The Harlow Sammons Pro Stock team, led by the McGaha brothers, Chris and Mason, has been on a journey of self-discovery and improvement since April. Their absence from the NHRA Mission Foods tour wasn't a mere vacation but a strategic decision to address performance issues that had plagued them for the past few seasons. With Chris's eight national event final wins and Mason's promising talent, the team's struggles were a stark reminder that drastic measures were needed. Chris, in particular, felt the need to take a step back and reassess their approach, stating, 'I was just tired of seeing us getting our teeth kicked in.'
The team's time away was spent working on every aspect of their performance, with multiple dyno sessions aimed at addressing a perceived horsepower issue. However, as Chris noted, 'Sometimes, you work on things and it sends you down a rabbit hole and after a while, you go down one hole after another and you can’t find your way back.' They encountered issues with head gaskets and broken pistons, which led them to back off and reassess their strategy.
Upon their return, the team has pared back to just one car, the Silver Bullet Camaro, driven by Mason this week. Chris believes that running just one car will help them get back to basics and regain their form. He said, 'We had a lot of success when we ran just one car so maybe we just need to go back to basics for a bit.'
The team also faces the challenge of the 2027 rules package, which allows for the return of hood scoops and a new fuel injection and intake package. The McGahas have already made progress on their 2027 program, and Chris is confident that the cars will be fast next year, with noticeable improvements. He added, 'In great air, you’re almost sure to see the record broken.'
Looking ahead, the team plans to run one car this weekend and is undecided about their participation in Seattle and Brainerd. However, they are likely to come to Indy with two cars, one of which may be run in Comp. Chris believes that Mason is on the right track to showcase his talents and that the team's stubbornness and determination will help them overcome their challenges. He concluded, 'If nothing else, we’re stubborn. We don’t give up, and we’re going to keep working until we get this figured out.'
In conclusion, the Harlow Sammons team's journey is a testament to the power of self-reflection and strategic decision-making. Their ability to identify and address performance issues, coupled with their forward-thinking approach to the 2027 rules package, positions them well for success in the future. As Chris McGaha aptly put it, 'We might be closer than we think and we might be further off. Personally, I think we’re closer but we’ll see this weekend.'
