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How long have you been drag racing?
25 years
How did you get your start? Worked in my grandfathers
Auto Store from 12 to 17 years of age, and I used to watch all the
muscle cars pull up. I decided then that I wanted a race car.
My 1st car was a race car that I drove on the street.
What’s been the biggest challenge to your racing program this season?
Compared to last season? I have to say going to Maryland
International Raceway untested with a "W" tire on the car, and winning
the event.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishments as a racer?
With the exception of machine and chassis work. building and
maintaining the worlds fastest 5.0 in my 1 car garage!
What’s gotten you hooked on the Mustang drag racing scene?
The technology behind this small block, and all the good people
involved.
What are your plans for the future? I'm looking at the
NMRA Pro 5.0 since the new rule change. I also plan on doing
some more 10.5" "W" tire Outlaw racing.
What changes, if any, do you feel the sanctioning bodies need to make
in order for our sport to prosper? Stability in the rules..
Who are your biggest friends (or enemies) at the track? I
have no enemies unless they haven't told me. OK, friends, lots
of friends.
Who do you fear having to see at the starting line? Why?
No one..
What would you tell someone looking to start out in the heads-up
racing scene? 1st and foremost, put together a game plan
including a budget. Pick a class that fits your budget.
Gather all the info you can about the class rules and combo you want
to run. Choose a chassis shop, engine builder and power adder.
Set your goal and don't drift off that line for any reason -- but keep
a sharp eye on the rules!
Very briefly, tell me the dumbest
mistake you've ever made at the race track? Oh yeah!.. I
staged on the back tires my second time in the car at the J&P
Shootout up in Canada, and of course my brother had it on video with
the great J.R. Granatelli narrating the whole stunt.
Anyone you’d like to thank, wives you HAVE to thank, other things not
mentioned you feel are important? My wife. My crew: Tom
Petrovich, Tony Gentile, Anthony Disomma, and my brother for all his
hard work over the years. Tim Christ of Coast Chassis, Rick
Ricardi III and Joe Amato from Downs Ford,
Rick Head at
Innovative Turbo. Carmen
Damini from Red Alert Racing for some cool paint, Bob at Jesel for all
his help, Craig Liberty for great products and service, John at
Accufab, Chris at PDQ Performance, Patrick at DiabloSport, Mike at
RAM, Brian at Hoosier Tire East. Bob at B&B Automotive, and Dave
from Dave Jack Cylinder Heads for a great engine. Bob at Manley.
John at Stef's/B&B, Todd Ryden at MSD, Kenny Duttweiler, the folks at
ATCO and Raceway Park for all their help.
What music do you listen to? Who’s your favorite? I
like all music, but favor Creed and Pearl Jam.
Any nick names for you? Wild Man, my friends gave it to
me. Sometimes you may not think so, but, it's the quiet ones you
gotta watch!
Do you have any pets? 130lb Doberman
Do you have Kids?
None
What do you like to do as a hobby outside of drag racing?
Drag Racing -- No other hobbies.
What track do you dislike the most? Maple Grove
Which is your favorite track to race on? Any and all of
them..
Do you have a lucky charm? What is it? No
If you could meet anybody you wanted living or not who would it be? Why?
No one..
Comments: I don't use a radar
detector in my race car.. Sorry, Chip!
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