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Canadian Pro Mod “Italian Jobs”
Bruce Biegler - January 30, 2006
After enduring some truly unbelievable hard luck last season DragRaceCanada is pleased to report on the comeback plans for two very popular Toronto-area Pro Mod racers, Raymond Commisso and Tony Pontieri.
 Commisso, who is the owner and operator of a trendy restaurant downtown Toronto (Dimmi Bar & Trattoria) is determined to make a big comeback after his unfortunate “double barrel” incidents last year which effectively destroyed his all new ’63 Corvette. Raymond and his crew are scheduled to take delivery in the spring of an all new ’67 Camaro which is being fabricated by G-Force Race Cars and which will feature one of the spectacular new bodies currently being built and distributed from Canada by Tim Hodgins at Cynergy Composites (Strathroy, ON). Commisso is committed to shaking any remaining demons with a calculated and strategic approach to the 2006 season.
“With all the bad luck we had last year we are focused on getting everything right this year,” Raymond confided. “The only way to overcome your problem is to meet them head on. After those two incidents I have no problem getting back into the car and driving it – that’s not an issue. Making the car right is the first priority so we will be doing a lot of testing before we go racing with it.”
Commisso has also announced a change in his motor program going forward. His team will switch to Hemi power in 2006 thanks to a new working relationship with Al Billes.
“Al has agreed to help us out and we all know that he is one of the top 3 engine builders and tuners out there,” added Raymond. “His record speaks for itself and it’s the kind of thing that gives our whole team extra confidence. We are glad to be part of his program.”
Commisso has confirmed that he has sponsorship in place for this revitalized racing program however that announcement will not be made until the car makes its competition debut.
Also on the comeback following a violent setback last year is Pontieri, the owner and operator of Pontieri Automotive (also downtown Toronto). The skilled driver has hooked up with Rob Sporring and together they will campaign a supercharged ’57 Chevy. That car, which was built by Tim McAmis, will be sponsored by Quality Compressors.
 “Rob purchased the car a year or so ago from Will Robertson in the USA but never raced it,” said Pontieri. “After my accident last year we got talking and we hit it off so we decided to go racing together.”
The ’57 Chevy was originally built for nitrous-oxide however it has now been converted for a supercharged motor by Hamilton’s LJ Chassis. The team will employ Pontieri’s proven drivetrain, a 526 CID Hemi engine, also from Al Billes racing. While the car is not scheduled to hit the drag strip until May or so Canadian racing fans may very well get a first look during the upcoming Speed-O-Rama car show.
“I’m I little gun shy right now,” Pontieri admitted. “But once the car is fired up and I mash my foot to the floor – everything will be right back in the saddle. I’m cautious and excited at the same time.”
For more background history on Raymond Commisso and Tony Pontieri check out their team profiles (P&R Racing & Pontieri Racing) in DragRaceCanada’s Northern Exposure subsection.
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