CONTINUED CONSISTENCY KEY FOR KELLY CLONTZ IN ST. LOUIS
By: Kelly Clontz Racing
ST. LOUIS (September 28, 2025) — During the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, the third race of the NHRA Countdown, Kelly Clontz and the ArchKey Solutions Suzuki showed they have a consistent team against championship caliber competition. Clontz is not in championship contention, but the team’s racing attitude and determination was on full display through two days of tough qualifying and on race day today. Clontz made four solid runs all in the mid to low 6.80s during qualifying to head into race day as the No. 9 qualifier in a very solid 15 motorcycle field.
“I was really confident after our four runs in qualifying because we were continuing to make positive strides from the Charlotte race,” said Clontz, who owns her team with her husband Chris. “This class is so competitive and we aren’t out here every race. To be able to run with the full-time teams is a testament to Vance and Hines and my husband Chris.”
Before the race Clontz announced that ArchKey Solutions would be the primary sponsor joining Steamfitters UA Local 602 on her Suzuki Hayabusa. Clontz, the Director of Estimating for ArchKey Solutions’ East Region, hosted guests throughout the weekend introducing them to the 200-mph racing universe of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle.
“I was excited to represent ArchKey Solutions in St. Louis, especially since they are celebrating 100 years of excellence. I have worked for ArchKey for eight years, and it is an amazing company that I am proud to be a part of,” said Clontz, who finished in the Top Ten in 2023. “There is a considerable amount of overlap when you look at what we are doing on my motorcycle in the pits and on the track with what ArchKey has done over the past 100 years to build their company and people. ArchKey has built one of the nation’s leading electrical and technology companies in the country by investing in its people and delivering scalable solutions across industries from coast to coast.”
On race day Clontz rolled up beside No. 8 qualifier and Countdown competitor Jianna Evaristo to see who could advance to the quarterfinals. Clontz was looking for her second first round win in a row to build on her success from the Caroline Four-Wide Nationals last week. When the Christmas Tree flashed both motorcycles launched off the starting line with Evaristo grabbing a slight advantage. Clontz and Evaristo rocketed down the World Wide Technology Raceway track and it was Evaristo getting to the finish line first with a winning elapsed time of 6.848 seconds versus Clontz’s 6.864 seconds.
“I am really excited to get to Texas for the Stampede of Speed and the Texas Fall Nationals,” said Clontz. “We are making good runs and this weekend we made five solid passes. I want to thank all the people from ArchKey Solutions that came out and supported us. We are making progress and that is the name of the game. I love racing out here and we will be ready to get back on the track in a couple weeks.”
Clontz and the Steamfitters UA Local 602 Suzuki will back into action October 8-12, 2025, at Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas for two qualifying sessions starting on Friday, October 10 followed by two more qualifying sessions on Saturday. The race will be broadcast nationally on FOX and fans interested in buying tickets can visit www.stampedeofspeed.com.
Qualifying Results
Q1: 6.874 sec, 198.79 mph; Qual. 9
Q2: 6.830 sec; 198.82 mph; Qual. 7
Q3: 6.844 sec; 198.85 mph; Qual. 9
Q4: 6.864 sec; 196.39 mph; Qual. 9
Bonus points:
Race Results
First Round
Jianna Evaristo, San Jose, Calif., Scrappers Racing Buell, (.038), 6.848 sec, 198.76 mph def. Kelly Clontz, Hughesville, Md., ArchKey Solutions Suzuki, (.101), 6.864 sec, 198.03 mph
Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Point Standings – Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Richard Gadson 2379
2. Gaige Herrera 2350
3. Matt Smith 2326
4. John Hall 2264
5. Angie Smith 2263
6. Braydon Davis 2222
7. Jianna Evaristo 2210
8. Chase Van Sant 2178
9. Chris Bostick 2116
10. Steve Johnson 2100
