Pro Modifieds still as popular today as they were in 1997

Several PMRA teams still racing since first TMP Pro Modified action

CAYUGA, ONTARIO (April 27, 2007) – The Pro Modified class was a relatively new division in drag racing in 1997 when Neale Armstrong organized the Canadian Drag Racing Series, but the new cars were quickly becoming popular when Cayuga International Dragway Park, now known as Toronto Motorsports Park, held a series for the cars.

At the time, Pro Modified ace and long-time respected car builder Jim Oddy of Elma, NY, held the class record at 6.24-second, 222 mph, with driver Fred Hahn. The Oddy/Hahn team held the track record with a 6.502-second, 215.31-mph pass.

By comparison, Al Billes of Barrie, ON, qualified number one at the first Cayuga PMRA meet in 2005 with a 6.236-second, 226.28-mph pass.

Of the 28 cars listed for the 1997 series, 11 of the Pro Modifieds were nitrous injected, with the remainder running superchargers. Some of the entrants from 1997 are still racing at the Pro Modified level, including PMRA drivers Joe Boniferro of Niagara Falls, ON, the Grainy Brothers of North Tonawanda, NY, Mike Stawicki of Medina, NY, and Kasey Janzen of St. Catharines, ON.

Others who have raced in PMRA competition from 1997 include Welland, ON’s Larry Sinke, and Tony Pontieri of Toronto. In fact, Pontieri was leading the series with his Camaro, and Pro Modified veteran Johnny Rocca of Virginia was second in his popular 1949 Mercury.

With such a diverse group of body styles, terrific burn-outs, and wild rides down the quarter-mile, the Pro Modifieds continue to be crowd-pleasers, and for those fans who watch the action at the upcoming Victoria Day Weekend PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario May 19-20, they will not be disappointed.

For information about the Victoria Day Weekend PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park call (905) 772-0303 or visit online at Welcome to Canada's Newest Racing Facility - Toronto Motorsports Park

Now in its third year of operation, The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Pro Modified Racing Association, has enjoyed strong fan popularity and will present some of the best in Pro Modified racing for 2007.

The PMRA will travel to several drag strips in 2007, including two dates at Toronto Motorsports Park, Lancaster Raceway Park in New York State, Sanair in Quebec, and the Southwestern Ontario track of Grand Bend Motorplex.

In 2006, the tour was a great success, and during the past two seasons of the PMRA, each event finished with a different winner. Joe Boniferro and Kasey Janzen tied in points last year and were crowned co-champions over the other Ontario, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania teams. Wix Filtration Products, Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., Uni-Select, and Moen Incorporated will sponsor the PMRA point series in 2007.

For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher Mehlenbacher@ProModifiedRacing.com

About the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA):
The Pro Modified Racing Association started late in 2004 and is entering its third year of operation. The PMRA is a self-governing organization, with technical and safety rules as outlined by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class is one of drag racing’s most exciting and volatile classes, offering a diverse group of racecars with different types of 2,000-horsepower 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".

Photo Credit: Rob Potter Photography