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How long have you been drag racing?
17 years
How did you get your start? Street racing a 68 Camaro
that I built myself when I was 15.
What’s been the biggest challenge to your racing program this season? Compared to last season? Broken parts, If we could have
stopped that we would have been in good shape this year.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishments as a racer?
Winning the ambassador of the year award with the N.M.R.A. .
What’s gotten you hooked on the Mustang drag racing scene?
The friends that I have made. The competition and the fans.
What are your plans for the future? Maybe, If we
accomplish our goals this year switch to Pro 5.0.
What advice would you give to someone
looking to start out in the heads-up racing scene? Save your
money and go to school. If you have to do it, go t the track and talk
to the drivers ask plenty of questions. Take it slow start off in a
class that is suited to your driving skills. Then progress into
whatever class that you wish to race in.
What changes, if any, do you feel the sanctioning bodies need to make
in order for our sport to prosper? Don't forget what got you
here and listen to your racers and not the promoters trying to put
cash in your pocket. Take care of the Racers and the rest will take
care of itself.
Who are your biggest friends (or enemies) at the track?
One of my very best friends on and off the track would have to be car
owner George Gallegos. My best friends at the track Mike Galimi, Dr
Jamie Meyer, Mike Murillo, Jason Cohen, Derrick Smith and Bob Kurgan
are the names that pop into my head first.
Who do you fear having to see at the starting line? Why?
I do not fear anyone at the starting line. It is my job to cut the
best light I can and get the car down the track as fast as I can. Let
the other guy worry about it.
Very briefly, tell me the dumbest
mistake you've ever made at the race track? Forgetting to
turn my Nitrous on during an elimination round.
Anyone you’d like to thank, wives you HAVE to thank, other things not
mentioned you feel are important? I have to thank my Dad for
keeping everything going at work while I am racing (I really do
appreciate it pop). My wife for putting up with me being gone all the
time and all of my friends for keeping me interested this long.
What music do you listen to? Who’s your favorite? I
listen to a little bit of everything. Creed is probably my favorite
right now.
Any nick names for you? Carlo "Hired Gun" Catalanotto.
Jamie Meyers gave it to me because I have driven so many different
cars including his.
Do you have any pets? No
Do you have Kids? I have 1
son, Nino Catalanotto. He is my heart and soul everything else takes a
distant second.
What do you like to do as a hobby outside of drag racing?
Build and race remote control gas powered boats.
What track do you dislike the most? Reynolds, Atlanta it
is just so nasty with all of the dust and grass. I just wish they
would do something about the pit area.
Which is your favorite track to race on? Maple Grove, I
don't know what it is I just love that place.
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?
I would like to meet Warren Johnson. I think he is the most talented
man in Drag Racing.
Any additional comments? Yes,
I would like everyone to know that without my crew mainly Pat Layus (Crewchief,
Luggerhead, Big Dummy) working long hours and driving thru the night
we would not get much racing done. He is the main man behind the
scenes that doesn't get much credit and a lot of the blame.
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