KING, Ont. (March 1, 2013) – The weeks leading up to the start of a new season are exciting for any race team, but they're much more exciting for the Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team. The Canadian group is ready to escape the frigid climate of the north to begin the 2013 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championship season in the sunny south. The high expectations set last year just add to the enthusiasm.
“2012 was a great season for our team, our sponsors, and our fans. We proved that we have what it takes to qualify on top and win rounds. I think a lot of people really started to pay attention to us after the back-to-back final round appearances in Chicago and Norwalk. The team can't wait to build upon our success this season,” said team owner Spiro Kontos.
Team driver Cassie Simonton feels the same way about the upcoming season.
“We're all excited to get back to the racetrack just because of how great it was last year, going to back-to-back finals. The car got better and I got better as a driver. I'm looking forward to testing so we can get back into that routine and prepare for Gainesville so we can hopefully get our first Wally.”
Though the winter season is a welcomed break from the stressful atmosphere at the track, the whole team kept busy. Cassie, Patrick, and Rob began work on Spiro's latest project, a 1950 GMC pickup street rod nicknamed TOYPULER. Veteran crew chief Randy Anderson prepared the team's fuel pumps at his Advanced Power Systems shop in California. On top of work on the street rod and the Funny Car, Cassie did a variety of activities to improve her skills as a driver.
“I've been working out a lot,” Cassie said. “I work out three to four times a week, just to keep myself in shape and make my legs stronger so I'm ready to go when I'm back in the car. I've also been doing my practice tree every week so I can be at the top of my game.”
Kon Rodz Racing is excited to bring a new sponsor into NHRA drag racing. Mexico City, Mexico-based Sadi, a fire and aviation fuel supply system provider, will be joining on as a sponsor of the Kon Rodz TAFC. Sadi manufactures and maintains pneumatic fuel systems and fuel/fire tank truck equipment for airports and other aviation applications. Though currently located out of the country, the company is in the phases of expanding to the United States and Canada.
Sparco USA has signed on to provide top-notch safety equipment for Simonton in 2013 and beyond. Sparco offers a wide variety of parts and equipment for performance vehicles and their drivers, including firesuits, helmets, harnesses, and seats.
The team is also eager to welcome new crew members Cam Brady, clutch assistant, and Deanna Stewardson, director of hospitality. Aside from the additional members, the crew from last season remains the same.
To start the season, Cassie, Randy, and the crew will meet up at South Georgia Motorsports Park for two days of testing, March 11-12. Due to prior commitments, Kontos will not be present during testing. This will be the first time since Kon Rodz began Alcohol Funny Car racing that Spiro will not be there to proudly watch his hot rod scream down the quarter mile. Following testing, the team will head south to Gainesville, Florida, for the NHRA Mello Yello Series east coast opener, the 44th Annual Gatornationals.
From: Nate Van Wagnen
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“2012 was a great season for our team, our sponsors, and our fans. We proved that we have what it takes to qualify on top and win rounds. I think a lot of people really started to pay attention to us after the back-to-back final round appearances in Chicago and Norwalk. The team can't wait to build upon our success this season,” said team owner Spiro Kontos.
Team driver Cassie Simonton feels the same way about the upcoming season.
“We're all excited to get back to the racetrack just because of how great it was last year, going to back-to-back finals. The car got better and I got better as a driver. I'm looking forward to testing so we can get back into that routine and prepare for Gainesville so we can hopefully get our first Wally.”
Though the winter season is a welcomed break from the stressful atmosphere at the track, the whole team kept busy. Cassie, Patrick, and Rob began work on Spiro's latest project, a 1950 GMC pickup street rod nicknamed TOYPULER. Veteran crew chief Randy Anderson prepared the team's fuel pumps at his Advanced Power Systems shop in California. On top of work on the street rod and the Funny Car, Cassie did a variety of activities to improve her skills as a driver.
“I've been working out a lot,” Cassie said. “I work out three to four times a week, just to keep myself in shape and make my legs stronger so I'm ready to go when I'm back in the car. I've also been doing my practice tree every week so I can be at the top of my game.”
Kon Rodz Racing is excited to bring a new sponsor into NHRA drag racing. Mexico City, Mexico-based Sadi, a fire and aviation fuel supply system provider, will be joining on as a sponsor of the Kon Rodz TAFC. Sadi manufactures and maintains pneumatic fuel systems and fuel/fire tank truck equipment for airports and other aviation applications. Though currently located out of the country, the company is in the phases of expanding to the United States and Canada.
Sparco USA has signed on to provide top-notch safety equipment for Simonton in 2013 and beyond. Sparco offers a wide variety of parts and equipment for performance vehicles and their drivers, including firesuits, helmets, harnesses, and seats.
The team is also eager to welcome new crew members Cam Brady, clutch assistant, and Deanna Stewardson, director of hospitality. Aside from the additional members, the crew from last season remains the same.
To start the season, Cassie, Randy, and the crew will meet up at South Georgia Motorsports Park for two days of testing, March 11-12. Due to prior commitments, Kontos will not be present during testing. This will be the first time since Kon Rodz began Alcohol Funny Car racing that Spiro will not be there to proudly watch his hot rod scream down the quarter mile. Following testing, the team will head south to Gainesville, Florida, for the NHRA Mello Yello Series east coast opener, the 44th Annual Gatornationals.
From: Nate Van Wagnen
More...
