With their new Pro Mod machine battle-tested and ready for action, William and Derrick Brown are prepared to make a statement at the NHRA Pro Mod season opener, the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, at Gainesville Raceway and beyond. If everything goes according to plan, “The Aftermath” may just be the car to beat.
The journey to this moment has been anything but easy for Brown and his team. Last year, on Mother’s Day, they were racing a ProCharger-powered Camaro at Cecil County Dragway when a severe crash left their car significantly damaged. But when one door closes, another one opens.
Brown and his cousin, Derrick Brown—who owns the car—came across an unfinished chassis at Larry Jeffers Race Cars. The original owner had seemingly changed direction, leaving the car available. Seeing the opportunity, the team acquired the car and completed the build with the end goal of competing in the NHRA Pro Mod series.
“We had a vehicle we were running in PDRA, but after the accident, we came across this car that was still on the jig at Larry Jeffers,” William Brown explained. “We finished putting it together and put in a ProLine engine and screw blower to run quarter-mile racing in NHRA Pro Mod.”
Despite the late start, the team wasted no time getting their new Camaro up to speed. Brown returned to the cockpit for testing in January, his first time in a car since March of 2024. The initial runs showed great promise, with the car making solid 100-foot and 300-foot passes before stretching out to full-track runs. By the end of testing, Brown had clocked an impressive quarter-mile pass at 5.78-second at 241 mph—despite letting off early.
“Testing went very good,” William said. “It was a brand-new car, and I hadn’t been in a car since March. We made some short hits to make sure everything was straight, and then that last pass, I went a 5.78 at 241. Looking at the computer, I actually dropped the chutes and got out of the gas early, so there might have been more left in it.”
While William is the driver, his cousin, Derrick Brown, plays a crucial role as the car owner, working behind the scenes to ensure everything is dialed in. As a matter of fact, William helps Derrick with his Top Sportsman entry.
“I love working with my family,” Derrick said. “You have a lot of trust when your family is involved. I’ve wrecked before, so I put a lot of trust in William and our team to make sure everything is right.”
The new car has been fittingly named “The Aftermath”—a nod to its origins following the wreck of their previous Camaro. The name also pays homage to Dr. Dre’s record label, adding a touch of personality to the build.
The team has its sights set on NHRA Pro Mod competition, committing to the full 10-race series. They are eager to prove themselves on the national stage with a competitive car and a dedicated crew.
“Our focus is on NHRA Pro Mod,” Derrick said. “We’re going to run all 10 races from here to Vegas and see what we can do.”
This story was originally published on February 14, 2025. 
The post William Brown Set to Debut New Pro Mod ‘The Aftermath’ at the NHRA Pro Mod Season Opener first appeared on Drag Illustrated.