Noted IHRA Pro Modified runner Tommy D'Aprile made his debut Friday on the Jegs Pro Modified Challenge driving Mel Bush's radical 1962 Bel Air. The debut during the NHRA Virginia Nationals in Richmond is one he'll likely remember for a long time.

Noted IHRA Pro Modified runner Tommy D'Aprile made his debut Friday on the Jegs Pro Modified Challenge driving Mel Bush's radical 1962 Bel Air. The debut during the NHRA Virginia Nationals in Richmond is one he'll likely remember for a long time.

On the first run, he popped the supercharger early in the run.

The evening run provided some tense moments as D'Aprile cracked a fuel tank and the leaking methanol doused the car. D'Aprile lifted and then the car became engulfed in flames. He was able to escape without injury while the car suffered some burns. The team expects to return on Saturday.