CONCORD, N.C. (September 17, 2009) - "It's time," said Mike Knowles, driver of the Knowles Enterprises/B&J Racing Transmissions 63 Corvette Pro Mod. With two races remaining to qualify for the MATCO Tools $35,000 Pro Mod Clash to be contested in Las Vegas at the end of October, he is keenly aware that this weekend's Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge event at the NHRA Carolinas Nationals is make-or-break time.

"We have worked hard all year, and I think we're finally peaking," Knowles said. "We have added some technology, and with the help of Mike Strasberg and Chuck Ford calling the shots, we can definitely make up ground this weekend."

At the Mac Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis over Labor Day, Knowles qualified strongly at No. 7 with a 5.977 at 240.64 and made a quarterfinal finish putting him, just 69 points or less than four round-wins out of the top eight that will qualify for the MATCO Clash. Twenty points are awarded for each round win.

Knowles will have to pass Brad Personett and Tim Tindle in the process of winning, and that fact is not lost on the Colorado-based driver.

"You know, it's tough, because all of us guys that are scrambling for the field are all such good friends. You want your friends to succeed, but on the track, all bets are off," he said.

"I'm excited to race at Charlotte, I've heard so much about the track. This will be a great weekend, and I'm anxious to make up some ground and get into the Clash," he added.

Qualifying rounds are scheduled Friday at 2:00 and 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Eliminations begin at 4:30 p.m. and conclude Sunday.

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