WHITBY, ONTARIO (May 7, 2013) – Pro Modified Racing Association champion Eric Latino will be returning to the popular Pro Modified series for 2013 with some more power.
After competing in a recent NHRA meet, Latino and his Team Green was pleased with the showing of their 1969 Chevy Camaro, where they qualified seventh with a 5.92-second, 248-mph posting.
“We have got one fast happy hot rod,” noted Latino, who won the PMRA title by two points last season over Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario. “We’ have been working on a new engine combination and it has produced some significant power.”
Latino qualified well at PMRA races in 2012, several times as number one seed. He went rounds in most of the races, and won two Grand Bend events. As team owner along with Ann and Rob Sporring, Latino placed second in the 2011 PMRA points race, and to date has five event wins to his credit.
The Camaro is a G-Force Race Cars product with a Cynergy Composites body. The car is powered by a supercharged 521-cubic inch BAE Hemi with a Leahy Fuel System and a Water Fuel Pump flowed by Al Billes who has also been working on a new supercharger setup for the car. A Lenco CS2 transmission sits behind the potent powerplant.
Team Green crew member Paolo D’Alimonte will concentrate on tuning year this year while remaining as crew chief. Peter Olin will be in charge of the maintenance of the car. Other team members include Matt Latino, Gord Campbell, Paul Bassil, Nick Campbell, Rikkie Rumball, and Terri Cowl.
Latino noted that D’Alimonte’s role will be a key to the team’s success.
“Paolo is going to tune the car and that will be his major duty,” said Latino. “This is so important that he will focus on that.”
Latino also wanted to thank Al Billes for his work over the winter months.
“Al has really helped us out,” he added. “I want to thank him for everything.”
And Latino wanted to thank his wife Sue for her input and support.
“Many thanks to Sue, who has been so understanding during the race season that takes up so much of the summer. She tells me how proud she is of what we have all accomplished in the past few years.”
Sponsorship for the team includes Redline Automotive, Don Butt Auto Body, Quality Plus Compressors, Global Emissions Systems Inc., Vibrant Performance, Ellesmere Fabricators Limited, NGK Spark Plugs, Hoosier Racing Tires, Pro Racing Fuels, Resurrection Custom Painting, ARK Compressor Parts, ifitsgotamotor.com, Kendall Motor Oil, and Kooks Kustom Headers.
Latino said he is hoping for another positive year with the PMRA.
“The PMRA is very competitive. We’re hoping we can continue with our success from last season.”
The 2013 PMRA season gets underway with the running of the Thunder Nationals May 10-11 at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, the first of eight races for the Pro Modified this year. The PMRA will compete at selected events with its companion series, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, offering a colorful and exciting package of drag racing action.
The Thunder Nationals will begin Friday, May 10 with qualifying at 6 pm. Qualifying will continue Saturday, May 11 at 2 pm with eliminations scheduled to begin at 7 pm. Also featured will be Jet Car action, Top Fuel Dragsters, and Super Stock racing.
US 131 Motorsports Park has been in providing top drag racing for over 50 years, and this year’s Thunder Nationals is the track’s 30th running of this popular opening event. For more information, go to www.us131msp.com
The PMRA www.PMRA.ca, races in conjunction with its companion series, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts www.Quick32.ca, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series presented by Wiseco Performance Products www.PBSS.ca throughout the year, presenting an exciting and colorful package of drag racing action.
From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher / Bruce@PMRA.ca
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