It’s been a year filled with adversity, but Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified driver Mike Janis picked an ideal time to have an impressive performance.
Janis left Dragstock IX and zMAX Dragway on top of the world, thanks in part to picking the perfect time to run his best time of the event. He went 3.895 at 193.28 mph to beat first-time finalist Dave Roemer in the Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified final, giving Janis his first win in 2012 in the ADRL and a massive smile in the winner’s circle.
It was an especially satisfying win for Janis, who recovered after an early-season crash to win for the second time in his ADRL career.
“It was so consistent this weekend. It was like the car was on a string. We knew we had a good car; it was just a matter of getting some breaks. Getting a win here, it’s one of the biggest I’ve had,†Janis said.
“We were all on the same page today and I’m just proud of this.â€
Janis was just as proud of Adam Flamholc qualifying No. 1, as Flamholc went 3.89 for his first No. 1 qualifier in his ADRL career.
“I tell you what, to have one of our good friends and customers Adam Flamholc out-qualify us, might sound crazy, but actually puts a smile on my face” Janis said. “To sit No. 1 and No. 2 at ADRL’s biggest race of the year makes all the hard work and R&D that we put into our supercharger program worth every bit of sweat and tears.
“I am not only proud of my team, but I am ecstatic for the Flamholc Racing team as well. They deserved it.”
Of course, nobody might deserve it more than Janis, who dealt with his share of adversity and heartache in 2012.
He had a nasty crash in Gainesville that put the season in doubt, but Janis saw tremendous resolve from his team to bounce back in tremendous fashion. Through all of
Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified final
“First and foremost we feel extremely blessed even to be doing what we are doing,” said Janis, who also advanced to a final in Aeromotive Pro Modified at Maple Grove Raceway in May. “After our Gainesville mishap we were not even sure we would be back, but we pulled together and knew there was a ton of potential there.Â
“This car has been a top contender all year, but we were not able to seal the deal until this past weekend at Dragstock.”
After qualifying No. 2, Janis fought a tricky track in the first round, going 4.20 to beat Jeff Cummins Jr. In the semifinals, Janis took out Jeff Naiser with a 3.91, setting up the final against Dave Roemer.
There, Janis pulled out all the stops, putting together his best pass of the weekend for the runaway victory.
“I am so proud of this team. We went down the track every single pass in qualifying and elimations, and this weekend we had the most consistent combo we have ever had. To go 3.89 in the finals is just nothing short of amazing,” Mike Janis Jr. said.
“I am so proud of this organization. We have been working around the clock trying to secure funding so we can even be out here. This win just shows that no matter what, we will keep clawing and fighting to be out there and do what we love to do more than anything. It is just great to be able to go on Facebook and see all the support we have been getting from everyone. Those words of encouragement really keep us pumped up and make us want to win that much more.”
Mike Janis Sr. shared a similar sentiment.
“My guys have been working so hard all year and I really owe this to them. They have the ‘never give up’ attitude and just kept telling me to be patient,” Janis Sr. said. “For the people who stuck with MJR, it means the world to us.”
(Photos by ADRL/Richards)
