Lucky Racing Fan Challenges Gateway Motorsports Park 2 X-Reigning Pro Stock Champion Erica Enders-Stevens to a Drag Race

It’s a chance of a lifetime and Jonathan Very is living the dream.  At Gateway Motorsports Park, Very won the chance to race against one of the best in the drag racing business – Erica Enders-Stevens. Very was the Top Qualifier for the Budweiser Challenge, which earned him the right to match muscle with Enders-Stevens.

Strategically placed after the 3rd Annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals Funny Car Saturday afternoon qualifying session, Smith and two-time defending Gateway Motorsports Park Pro Stock Champion Enders-Stevens faced off down one of the fastest drags strips in the world. 

The tension prior to the run was fueled this week through fierce smack-talk on social media. Very sparked Enders-Stevens with a fiery Tweet @erica_enders can’t wait to beat you today! To which Enders-Stevens replied – Bring it on!

Unfortunately, Very’s “A” game wasn’t enough to beat Enders-Stevens. Very ran an impressive 79.25 mph elapsed time 9.13 run down the 1/8 mile track.  Enders-Stevens ran 80.65 mph elapsed time 9.06.  While this may seem like a close call, those who understand the fastest cars on the plant – NHRA Top Fuel, Funny Cars and Pro Stocks – know that fractions of a second are what really count.

Both drivers were behind the wheel of identical Gateway Motorsports Park Gateway Challenge 2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS. These speed machines are powered by a 6.2 liter V8 that provides 426 Horsepower and 420 pounds of foot torque.

In 2013, Gateway MSP launched its Gateway Challenge program. The Gateway Challenge puts individuals, corporate groups and families behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Camaro SS. After experiencing professional racing instruction for the ¼-mile drag strip, participants can enjoy a bracket-racing experience including practice runs, qualifying and competitive racing with a winners circle! Gateway Motorsports Park can enhance the experience by personalizing events with photos, trophies and more. No experience is necessary to participate.

Gateway MSP PR