Rob Atchison wins his first PMRA race and 23rd Ironman Trophy at Grand Bend
London team shows its strength during MOPAR IHRA Nitro Jam Nationals
GRAND BEND, ONTARIO (June 22, 2026) – He’s been to the winner’s circle many times in his drag racing career, but his first win in the Pro Modified Racing Association was special and jubilant for Rob Atchison.
Driving the Atchison Racing 1963 Corvette Pro Modified, Atchison won the PMRA race during the MOPAR IHRA Nitro Jam Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex over the weekend.
The win was his first in the PMRA, and the win also gave him his 23rd IHRA Ironman trophy.
“This was great finally being able to get the Pro Modified up and down the track,” said a pleased Atchison after the final round. “It was great to be able to finally succeed.”
Atchison is no stranger to winning in the sport. The London Ontario driver is a three-time IHRA Funny Car World Champion and won 22 national events during that time. He and his team went PMRA Pro Modified racing three years ago, and after struggling with the car, their work came to fruition at Grand Bend.
“Driving a Pro Modified is so much different from the Funny Car,” he explained. “But we got it all together this weekend. The car was awesome.”
In the final round, Atchison was paired with number two qualifier Jeff Roth of New Hamburg Ontario. Roth had good laps throughout the event, but got sideways right out of the box and had to back out of it, while Atchison went on to a 6.070, 236.28 winning pass.
Atchison led qualifying with the Corvette, posting a 6.021, 237.96 to lead going into eliminations. Roth with his 1941 Willys was next, followed by Bruce Boland of Stoney Creek Ontario.
In the elimination rounds, Atchison defeated number eight Paolo Giust of Osgood Ontario in a close first-round match, and fourth-seeded Toronto’s Mike Yedgarian in the second round to meet up with Roth. Meanwhile Roth shut down Denis Lachance of Quebec City who qualified seventh in another close first-round race, and then eliminated number six qualifier Jason Kalso of Clarkston Michigan in the semi. Boland and number five qualifier Derek Hawker of Corbyville Ontario were both first-round victims.
In the PMRA Championship Points Series, Boland still leads with 826 points while Roth moved up to second with 801 points. Hawker also bettered his position, now in third spot with 775 points, as did Kalso, now fourth with 772 points. Sitting in fifth is Jack Grainy of North Tonawanda New York with 767 points.
Next event for the PMRA is the 18th Annual Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals August 8-10 to be held at Grand Bend. The PMRA will compete with its two companion series at this event, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, offering a diverse and colorful package of drag racing action.
For more 18th Annual Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals information, visit www.GrandBendMotorplex.com
For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at
Photo Credit: Brad Turk and IHRA
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