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PMRA - The Mission?.....Expansion
Bruce Biegler - February 9, 2008
Question: What do blondes and nitro-fueled hot rods have in common?
Answer: Everyone says they have more fun!
OK, that’s a really bad joke, but it’s also simply not true.
 Sure, those folks with light-colored locks probably have their share of good times, but any brunette or redhead will be very quick to reply, “Listen, you’re not the only ones.” Similarly, those drivers who rely on nitromethane to travel the quarter-mile at g-forces that would scare an astronaut silly aren’t the only folks providing fans with their fair share of racing excitement.
Just ask the folks from the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), who in their fourth year of competition are providing race fans in Canada and the Northeastern United States with several up-close-and-personal opportunities to take a peek at their Pro Modified entries, more affectionately known as “the world’s fastest doorslammers.”
Recognized by the International Hot Rod Association in 1990 as a viable competitive class, the Pro Modified group today features 2000-horsepower supercharged or nitrous oxide-powered cars capable of times averaging in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph, a far cry from the low to mid-7 ET, 200-mph average entries that were state-of-the-art technology almost two decades ago.
Though turbocharged engines are not allowed, those with superchargers utilize a maximum displacement of 527 cubic inches and weight of no more than 2700 pounds, while those with nitrous oxide under the hood max out at 740 cubic inches with a maximum allowed weight of 2375 pounds.
With wheelbases ranging between 100 and 115 inches, body styles encompass many of those classic entries that have stood the test of time, including Willys Coupes from the 1930s, the 1940s “lead sled” designs such as the “Jimmy Dean” Mercury, the 1950 Studebaker, and the always popular Camaro and Corvette Stingray models from the 1960 glory days.
Though the Pro Modified division was adopted by the NHRA in 2001, it enjoys only exhibition status at current NHRA events, a fact duly noted by the PMRA, which began in 2004 as an outlet to provide fans with a opportunity to witness “the true spirit of hot rodding,” featuring those cars that combined classic body styles with the best of modern technology.
Currently in its’ fourth year of operation, this self-governing body, with technical and safety rules outlined by both the IHRA and NHRA, as well as its’ own payouts, has made great strides since the fall of 2004, when Pro Modified teams housed in Ontario and Western New York met and developed their own race series format to showcase their product for local fans, complete with regulations, dates for upcoming races, winners’ purses, and the tracks and facilities necessary to host events.
According to PMRA Director of Operations Bruce Mehlenbacher, the creation of the organization was met with open arms from racers eager to participate.
“The idea started in Rockingham (North Carolina) at an IHRA event,” Mehlenbacher said. “Carl Spiering and I talked about the need for a new, smaller series. There was a large contingent of racers who couldn’t afford the time necessary for the IHRA/NHRA format, but they wanted to race 5-6 weekends per year. In September 2004, we met with several teams and said it that membership would cost $1,250 Canadian, the fee necessary to fund the day-to-day operation of the series. At the next meeting, which took place three or four weeks later, 17 guys put down the cash.”
 Living in a society where weekends are precious means that some folks simply cannot spend their entire Saturday and Sunday at a single event, a fact that the members of the PMRA used when creating a schedule of events.
Mehlenbacher details the unique plan created by the PMRA, saying, “Several of our shows are one-day events held on Saturdays. This allows Friday to be a travel day, with Sunday as our rain date. The exceptions are our Victoria Day Weekend, held in May at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, and our end-of-the-season event held at the Southwestern Ontario track of the Grand Bend Motorplex, which take place on Saturday and Sunday and signals the end of summer. We’re in competition with other attractions such as Niagara Falls and other amusements, and our events allow fans to come out for a day and then enjoy the rest of the weekend pursuing other activities they want to attend.”
Following its inaugural season in 2005, the number of teams and PMRA-sanctioned events has continued to grow steadily.
During the 2007 season, races were at several venues in Canada and the U.S., including two events in Cayuga, Ontario, as well as Lancaster Raceway Park in New York State, Sanair in St. Pie, Quebec, and the Grand Bend Motorplex in Ontario.
“We started with 17 teams,” Mehlenbacher said. “Today, we have 23 teams, seven of which are American, and in 2007 had five events during our season, which runs from mid-May until Labor Day.”
Additionally, PMRA prides itself at the accessibility afforded to spectators who make the trek to various races. Mehlenbacher said, “The fans can get really involved with the teams, and they are very loyal, very dedicated folks. We have exceptional crowds that enjoy easy access to the pits, and they really relate to the drivers. We have been very well-received by fans and media, as well as the tracks.”
Though competitors on the asphalt, the increasing number of teams under the PMRA flag have worked hard to maintain a cohesive atmosphere, one that extends from the race pits to the barbecue pits that are the home to many after-hours race gatherings.
“This is more of a hobby for these guys,” Mehlenbacher said. “They pit together and hang out with each other, because many of them have known each other for a long time. The Ontario and Western New York area has long been a hotbed for Pro Modified. Back in the 60s and 70s, many of these same guys were involved with Competition Eliminators, and they’ve just progressed.”
Furthermore, loaning a necessary part or the mechanical expertise necessary to make the next round, even to a hard-fought rival, is not an exception to the rule, but a normal occurrence at PMRA events.
“I’ll tell you about an incident that I believe portrays the ultimate in sportsmanship, one that recently took place,” Mehlenbacher said. “At our final event at Grand Bend, Bruce Boland was third in points, followed by Scott Wildgust who was fourth. On Saturday night Boland broke his wheels, so Wildgust lent him some of his own. Then, Boland defeated him in the second round. They were really kidding each other after that.”
This cohesive family spirit created among PMRA members was readily apparent during September’s season-ending event at Grand Bend, when Boland, a Hamilton, Ontario, resident and auto shop owner, reached the event semifinals, thereby accruing the points necessary to win the 2007 PMRA championship. Rather than patting himself on the back for his year-long efforts, Boland unselfishly dedicated his title to Kevin Short, the 12-year-old son of crew member Brad Short. Kevin, who died in July of a heart ailment, was foremost in the mind of Boland, who said, “This one’s for Kevin. He was my biggest fan. He always came to our races and helped us out.”
Finally, as with any organization, the desire for growth is foremost in the desire of PMRA members. Though the majority of their events take place on Canadian soil, Mehlenbacher acknowledged that crossing their border to the south is a high priority for the organization.
“Our biggest hurdle is expansion,” he said. “We want to get more racetracks in the United States, specifically into Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. We have a tremendous product, and our vision is to increase our spectator and our sponsor appeal.”
A fan-friendly product composed of drivers who love to win but also appreciate and support their competition, along with a family-first attitude . . . Sounds like the PMRA’s vision is one all fans should have the opportunity to see.
(Bruce Biegler Photos)
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