Gray Motorsports, owned by avid motorsports enthusiast and multi-category racecar driver Johnny Gray, is based in Denver, N.C. The astute businessman who hails from Artesia, N.M., made his first start in NHRA Pro Stock in 1993 and was immediately captivated by the complex and demanding nature of the powerful factory hot rods.
Johnny's draw to the innate challenge of Pro Stock racing reached a new level in September of 2009, when Gray Motorsports laid the groundwork for a fully equipped 24,000 square-foot race shop with one goal in mind: to develop a top of the line in-house engine program capable of winning NHRA Pro Stock world championships. The following season, Johnny made it a family affair and launched a two-car team with son Shane joining the fold and making his debut at the season-opening NHRA Winternationals in Pomona.
Gray Motorsports was soon turning heads as the father/son duo made a collective four final rounds and ended their inaugural year as a team with Shane's first national event win, which he earned at the NHRA Finals. Notably, Johnny and Shane each earned a coveted spot in NHRA's series playoffs, known as the Countdown to the Championship.
When Johnny returned to the seat of a Funny Car in 2011, Shane continued to carry the banner for Gray Motorsports in Pro Stock, collecting experience and establishing a quiet yet powerful presence. Shane enjoyed a career year in 2013 as he reached an impressive six final rounds and narrowly missed nabbing the No. 1 qualifier position at three separate events.
Inching ever closer to the level of success that the Gray Motorsports team was designed for, Gray Motorsports made a monster move in the world of Pro Stock at the conclusion of the 2013 season. Gray Motorsports and Cagnazzi Racing merged their solidified groups to create a super-team with the driving crew expanding to include ever-threatening multi-class competitor Dave Connolly. Behind the scenes, Gray Motorsports incorporated a powerful group of experienced personnel that would quickly come to complement the sturdy framework already in place. In 2014, Johnny's youngest son Jonathan joined the team as the third Gray Motorsports Pro Stock driver. Come 2017, Shane's son Tanner took over the driving duties in the full-time ride. Tanner won in just his fourth start, becoming the youngest NHRA driver in history to win a national event at the age of seventeen. By the end of the season, Tanner collected five wins, finished fourth in the points standings and was named the Auto Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award Winner.
Gray Motorsports possesses an impressive total of 22 NHRA national race victories, 15 of which were earned in what is arguably the most competitive category in NHRA drag racing. At the heart of Gray Motorsports is the goal of delivering race wins and championships through the utilization of cutting edge technology and proven methods.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
At Gray Motorsports, we strive to consistently win races and world championships while maintaining mutually beneficial and long-term partnerships with world-class sponsors.
Gray Motorsports Found a Home in NC
In 2009, Gray Motorsports made their home base in Denver, North Carolina. They occupied a 24,000 square foot facility with 18,000 square feet of that space as a state-of-the-art engine shop.
September 1
Shane Gray Made First Ever Pro Stock Start
Shane Gray debuted in the NHRA Pro Stock category, winning his first round pairing with Ron Krisher. His debut ended with a second round loss to Greg Anderson.
February 11
Shane Gray Grabbed First Wally
Shane Gray piloted his Tire Kingdom Pontiac GXP to his first Wally at the season ending event in Pomona, California. Shane Gray - .010, 6.566 seconds at 209.20 mph defeated Jeg Coughlin - .046, 6.568 seconds at 210.19 mph.
November 14
Shane Gray Won Topeka
Shane collected his second Wally with a win in Topeka, Kansas in his Service Central Pontiac GXP. Shane Gray - .047, 6.679 seconds at 206.95 mph defeated Greg Stanfield - .040, 6.693 seconds at 206.29 mph.
May 22
Johnny Gray Won First Ever Funny Car Wally
Johnny powers to his first ever Funny Car victory! He claimed the 30th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.In Funny Car, Pro Stock driver-turned Funny Car pilot Johnny Gray raced to his first NHRA career win. Gray's run of 4.113 seconds at 307.02 mph in his Service Central Dodge Charger was strong enough to get past Don Schumacher Racing teammate Ron Capps in Gray's second final round appearance of the 2011 season.
August 21
Johnny Collected 2 Funny Car Events in 2012!!!
Englishtown and Sonoma Wally's were Johnny's, taking the total Funny Car Wally count to 3! In Englishtown: Gray raced to a 4.078 at 314.39 mph to take the trophy. In Sonoma: Gray (4.142, 305.15) def. Matt Hagan (5.461, 146.67)
November 15
Shane Gray was King of the Tables in Las Vegas
Shane Gray brought home his third Wally with a win in Las Vegas. Gray posted a winning time of 6.699 seconds at 206.89 mph in his Gray Motorsports Chevy Camaro. His quicker 0.032 reaction time overcame V. Gaines faster, but losing Kendall Oil Dodge Avenger, which finished in 6.698 seconds at 207.46 mph.
October 27
Johnny Captured 4 Funny Car Wally's in 2013!
Johnny added to his collection of Funny Car Wally's by grabbing Gainesville, Atlanta, Topeka, and Norwalk!
November 15
Cagnazzi Racing and Gray Motorsports Combine Efforts
Victor Cagnazzi and his powerful NHRA Pro Stock racing organization join efforts with Gray Motorsports to contend for the 2014 NHRA Pro Stock World Championship.
December 1
Jonathan Gray Makes Pro Stock Debut
Jonathan Gray makes his debut in NHRA Pro Stock racing. He nails a 0.004 second reaction in a first round loss to Allen Johnson, the eventual race winner.
March 13
Dave Connolly Won Epping in an all-Gray Motorsports Final
Dave Connolly beat Jonathan Gray in an all-Gray Motorsports Final. This was Jonathan's first Final Round in his career. Dave Connolly - .019, 6.536 seconds at 213.23 mph defeated Jonathan Gray - .046, 6.577 seconds at 213.16 mph.
June 22
Shane Captured the U.S. Nationals
Shane Gray took the 2014 U.S. Nationals win over his teammate Dave Connolly, for the second-consecutive all-Gray Motorsports final. Shane Gray - .034, 6.641 seconds at 208.42 mph defeated Dave Connolly - .013, 26.800 seconds at 27.45 mph.
September 1
Jonathan Won!!!
Jonathan won his first event in a weather-postponed event. The Carolina Nationals were completed in Dallas, and Jonathan came out on top! Jonathan Gray - .021, 6.589 seconds at 209.10 mph defeated Jason Line - .038, 6.605 seconds at 209.62 mph.
September 17
FOUR-IN-A-ROW for Gray Motorsports
Dave Connolly claimed the Dallas Fall Nationals making this the fourth consecutive NHRA Pro Stock win for Gray Motorsports. Dave Connolly - .028, 6.616 seconds at 210.05 mph defeated Shane Gray - .039, 6.617 seconds at 210.73 mph.
September 21
Dave Connolly Grabbed a 3rd Victory in 2014
Connolly delivered his third victory for Gray Motorsports in the 2014 season by capturing the Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. Dave Connolly - .017, 6.562 seconds at 211.53 mph defeated Jason Line - .031, 6.565 seconds at 211.66 mph.
September 28
Larry Morgan Racing Joins Gray Motorsports for 2015
Larry Morgan brings his experience to the Gray Motorsports camp for the 2015 NHRA season. In a new Jerry Haas built Chevrolet Camaro, Larry and his team will work alongside the Gray Motorsports entries driven by Shane and Jonathan Gray.
November 15
Larry Morgan Takes Gray Motorsports to a Hometown Win
Larry and Gray Motorsports win together at the 4-Wide Nationals at ZMAX Dragway! It is the first win for Larry since 2009.
March 29
Larry Morgan Wins with Gray Motorsports at the Mile-High Nationals
In a burndown of the starting line tree, Larry Morgan beats Allen Johnson in Denver!
July 26
Valvoline and NOVA Services Come On-Board for 2016
Long-time supporters Valvoline and Nova Services come forward to support the Gray Motorsports campaign in 2016.
January 1
Tanner Gray, at 17 years old, takes over the full time ride
At a ripe young age of 17, Tanner has the full-time driving duty at Gray Motorsports.
February 10
In his 4th career start, Tanner Gray wins his first Pro Stock Wally in Las Vegas
Tanner Gray, at seventeen years old, becomes the youngest driver in NHRA history to win a professional event!
April 2
Tanner wins again!!! Topeka 2017
Topeka was the site of the second NHRA Pro Stock win for Tanner Gray!
May 21
Napa Valley Victory for Tanner! Sonoma, California
Grabbing his third career victory in just his 15th start, Tanner Gray shows his drive to win!
July 30
Tanner wins at the Zoo! Brainerd, Minnesota
He captured the fourth win of his rookie season at the 17th event of the season and career!
August 20
The Gray Family Grabs Charlotte! Win number 5 for Tanner!
Given the nickname "Pretty Ricky" by some of his crew, Tanner drove the number 15 Chevrolet Camaro to his fifth victory of the season and took over the points lead!
September 17
Tanner Gray named 2017 Auto Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award Winner
Tanner Gray capped off his rookie season being recognized as the 2017 Auto Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award Winner.
November 13.jpg)
Tanner Gray Captures Gatornationals Win, Second Gatornationals Win in a Row for Gray Motorsports
Tanner Gray drove around the competition during tricky track conditions to win his 6th national event title!
March 18
Tanner is the Champion!!!
After collecting 8 wins in 2018, Tanner becomes the youngest in NHRA history to become a crowned champion!
November 11