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ROCHESTER, NEW YORK (April 15, 2008) – The Pro Modified team of Joe Caruso and Mike Cusimano are looking to make a better showing in Pro Modified Racing Association racing in 2008 than the previous year.
“Our big goal this coming year is to be consistent,” said Joe Caruso, who is a team owner and crew chief of the 1994 Corvette Pro Modified. “We’re working on a few things right now to get some more power and lighten up the car.”
With Mike Cusimano driving, the veteran team competed in most PMRA races last year, and placed 15th in the points standings. The team is also accomplished in IHRA Top Sportsman racing, taking the title at the 1992 Empire Nationals and a couple of runner-ups in 1995 and 1997.
“We’re looking forward to running at Leicester this year,” said Caruso, referring to the inaugural PMRA Challenge at the Western New York track June 7. “We’ve always done well at t New York International Raceway Park, and set some of our fastest times.”
The team is hoping to set some faster times in 2008 with a host of changes to the car, which is powered by a Jan-Cen Racing Engines 526-cubic inch supercharged Rodek engine.
“Mike (Janis) is working on our engine right now,” Caruso said. “He’s got a few tricks he’s working on to get us some more steam.”
Caruso added the team is also working on some suspension modifications, and is taking some weight out of the car.
The team is planning on competing in the entire six-race PMRA tour for this season. “We’re going to be ready and give it our best shot,” said Caruso. “We’re looking forward to running the whole deal.”
Caruso was also grateful for the assistance of his engine builder and others.
“I’d like to thank Mike Janis and Jan-Cen for their help. I’d also like to thank Jerry and Donna Highway and Chad Cusimano for all their help and everything they have done for us. They have been a big part of our success.”
The Caruso and Cusimano “Midlife Crisis” Corvette will be ready for action at the PMRA’s season opener, the May 17-18 Victoria Day Weekend - PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park.
PMRA tour stops in 2008 include two dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, New York International Raceway Park and Dunn Tire Raceway Park in New York, Sanair in Quebec, and the Southwestern Ontario track of Grand Bend Motorplex.
For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher [email protected]
About the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA):
The Pro Modified Racing Association, Pro Modified Racing Association, was organized late in 2004, started racing operations in 2005, and is entering its fourth year of operation. The PMRA is a self-governing organization with input from its teams, and adheres to the technical and safety rules as outlined by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The series has event venues in Ontario, Quebec, and New York State.
Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class is one of drag racing’s most exciting and colorful classes, offering a diverse group of race cars with different types of 2,500-horsepower supercharged, nitrous powered and turbocharged engines.
No Pro Modified team has dominated in the history of PMRA events. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, each event was topped off with a different winner, and 2006 Grand Bend Motorplex winner Joe Boniferro became the first repeat winner in series history, winning the 2007 Grand Bend race.
Combining classic body styles and modern equipment, constructors are permitted, within established rules and parameters, to modify and enhance the cars in both appearance and performance. The cars are fuelled by gasoline or methanol, propelling them down the quarter-mile in low six-second times at over 200 miles per hour. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as "the world's fastest door slammers".
Photo Credit: Mike Goodwin - MG Digital Media - Home and Rob Potter
Caruso and Cusimano to run entire 2008 PMRA tour
Rochester-based team hoping updates will meet with success
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK (April 15, 2008) – The Pro Modified team of Joe Caruso and Mike Cusimano are looking to make a better showing in Pro Modified Racing Association racing in 2008 than the previous year.
“Our big goal this coming year is to be consistent,” said Joe Caruso, who is a team owner and crew chief of the 1994 Corvette Pro Modified. “We’re working on a few things right now to get some more power and lighten up the car.”
With Mike Cusimano driving, the veteran team competed in most PMRA races last year, and placed 15th in the points standings. The team is also accomplished in IHRA Top Sportsman racing, taking the title at the 1992 Empire Nationals and a couple of runner-ups in 1995 and 1997.
“We’re looking forward to running at Leicester this year,” said Caruso, referring to the inaugural PMRA Challenge at the Western New York track June 7. “We’ve always done well at t New York International Raceway Park, and set some of our fastest times.”
The team is hoping to set some faster times in 2008 with a host of changes to the car, which is powered by a Jan-Cen Racing Engines 526-cubic inch supercharged Rodek engine.
“Mike (Janis) is working on our engine right now,” Caruso said. “He’s got a few tricks he’s working on to get us some more steam.”
Caruso added the team is also working on some suspension modifications, and is taking some weight out of the car.
The team is planning on competing in the entire six-race PMRA tour for this season. “We’re going to be ready and give it our best shot,” said Caruso. “We’re looking forward to running the whole deal.”
Caruso was also grateful for the assistance of his engine builder and others.
“I’d like to thank Mike Janis and Jan-Cen for their help. I’d also like to thank Jerry and Donna Highway and Chad Cusimano for all their help and everything they have done for us. They have been a big part of our success.”
The Caruso and Cusimano “Midlife Crisis” Corvette will be ready for action at the PMRA’s season opener, the May 17-18 Victoria Day Weekend - PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park.
PMRA tour stops in 2008 include two dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, New York International Raceway Park and Dunn Tire Raceway Park in New York, Sanair in Quebec, and the Southwestern Ontario track of Grand Bend Motorplex.
For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher [email protected]
About the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA):
The Pro Modified Racing Association, Pro Modified Racing Association, was organized late in 2004, started racing operations in 2005, and is entering its fourth year of operation. The PMRA is a self-governing organization with input from its teams, and adheres to the technical and safety rules as outlined by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The series has event venues in Ontario, Quebec, and New York State.
Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class is one of drag racing’s most exciting and colorful classes, offering a diverse group of race cars with different types of 2,500-horsepower supercharged, nitrous powered and turbocharged engines.
No Pro Modified team has dominated in the history of PMRA events. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, each event was topped off with a different winner, and 2006 Grand Bend Motorplex winner Joe Boniferro became the first repeat winner in series history, winning the 2007 Grand Bend race.
Combining classic body styles and modern equipment, constructors are permitted, within established rules and parameters, to modify and enhance the cars in both appearance and performance. The cars are fuelled by gasoline or methanol, propelling them down the quarter-mile in low six-second times at over 200 miles per hour. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as "the world's fastest door slammers".
Photo Credit: Mike Goodwin - MG Digital Media - Home and Rob Potter
