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Toronto's Tony Pontieri will be yet another name added to a growing list of Pro Mod class racers switching their engine programs from GM wedge-head configurations to Chrysler Hemis. The movement towards Hemi engines in the class has gathered a lot of steam ever since Mitch Stott and Al Billes finished second and third respectively in final IHRA Hooters Pro Mod points last season running the motors. Prior to 2002 very few Hemi-powered Pro Mod cars were considered competitive. The IHRA first legalized the motor for the class in 2001.
"I'm tired of going to a national event and then sitting on the porch," said Pontieri. "I want to be in the hunt on raceday and that's why we made the move. There is no doubt there is a real trend in the class towards the Hemi. When you spin the blower at 29% overdrive they are proving to be a good combination. We've never run a Hemi engine before and they are a different animal to deal with so there is a bit of a learning curve. I do like what I see with them however. There's lower maintainence and they seem to be more durable."
Pontieri has installed a 526 CID Bob Newberry powerplant in the framerails of his 1990 IROC Camaro replica. During the 2002 racing season Tony did record the fastest lap of his life at 6.360 secs at 221.02 mph -- at Toronto's AC Delco Canadian Nationals -- but still missed qualifying. With the Hemi, his expections are that the car will go into the 6.2 secs zone and near 230 mph.
For more background information on Tony Pontieri -- check out the Pontieri Racing team profile in DragRaceCanada's Media subsection.
(Bruce Biegler photo)
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