<img src="http://www.nitromater.com/gallery/files/5/1_2007_08_18_055.jpg" alt="1_2007_08_18_055" align="left"borders="0"/>
LIVONIA, NEW YORK ( March 26, 2008) – With some weight reduction, a new transmission, and an updated engine combination, the Guenther Racing team is hoping to make its mark on the 2008 Pro Modified Racing Association tour Presented by Torco Racing Fuels Ontario.
“We’ve made some changes,” said team driver Matt Guenther, who drove the 1941 Willys-bodied Pro Modified to second place in the PMRA standings last year. “We’ve been working all winter to refine several aspects of the car, with the objective of reducing weight and improving the aerodynamics.”
The team, which is owned and operated by Matt’s parents Mike and Rhonda Guenther, has also opted to install a new Lenco four-speed transmission with a Ram clutch, getting rid of the former Lenco drive three-speed automatic.
The younger Guenther admitted there will be a bit of a learning curve with the new transmission, which is coupled to a Sonny’s 737-cubic inch Chevrolet Nitrous Hemi, one of the few non-supercharged cars in the PMRA.
“Yes, it will be a bit of a challenge,” Guenther said regarding the change to a clutch, “but we’re not tremendously worried.”
The university student started his racing career in 1992 at the age of eight, and when he was 16 he ran in Quick Rod, then Top Dragster, and in 2003 climbed into a Top Sportsman car.
The upcoming season will be the team’s second year in the PMRA. The team’s 2007 season was highlighted with a win at Lancaster Raceway Park.
While Guenther said the car is still in the process of being rebuilt, he added the goal is to do some testing with the Willys before the first PMRA event May 17 and 18 at the Victoria Day Weekend - PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park.
Guenther was quick to point out a large part of the team’s success has been due to crew chief Jerry Highway, who along with wife Donna have helped the Guenther family maintain a high profile. He added that Bill Simpson is coming back on board as a crew member this year, and that the team would not be where it is today without the support of sponsors Honeoye Auto Parts and Mike Mastin Engineering.
And, he is hoping for continued success in 2008.
“Our plan is to run all the PMRA races,” Guenther said. “We almost achieved our goal of winning the championship last year, and we’re hoping to take the next step this season.”
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: Bill Mehlenbacher Photography
Guenther Racing returns to PMRA with host of car changes
NY-based Willys Pro Modified once again nitrous powered
LIVONIA, NEW YORK ( March 26, 2008) – With some weight reduction, a new transmission, and an updated engine combination, the Guenther Racing team is hoping to make its mark on the 2008 Pro Modified Racing Association tour Presented by Torco Racing Fuels Ontario.
“We’ve made some changes,” said team driver Matt Guenther, who drove the 1941 Willys-bodied Pro Modified to second place in the PMRA standings last year. “We’ve been working all winter to refine several aspects of the car, with the objective of reducing weight and improving the aerodynamics.”
The team, which is owned and operated by Matt’s parents Mike and Rhonda Guenther, has also opted to install a new Lenco four-speed transmission with a Ram clutch, getting rid of the former Lenco drive three-speed automatic.
The younger Guenther admitted there will be a bit of a learning curve with the new transmission, which is coupled to a Sonny’s 737-cubic inch Chevrolet Nitrous Hemi, one of the few non-supercharged cars in the PMRA.
“Yes, it will be a bit of a challenge,” Guenther said regarding the change to a clutch, “but we’re not tremendously worried.”
The university student started his racing career in 1992 at the age of eight, and when he was 16 he ran in Quick Rod, then Top Dragster, and in 2003 climbed into a Top Sportsman car.
The upcoming season will be the team’s second year in the PMRA. The team’s 2007 season was highlighted with a win at Lancaster Raceway Park.
While Guenther said the car is still in the process of being rebuilt, he added the goal is to do some testing with the Willys before the first PMRA event May 17 and 18 at the Victoria Day Weekend - PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park.
Guenther was quick to point out a large part of the team’s success has been due to crew chief Jerry Highway, who along with wife Donna have helped the Guenther family maintain a high profile. He added that Bill Simpson is coming back on board as a crew member this year, and that the team would not be where it is today without the support of sponsors Honeoye Auto Parts and Mike Mastin Engineering.
And, he is hoping for continued success in 2008.
“Our plan is to run all the PMRA races,” Guenther said. “We almost achieved our goal of winning the championship last year, and we’re hoping to take the next step this season.”
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: Bill Mehlenbacher Photography
