you very optimistic,” Kenny affirmed.  “I think the car really showed itself at Rockingham and we have some other new things to come that we are excited about.”

The primary 2008 focus for the Kenny Lang/NitroMoose Motorsports racing season will be on chasing the IHRA’s Torco Pro Modified championship title however NHRA Jegs Pro Modified Challenge event appearances are also in the works.