Super Chevy Weekend At The Grove, Some Of The Best Pro Modified Drag Racing.
By goDragRacing.org
This Author dedicates this review "In Memory Of Milt Decker Sr. and Tommy Gray Sr."
Enter The Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Gallery From Super Chevy Maple Grove 2010 Here, Over 575 Images
Introduction To The Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association Weekend:
Having the inclusion of the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association a part of this amazing weekend of racing with the Super Chevy Show was more or less the icing on the cake to this event of worldwide status from publications to the internet. Bringing over 24 cars to the race in both nitrous assisted and Supercharged is what most would consider being "The Show" mixed in with the most popular "Jet Cars and Wheel Standers" that are the common attraction since the nitro coupes have gone by the wayside, now spectators and fans have the opportunity to see the real 1320 warriors of the sport taking on each other in a two class "Nitrous" alone and "Blown Vs. Turbo" with match racing for the cars that didn't fit the class rules laid out by Super Chevy. The Northeast Outlaw Pro Mods bring so much to the quarter mile of Maple Grove Raceway, this was a show inside a show with more horsepower than you could possibly handle. Fans jammed the stands with earplugs, children gazed at the huge burnouts asking parents questions with anticipated gazes awaiting what will happen next in this great family adventure into the senses of sound, smells and memories of Outlaw Drag Racing.
We all know the high level of participation that the Super Chevy Show brings to the gorgeous Maple Grove Raceway as this year marks their 30th anniversary of the race / show spectacular. Most were prepared for the blazing temps that we have been seeing on the northeast for some time now but it didn't hamper the amount of cars or dedicated racers that braved this intense heat and unrelenting sun making most of the weekend noted by weather forecasting to be in the high 90's with an index of over 104 degrees, the fairground surroundings in this plush countryside was sparkling with Chevy "Bowtie Machines" of all kinds of models and styles, you could find anything anywhere and like it. See All Of The Official Super Chevy Show At Maple Grove Review Here www.superchevyshow.com
As always, my invitation to come to this event to shoot photos and do a little writing was another gift from this organization on my part, not only do I enjoy the racing but for many teams they welcome me in a way that truly humbles me. I didn't make it to the Friday session but as I always do, no sleep and race day jitters kept me up all night prior to leaving knowing I was going to be seeing the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association Nitrous class and Blower vs. Turbo Class rip up the pavement for two full days, you can't beat this when you consider yourself a photo journalist and you would be trackside for each pass. A great opportunity was also had for me to shoot with some of the best in the photo "Shooters" guide such as the Official Super Chevy photographer "Chris Simmons" known worldwide as one of the finest in capturing drag racing in his style, which is impeccable and raved over; his photos were immediately available at his trailer within minutes framed and logo'd, also online prints are available from this event by e-mail at his Chris Simmons Photographywebsite. Studio 413 Photography "Dave Carrick" the track photographer for Maple Grove also has hundreds of all cars images available online in his storefront and finally on Sunday I met "Carl and Steve" of C & S Motorsports Photography taking brilliant shots on Eliminations day, two fine photographers that have many of Sundays cars available.:About The Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association Management and Sponsors:
This team of management is a dedicated group led by John Mazzorana "President" and Vito Micciolo who have extensive backgrounds in promotion and Pro Modified Drag Racing for many years. Vito Micciolo is the head statistics "go to guy". The voice and "faceman" of this group is John Mazzorana doing his part more on the relations side of the marketing, a flamboyant gentleman and well like by anyone that meets him. Vito is a seasoned IT specialist which helps the group immensely in promotion with his knowledge of how to get the races announced and perceived via net with his talents. Inside this group is a crew of various press specialists that have a long standing affiliation with many forums, organizations and promotions that further the communication on the net. is Jimmy Biggs of BulletVision; an online viewing of shows he creates through the huge membership of YellowBullet.com and many others with a voice everyone knows in racing "Rockin Rob" Cherkas stepping in to announce the race rounds from the tower and do interviews with racers in a television style format similar to the NHRA. Shows are available at anytime through the website BulletVision and Quick Stats are online at the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association Official Website in the race results. This group is backed by racers, and sponsors that look to bring this more forward in the racing arena's with more assistance, Apply now to become A Sponsor Of This Association Here: along with the businesses already onboard. See Below:
NEOPMA Associate Sponsors: Performance2Way Communications, Barker Racing, Ram Clutches, Star Transporters, T&F Racing, VP Race Fuels, Star Cab Co., dtpromod.com, Pullin/Plummer Racing, Mickey Thompson, Richards Automotive, Gary Courtier Home Improvements, American Racing Headers, Western Beef, Performance AutoCrafters, CCI Constructors, Timothy O'Hare Custom Homes, Speedtech, WD4ME.com, Pearl River Automotive, and Amato/Cannonball/ModZilla Racing, Total Flow Cylinder Heads.
Northeast Outlaw Pro Modifieds "Super Chevy Maple Grove" Friday:
:Friday Testing News And Related:
The net was already beaming news through messaging and posting on forums of Brian Prins' mishap during his first full nitrous testing on his 63 Corvette spit window Pro mod on Friday. Prins has driven, crewed and owned just about everything made in the racing environment, I was able to spend the night with him and his crew on Saturday night and he explained what exactly happened to cause this massive explosion and fire that took the car down for the weekend as this is one promising machine as it's always been when owned by "Milt Decker" who we all know as a champion of both the racing and a friend of all the racers; our thoughts go out to him after the passing of his father just days before the race. Prins will be back in action soon as repairs are made on the car which was heavily damaged. Also a great member of this group who would be a prime candidate for a top spot Tommy Gray with his "Undertaker Camaro" was not able to make the race as earlier in the month his father was hospitalized in serious condition, we also wish him well but as of this writing Tommy Gray Sr. Passed Away This Morning and Our thoughts are with them at this time. Vinny Demieri took off to take more shots in the point's race at Joliet competing in "Pro Street" when his car turned hard left into the wall just past the eight mile bursting into flames. Vinny, a friend to all walked away unharmed from the inferno and hope to see him back soon and competing.
Invited to this race but not into the classes was the Supercharged 57 Buick Of Frank Patille "CCI Motorsports" and the wild Supercharged 68 Firebird of Pullin / Plummer Racing for match racing action between these two warrior teams, they put on their own show following the qualifying action and it was intense..
Northeast Outlaw Pro Modifieds "Super Chevy Maple Grove" Saturday Qualifying Highlights And Ladder:
Finally getting to the bread and butter of this weekend, the air lingered with alcohol fueled motors warming, nitrous bottles being filled and the clanking wrenches of teams readying their cars for this round of qualifying in the heat of the day soon to come. Temps again teetered on the brink of meltdown for anyone outside yet the stands of Maple Grove were filled with Pro Mod fans and inquisitive race junkies looking for that feel of unleashed horsepower. Trying to harness this much horsepower and get their baseline proved to be a task as quite a few did not get down the track due to the enormous power vs. pavement ratio these cars produce and it was back to the pits with not much information gained but no one would relent in getting to that baseline needed. Though it was minimal result in round one ( See Final Round Qualifying Review Below ), fans were in the pits watching the racers preparing for round two browsing the closely grouped trailers parked next to the gleaming machines. The racers and teams were doing a little PR on the side as in the pits; you are welcomed and informed by drivers and crew members. Also many teams have a bevy of great stuff as part of their racing operations such as awesomely designed Pro Modified Tee shirts, team handouts and hero cards to subsidize their operations and make you a follower of them in this sport, this is one of their mainstays of operating their team so please see their trailers and grab some cool stuff.
Final Round Qualifying Review: Northeast Outlaw Pro Modifieds "Super Chevy Maple Grove"
Nitrous Class:
Ed Burnley and his Fulton Powered 67 Camaro topped the nitrous qualifiers with a blistering "In The Heat" 6.183 @ 233.40 not bettering it on his second try down the track but this was already the best for this track temps as Burnley is an expert at taking rounds and qualifiers. The legendary "Pat Musi" in Frank Brandao?s King Kong 5 2009 Dodge Stratus packing an 865 cube Chevy on four stages torched the motor on his first pass testing this new monster motor configuration and had his team run back to the shop to grab the "little" 738ci to go rounds installing it overnight bumping Gary Courtier out of number two spot with a 6.315 @ 186.90. Team Courtier Racing put the big cubed "Tangerine" 68 Camaro into the number three spot with shear power and tuning as they have been after this car all day making it hook, Courtier powered out a very clean "Fulton massaged" 6.490 @ 219.33. Matt Deitch now driving a Tim McAmis 68 Camaro and virtually untested had issues getting used to the way the car responded to his driving techniques made his first round a no go with a small nitrous fire but instantly this talented driver came back in round two and planted a killer clean 6.424 @ 228.73 on the ladder, Matt figured this car out quick. Steve Kramer in the "Paul Woods" 2002 Camaro SS had issues in the first round getting it to hook and bring in the power but came back strong in fifth with a sweet 6.496 @ 220.26. Steve "The Big Guy" Cossis with his sleek 67 Camaro dropped a 7.974 117.11 on the boards in the second round after his first round tagging the wall as the car left it took a hard right, crossed lanes and Steve saved this big time while having no control as it looked as if there was a steering malfunction. Not backing down though he came back scraped and hurting from the missed opportunity and laid down the above number. Freddy Scriba; last race's champion in the "Sorcerer" 63 Vette crossed the line shaking the tires with an 11.120 @ 89.10 far off his usual pace. Michael Giraldi's 68 Camaro had been having power issues all day and could only pull out a 12.912 @ 66.22 while searching for the problem, they were in the ladder and overnight flogged on this car trying to find a gremlin in the electrical system.
1 : Ed Burnley, 67 Camaro 6.183 @ 233.40
2 : Pat Musi, 09 Stratus (865 Chevy) 6.315 186.90 | Website:Pat Musi Race Engines
3 : Gary Courtier, 68 Camaro 6.373 @ 223.65 | Website: Courtier Home Improvements
4 : Matt Deitch, 68 Camaro 6.424 @ 228.73
5 : Steve Kramer, 02 Camaro SS 6.496 @ 220.26
6 : Steve Cossis, 67 Camaro 7.974 @ 117.11
7 : Freddy Scriba, 63 Vette 11.120 @ 89.10
8 : Michael Giraldi, 68 Camaro 12.912 @ 66.22
9 : Brian Prins, 63 Vette, Broke
The nitrous racers aspirating their cars with the cool spray of nitrous induced atmosphere were set for eliminations on Sunday: See The Round Results Below.
Final Round Qualifying Review: Northeast Outlaw Pro Modifieds "Super Chevy Maple Grove" Blown vs. Turbo:
Taking the horsepower threshold to the limits is the Blown vs. Turbo session of the Super Chevy Show weekend, nothing on the track was more powerful other than the jet cars and dragsters. These alcoholic, belt driven roots blown quarter mile beasts are the spectrum of induced horsepower with daring drivers that try to harness all they can while storming your senses with the sweet sound of wide open zoomies pounding out thrum's of pressure releasing on each RPM and whack of the loud pedal. Though none of the turbo cars were able to make this race since some of them are Ford bodied it would be a complete class of totally wild race cars scooping air into the huge blower hats hung well above the rooflines.
Dina Parise "Parise Racing" and the well known 63 Corvette which is half of this team effort ruled the class from the get-go ripping off a tight 6.286 @ 226.13 trying to grab some of the available air that the blower cars can only compress unlike the nitrous cars who make their own air. Dina would not better her first pass but the "First Lady" of supercharged pro mod racing would be hard to catch come race day with these number one qualifying numbers hooking the Montana Brothers Race Cars Chassis hard on her passes. Jim Barker would get a grip on his Monte Carlo and make his second round count big time coming up from last place to number two hanging out the bad black machine down the 1320 6.329 @ 222.88. Chris Russo in the 63 Vette would drop a notch down from first round staying at his 6.545 @ 227.65 from round one, back in the pits at nearly midnight, the team had this car as apart as you could get it trying to make it hook on this hot track. Derrick Townes stunning 68 Camaro 6.561 @ 222.22 would better his first round since 8 seconds wasn't going to fill his cup for his performance expectations, the car responded well as did Derrick since the car went to K & K Advanced Door Car Technologies for a change from Lenco drive to a clutch. Townes noted he was more confident now since the change and only took one pass to "Get The Feel" back. Townes also brought with him one of his sponsors and NFL Star Defensive Tackle "Cornelius Griffin" who took in the sights and sounds of this experience with the team. Fidelio Montron's 96 Vette crossed the traps with a swaying 6.838 @ 179.11 lifting on this wild pass. Gary Walker driving this "Unconventional Pro Mod 67 Chevy II", more like a real street machine was bumped down from number two spot into number five with a 7.028 @ 197.71 this car is very cool!!. Gerry Capano "63 Vette" also couldn't better his numbers 7.092 @ 188.75 leaving him in the six spot and qualified. Kevin Vanderbeck's unusual 38 Hudson pushed down the track as the heavyweight in this group via the steel body with a decent 7.257 @ 195.05. Finalizing the ladder with only the second part of "Team Parise Racing" Andrew Parise in the number nine position and not qualified with his "53 Vette" struggling on both passes 9.365 @ 92.32 leaving him time to manage the single car of his wife Dina and spend time with the cause they bring with them, "The Wounded Warriors Project".
1 : Dina Parise, 63 Corvette 6.286 @ 226.13 | Website: "Parise Racing"
2 : Jim Barker, 99 Monte Carlo 6.329 @ 222.88
3 : Chris Russo, 63 Vette 6.545 @ 227.65
4 : Derrick Townes, 68 Camaro 6.561 @ 222.22 | Website: Derrick Townes Pro Mod Official website
5 : Fidelio Montron, 96 Vette 6.838 @ 179.11
6 : Gary Walker, 67 Chevy II 7.028 @ 197.71
7 : Gerry Capano, 63 Vette 7.092 @ 188.75
8 : Kevin Vanderbeck, 38 Hudson @ 7.257 195.05
9 : Andrew Parise, 53 Vette 9.365 @ 92.32 | Website: "Parise Racing"
The blower cars definitely are aching for some cooler air to make the most of the already superheated charge blowing through the motors but this wasn't happening for them this weekend as the forecast for Sunday was equally as hot if not worse: See The Round Results Below.
Northeast Outlaw Pro Mods Sunday Race Day At Super Chevy Show:
Bring On The Horsepower:
After the end of rounds on Saturday, the Staff at Maple Grove Raceway took to the track and prepped it for max power as the heat and all the different cars loosened the surface of this recently redone and fairly green quarter mile needed some more rubber, it worked well this time after the crew was finished. This author spent the night in the stands just waiting for the beginning of the eliminations greeted by hawks and eagles searching for food in the morning glow peeking over the mountain tops. Trailers opened, teams awoke and engines roared at 8:30AM.
With the event started, class racing headed the start of the day with many classes leading up to the Nitrous Pro Mod Eliminations as mid day came around, President John Mazzorana and the voice of the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mods "Rockin Rob" entered the booth and took over the announcing chores after the salute to the flag ceremonies. It didn't take long to see the fence lined with fans already baked by the sun trying to get as close as possible to see this action. Pro Mod Match Racing continued with the match racing between the Supercharged 57 Buick Of Frank Patille "CCI Motorsports" battling The Supercharged 68 Firebird of Pullin / Plummer Racing which was followed with the Super Spectacular Bob Hall's wheel-standing Astro Van, jet funny cars First Strike and Top Secret and jet dragsters Queen of Diamonds and Beast from the East with staff from the Maple Grove Raceway tower taking turns lighting the tree as the jets took their passes, a gutsy move for all of them !!
Nitrous Pro Mod Eliminations: Round One
Though Michael Giraldi worked all night to try and get the Camaro firing on all cylinders he couldn't make the show, Number one qualifier Ed Burnley took a lane choice single pass knocking down another consistent .078 6.223 @ 232.95. Matt Deitsch screamed across the line followed by Steve Kramer with huge burnouts. Kramer .016 got the leave on Deitsch .164 as Kramer got passed at mid track in a losing effort 6.525 @ 220.80 and Deitsch posted a stunning 6.204 @ 233.36. Freddy Scriba had Pat Musi in the lane next to him but the wicked Vette encountered battery and starter problems allowing Musi to make his solo pass firing on all cylinders Musi didn't skip a beat from his usual great numbers dropping an .045 light and 6.289 @ 224.21 on the boards. Steve Cossis didn't make the call and gave Gary Courtier a solo also, he didn't disappoint by taking a drive by, instead he ripped down the track, pipes ablaze in the sunlight .037 6.314 @ 227.73 ending round one.
Nitrous Pro Mod Eliminations: Semi Finals
The two quickest cars were in line paired to be a side by side drag race we wouldn't forget but Matt Deitsch who had been extremely sick and running a very high fever backed out after the burnout and stalling running out the allotted staging time getting a DQ leaving Ed Burnley to make a solo pass, again, lane choice was on his mind and he let this baby loose with nothing but time on his hands .980 6.205 @232.91, no disputing Burnley had this track and tune down pat. Gary Courtier would have the opponent of a lifetime next to him with Pat Musi. Both made their burnouts and teams prepped them for the race, Musi would go red -.008 6.347 @ 222.91 and Courtier gets the run off shaking the tires .067 24.385 @ 35.29 heading to the final.
Nitrous Pro Mod Eliminations: Finals
Burnley had been ripping off numbers like he was bracket racing all day and Gary Courtier would again find himself in the final round which he has seen before. Both teams were heavily armed with juiced power under hood and equally capable chassis to make a final go for the money run. The final round had all the teams out there watching in anticipation, Jimmy Biggs filming and Rockin Rob wailing away enticing the crowd. Burnley boiled the hides, as did Courtier, both sounding vicious. A cautious staging procedure was set in motion and the tree dropped with Courtier leaving red -.005 6.446 @ 222.44 and Burnley taking the champion status .028 6.410 @ 227.84. When Asked during the Victory Lane photo session Burnley stated he did not know Courtier had gone red, he was watching the side of Courtier?s Camaro at 220+ MPH. Congratulations to Ed Burnley on a fantastic day for fans of the nitrous cars.
Blower vs. Turbo Pro Mod Eliminations: Round One
With temps still high in the 90's, the supercharged cars were gasping for air in this weather and tuners were making the best of it as they begin the round one session with Dina Parise facing Kevin Vanderbeck in the outrageous Hudson a striking contrast in cars one rich in colors and sleek, the other in black primer and just plain big. Vanderbeck cuts a .160 running the big car out to a stout 6.890 @ 202.64 but Parise passed him quickly as the pipes rippled the air on the big end taking the win .355 6.344 @ 218.90. Derrick Townes brought the whole pits along with him to the line for this one against Fidelio Montron as his following is large and awaited this race. Townes takes the win as he also had to slow in his lane as Montron got loose at 800ft crossing the line taking out the cones instantly DQ'ing himself Townes leaves a .169 9.350 @ 90.59 for another round and some quick reactions to save a mishap from occurring. Gerry Capano didn't stand a chance with this set of numbers .142 6.624 @ 218.54 as Jim Barker was on a roll and exciting the crowd with his violent launches and a solid run .022 6.323 @ 218.87. Chris Russo gets a solo run .111 6.548 @ 229.16 with some big MPH but still stuck in the 50's range as Gary Walker is DQ'd.
Blower vs. Turbo Pro Mod Eliminations: Semi Finals
Heat, Heat and more heat was still troublesome for the huffer cars, Dina Parise faced Derrick Townes in this round, again Parise was late on the tree .391 and had to play catch up against a formidable opponent as Townes took the leave .260 but slowed from his earlier passes just a bit too much out of the car 6.594 @ 218.90 with Parise taking the win into the final 6.361 @ 211.53 the MOV on this race was only .102 at 200+. Parise heads to the final but inside the team they must be wondering about the reaction times since qualifying it's been in this range. Jim Barker now has the lane choice over Chris Russo which was a good one as Russo chattered the hides and misfiring off the limiter .053 strolling down the track 16.846 @ 51.58, Barker again shows the "Monte's Muscle" .069 with an awesome launch but slowing 6.372 @ 217.84 for his upcoming second final round appearance in less than a month with the NEOPMA series.
Blower vs. Turbo Pro Mod Eliminations: Finals
Only one word can describe the surroundings of this final round as "hectic" between Dina Parise and Jim Barker. both teams of "Parise Racing" and "Barker Racing" making adjustments and going though the series of motions that all of them have engrained into them as a group, the area again was packed for the sounds of open pipe power ready to bruise the starting line. Both cars glistened in the late afternoon sunshine; press was all around the cars as they backed up after the wicked burnouts preparing them for the go on green. Barker drops a killer .010 on the tree as again Parise was extremely late .403 giving Barker a giant head start, Parise was on the move but Barker was blistering the asphalt himself, at the finish Barker would have the win light 6.461 @ 216.41 to Dina Parise's wild ride to the big end 6.471 @ 220.26 losing effort. Barker now doubles up his wins in the NEOPMA series and takes his turn in the Victory Lane with his team for photo shoots and celebrations. Congratulations to Team Barker Racing!!
Final Notes:
This author would like to add to my final notes that despite the heat, some major props need to be handed out in a few area's, one is the way the racers managed themselves in the heat and though it was ungodly hot, they all dressed to impress wearing full crew uniforms and working as teams as well as any NHRA team out there, solid preparation and great sportsmanship in all rounds make this group the best of the 1320 warriors. The management at the track was unreal in their acceptance of me as a journalist making sure I was welcomed and many thanks to Lex Dudas for his track access, the tower crew and of course the starting line group. Again, I can't thank the staff of the The Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association and the Teams for their support and welcoming invitation to the events, I appreciate all of you allowing me to enjoy this racing with you.
For all that read through this long winded article, please make sure you come to a NEOPMA event, you will not be denied the fever of all out 1320 racing at a track near you!!
how much sharpening and saturation are you adding ?!
