May
17
Posted on 17-05-2009
PMRA opener at Toronto Motorsports Park goes to Ike Maier
Filed Under (Articles, Upcoming Racing) by robc
Victoria Day Challenge first win for Maier Motorsports Corvette Pro Modified
 CAYUGA, ONTARIO (May 17, 2009) – It was Ike Maier’s day.
 
The Tottenham, Ontario racer qualified his 1963 Corvette Pro Modified number one for the PMRA season opener, and stayed on top during the weekend to win his first Pro Modified Racing Association event.
 
“We finally won something,” said Maier after his win. “But I have to thank the team. I just get in and drive.”
 
Maier was pitted against Jack Grainy of North Tonawanda, New York, in the final, and although Grainy cut a better light, his 1967 Camaro suffered tire shake and he had to let off. Maier’s final was a 6.158-second, 230.49-mph run against the 7.435-second, 141.42-mph clocking of Grainy, who qualified second in the eight-car field.
 
“I certainly have to thank Kirk (team crew chief Kirk Silbermann) and Carl (Spiering of ERD). I wouldn’t be here without them.”
 
The semi-finals pitted Maier against Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario. Maier eliminated fifth qualifier Boland in B&B Racing 1967 Nova with a 6.151-second, 230.72-mph pass over Boland’s losing 6.796-second, 171.05 mph effort. Although Boland’s .155-second reaction time was quicker than Maier’s .281-second reaction time, Maier had the power to get the job done.
 
And in one of the tightest races of the day, Grainy ran a 6.398-second, 225.45-mph clocking over Joe Boniferro of Niagara Falls, Ontario with a 6.455-second, 219.33-mph pass. Boniferro, in the Smokin’ Joe’s 1999 Avenger cut a .034-second light while Grainy cut a slower .082 light, but Grainy powered past him for the win.
 
In first round action, Maier eliminated number eight qualifier Mark Nielsen of Brantford, Ontario, in his 1968 Camaro, and Boland took out Gary Irving of Toronto, Ontario, in the Al Hinds 2004 Corvette. Grainy disposed of number seven qualifier Eric Latino of Scarborough, Ontario, with his 1938 Chevy, and Dave Earhart of Strathroy, Ontario, in his 2002 Camaro fell victim to Boniferro.
 
TJ Schippling of Shakespeare, Ontario in his Top Dragster won the first Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts over Jeff Gabel’s Top Sportsman of Stratford, Ontario.
 
Special Awards
Auto Meter Products - Low Qualifier Contingency Award - Ike Maier
Auto Meter Products - Event Winner Contingency Award - Ike Maier
Bear’s Performance Products - Consistent Qualifier Bonus – Bruce Boland
www.racensur.com Gulfway Insurers - Best Reaction Time & Round Winner – Joe Boniferro
Needles At Work - Voted by Officials - Mark Nielsen
 
NOTES…Former PMRA racer Tony Pontieri was at Cayuga over the weekend, helping the Pro Mod team of Eric Latino…2008 PMRA champ Bruce Boland made an auspicious debut with his new 1967 Chevy Nova. Even though his new car was missing second gear in the three-speed transmission, he still qualified number five in the eight-car show…Dave Earhart’s Camaro sported a GM-based two-speed TH400 transmission, a first in the PMRA…Jack Grainy of New York was the lone US Pro Modified racer by elimination time. Pete Farber of Massachusetts and Jason Kalso of Michigan suffered mechanical woes over the weekend, and did not make the show…Lisa Spiering, daughter of former PMRA competitor Carl Spiering, performed the tribute pass in her dragster in honor of the late John Massingberd, executive producer and host of Raceline Radio, in a special pre-race ceremony.
 
For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher Bruce@PMRA.ca
 
About the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA):
The Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca, was organized late in 2004, started racing operations in 2005, and is entering its fifth year of operation in 2009. The PMRA is a self-governing organization with input from its teams, and adheres to the technical and safety rules as outlined by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The series has event venues in Ontario, Quebec, and New York State.
 
The PMRA will compete at several drag strips in 2009, including dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, starting with the season opener on May 16 and 17, June 13 and 14 and the season-closer on September 19 and 20, at St. Thomas Dragway in Sparta, Ontario on July 11 and 12, and the South-western Ontario track of the Grand Bend Motorplex at the 10th Annual MOPAR Canadian Nationals July 17 to 19, the Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts presents Hot August Nationals August 8 and 9  and on September 5 and 6.
 
Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class is one of drag racing’s most exciting and colorful classes, offering a diverse group of race cars with different types of 2,500-horsepower supercharged, nitrous powered and turbocharged engines.
 
Combining classic body styles and modern equipment, constructors are permitted, within established rules and parameters, to modify and enhance the cars in both appearance and performance. The cars are fuelled by gasoline or methanol, propelling them down the quarter-mile in low six-second times at over 200 miles per hour. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as “the world’s fastest door slammers”.
 
Several of the PMRA events will be run in conjunction with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca, offering fans a great show of drag racing.
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May
17
Posted on 17-05-2009
Smokin’ Joe 2nd After Sat. Night Qualifying Round in PMRA Season Opener
Filed Under (Articles, Upcoming Racing) by robc

Pro Modified Racing Association launched its 2009 season this weekend at North Toronto Motorsport Park. Dispite the cold and rainy weather (a norm for the first ‘unofficial’ long weekend of summer) the racing has so far been enough to keep spirits kindled. By the end of tonight’s round Smokin’ Joe Boniferro is sitting second with a career best. The Vegas Fuel Dodge Avenger ran the 1/4 mile with a time of 6.34 sec., reaching a speed of 222 mph. With smiles among the entire Smokin’ Joe team, they are in a good position for tomorrow. As far as I know, the temerature may not be the most desirable, but the rain will hold off. We wish Joe the best of luck in his bid to win the season opener for the series. Keep in touch for further updates.

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May
09
Posted on 09-05-2009
Wiseco Performance Products on board
Filed Under (Articles, Upcoming Racing) by robc

Will supply a Piston Kit in New Quick 32 Sportsman Series

WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO (May 9, 2009) – One of the top piston manufacturers in the sport of drag racing will be participating as a special award sponsor in the new Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts for 2009.
 
Wiseco Performance Products will be presenting the Wiseco Piston award at the Quick 32 Sportsman Series Champions Banquet, starting with the season opener at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario May 16 and 17.
 
“This new series is just what was needed,” stated Harvey Silverthorn, General Manager of Wiseco Pistons Canada. “It will provide the serious Sportsman racer with some great venues and competition, and we look forward to being a part of it. And this new series will be a great tie-in with the Pro Modified Racing Association which will compete with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series at several of the events.”
 
A registered driver from the Quick 32 Sportsman Series Point Awards will be entered into a draw to take place at the yearend Champions Banquet for a Wiseco Piston kit from our AB09 or PT09 Automotive catalogues.
 
Wiseco Performance Products is a supplier and manufacturer of premium forged pistons and internal engine components. It has been serving racers and hot rodders since 1941. With locations in Ontario and Ohio, it is able to provide excellent customer service throughout North America.
 
“Wiseco is looking forward to becoming a long and staunch supporter of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series,” stated Quick 32 Sportsman Series Director of Operations Bruce Mehlenbacher. “We are pleased they are a part of this new racing venture.”
 
For more information regarding Wiseco Performance Products, go to www.wiseco.com
 
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca will compete six times, several times with the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.PMRA.ca, as well as selected special events, offering fans a great show of drag racing.
 
For 2009, dates include Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, starting with the season opener on May 16 and 17 and the season-closer on September 19 and 20, at St. Thomas Dragway on July 11 and 12, and the South-western Ontario track of the Grand Bend Motorplex on June 27 and 28, August 8 and 9 and September 5 and 6.
 
For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher Bruce@Quick32.ca
 
About the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts:
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca, of drag racing was started early in 2009 as an alternative for high-horsepower Sportsman-class teams to compete on a regular basis.
 
With 32-car qualified fields comprised of the 16 quickest open wheeled cars (Top Dragster) and the 16 quickest door cars (Top Sportsman), the Quick 32 Sportsman Series will feature the best in ET-style, dial-in drag racing, competing on a Sportsman ladder and will pit door-slammers against dragsters in every race day final.
 
Competitors in this Ontario-based series must comply with the IHRA Top Dragster and Top Sportsman Safety rules and regulations, and the maximum dial-in will be 7.95 seconds for the quarter-mile.
 
This new venture is providing $3000 to win for each event and $5000 for the annual point award series champion, payouts very popular with competitors and will provide large fields of race cars.
 
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is committed in providing a professional atmosphere for its teams. It will also provide solid media and logistic support to ensure it becomes one of the most popular drag race series running Top Sportsman and Top Dragster race cars.
 

For more information, please contact:
 
Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
Director of Operations
Telephone: (905) 772-1800 Ext. #22
Cellular: (905) 517-5345
 
Tim Miller
Media Director
Telephone: (905) 870-1456

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May
08
Posted on 08-05-2009
Lynja Motorsports team excited to race in new
Filed Under (Articles, Upcoming Racing) by robc

Napanee team will campaign nitrous-injected big-block dragster

NAPANEE, ONTARIO (May 6, 2009) – Jamie and Lynda Bridge may be relative newcomers to the sport of drag racing, but they are just as passionate as the rest of the competitors in the new Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts.
“This is going to be an exciting series,” said Jamie Bridge, who along with Lynda will race a dragster in the series. “It’s a Canadian based series, and there’s a performance aspect to it that will make it very marketable. We’re excited.”
The Bridges, with Jamie driving, did not race until 2003, and since then they have traveled throughout Canada and the United States.
“We just follow the sun,” he explained. “And we’re living our dreams. I didn’t even get into a car until I was 45.”
The Lynja Motorsports team car is a 2008 Undercover dragster, powered by a 565-cubic inch big block, built in the shops of Engine Research and Development (ERD). An Abruzzi Racing Transmissions Powerglide and torque converter hook up to the big-block, and the fuel system is courtesy of Ron’s Terminator.
Based in Napanee, Ontario, the team travels to many tracks, and considers the Grand Bend Motorplex its favorite track in Canada and the Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida its favorite US track.
The Bridges make up the entire crew, and the team is sponsored by Lynja Injection Services, Abruzzi Racing Transmissions, and Center Street Auto.
Bridge mentioned he is a serious racer, but added he enjoys the social aspect of drag racing and the people in it.
“I think the most important thing for us in racing is the people in the sport.”
Bridge also mentioned the new Quick 32 Sportsman Series will offer racers such as themselves an opportunity to race in a professional environment.
“The credibility will come with this series,” he explained. “We’re going to look like a team when we all pull into a track, and that’s important with the track owners and promoters.” Read the rest of this entry »

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May
08
Posted on 08-05-2009
Lots of changes for Skull Motorsports PMRA Pro Modified entry in 2009
Filed Under (Articles, Upcoming Racing) by robc
New car, new team members, and new horizons for Ralph Andreacchi
MAPLE, ONTARIO (May 7, 2009) – Skull Motorsports has a new Pro Modified for 2009, and the new car could prove to be a major force in Pro Modified Racing Association racing.
“It was time for a change,” said Ralph Andreacchi, co-owner and driver of the 1963 Corvette Pro Modified, a new car from the previous 1953 Studebaker.
There are several other changes for 2009, including the involvement of long-time friend Tony Piselli, who is the other team owner for the new endeavor.
“Tony and I are good friends, “Andreacchi explained. “We’ve been friends since our early teens.”
He added that Piselli will also start learning to drive the Pro Modified as Andreacchi steps away from the cockpit to focus more on tuning duties with the Corvette.
“Eventually we’ll strap him in there,” said Andreacchi. “I will drive the car initially but eventually Tony will take over and I will focus on the tuning. Tony has a lot of drag racing experience (mostly 10 inch tire stuff) but not yet in Pro Modified.  We will take our time to make him comfortable. We will crawl and take baby steps before we start running.”
A veteran PMRA racer, Andreacchi’s 2008 season was highlighted with a win at the Grand Bend Motorplex on Labor Day. The team took the new car to the IHRA Rockingham race recently, and after some initial passes getting his feet wet with the torque converter car, Andreacchi ran a career-high 6.09 pass with the car, and qualified seventh in the field, going out with a stout 6.12 against John Russo with a 6.02.
But Andreacchi was very pleased with the new car, and the new combination.
“Honestly we surprised ourselves a bit,” he said. “We never expected to come along as quickly as we did. I never even drove a torque converter car before in my life. I struggled on the first two passes and then slowly got the hang of it.”
The Corvette is powered by a BAE 526 Hemi, tweaked and set up by ace Pro Modified tuner Al Billes. Behind the engine sits a Lenco from Bruno’s Automotive. A Kobelco K-11 supercharger feeds the engine, as does an Al Billes fuel system. The Corvette is from Tim McAmis Race Cars.
The Skull Motorsports car is sponsored by R2B2 Motors, Deserts Plus Restaurants, JE Construction, VP Fuels Ontario, Dimmi Bar, Performance Tire, Al Billes Racing, Stratford Motor Products, MNC, and Jon Salemi.
Along with Andreacchi and Piselli, the crew consists of Eric Grenci, Walter Carriero, and Rob Cesario. Andreacchi added his association with Billes will continue with the team’s engine program, and he will make himself available when his schedule permits.
The PMRA, www.PMRA.ca, will compete at several drag strips in 2009, including dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, starting with the season opener on May 16 and 17, June 13 and 14 and the season-closer on September 19 and 20, at St. Thomas Dragway in Sparta, Ontario on July 11 and 12, and the South-western Ontario track of the Grand Bend Motorplex at the 10th Annual MOPAR Canadian Nationals July 17 to 19, the Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts presents Hot August Nationals August 8 and 9  and on September 5 and 6.
Several of the PMRA events will be run in conjunction with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca, offering fans a great show of drag racing.
For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher Bruce@PMRA.ca
About the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA):
The Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca, was organized late in 2004, started racing operations in 2005, and is entering its fifth year of operation in 2009. The PMRA is a self-governing organization with input from its teams, and adheres to the technical and safety rules as outlined by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The series has event venues in Ontario, Quebec, and New York State.
Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class is one of drag racing’s most exciting and colorful classes, offering a diverse group of race cars with different types of 2,500-horsepower supercharged, nitrous powered and turbocharged engines.
Combining classic body styles and modern equipment, constructors are permitted, within established rules and parameters, to modify and enhance the cars in both appearance and performance. The cars are fuelled by gasoline or methanol, propelling them down the quarter-mile in low six-second times at over 200 miles per hour. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as “the world’s fastest door slammers”.
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