A Chip off the Old Block! « DragRaceCanada.com

A Chip off the Old Block!

by editor on Feb.26, 2015, under ACE MFG Northern Exposure

With some unwavering influence — Niagara Falls Ontario’s Ryan Boniferro is helping to write the next chapter for a family tradition within Canadian drag racing….

The 25-year old son to long time Eastern Canadian self-admitted “gear-head/Mopar fanatic” Smokin’ Joe Boniferro, Ryan is now stamping his own future the sport. After being exposed to and being involved with drag racing at a very young age, Ryan has already enjoyed some good career success and is primed for even more excitement in the future.

Joe and Ryan Boniferro

Ryan’s focus in 2015 will in fact again include two very popular Eastern Canadian circuits, running his own 1969 Plymouth Barracuda in Can-Am Stock/Super Stock and also a Chevrolet in conjunction with Jimmy Thomson within the TNT Super Series for 10.90 class cars.

With very deep Mopar brand roots in his family — Ryan and Joe’s Barracuda is truly a very clean, rather unique and impressive machine, which they have massaged over many season’s into its current form.

“The Barracuda was originally purchased from good friend and local bracket racer Mark Sauder – and it’s been a race car most of its life,” Ryan revealed. “Originally it came off the assembly line as a 340 CID Formula S and to our knowledge they only made 693 of them with that option back in 1969. It has since been converted to a Super Stocker – we run a 440 CID Chrysler Wedge head motor. This car has been in my family for 30 years and was first bracket raced in the 80’s by my father.”

The Barracuda was also the first real drag racing vehicle that Ryan drove too.

“I got my first taste of actual racing in a junior dragster when I was 8 years old,” he continued. “Then when I turned 16 my Dad let me drive the Barracuda and I’ve been fortunate enough to drive it on and off through the years while helping my dad with his racing operations.”

Ryan and Joe Boniferro’s Super Stock Barracuda is of a unique configuration.

Needless to say the influence of his father has played a huge role in shaping his avid interest in Motorsports.

“I’ve been going to the race track with my Dad as far back as I can remember,” he added. “My father has had great success in his racing career racing Mopar cars and being able to be on the front line with him watching him both tune and drive race cars to multiple championships has filled me with ambition. He has helped me become the racer I am today.”

Ryan seriously began racing in 2012 – and in his first full year placed 2nd in the Can Am Stock/Super Stock Series. In 2013 he competed in the Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series for the first time and placed 12th in the points. That year he won the prestigious Tim Thorne Rookie of the Year Award and his best finish was a runner-up in the 10.90 Hot Rod class during the IHRA Mopar Canadian Nationals at Grand Bend.

Last year he placed 3rd in points in both the Can Am Stock/Super Stock Series and also the DSE Sportsman Series.

But Ryan’s involvement in drag racing does not stop there. While the team’s supercharged Top Sportsman Dodge Avenger sits near race ready in their shop nearby, he and his Dad are busy crafting yet another Mopar brand project — this time involving the construction of a new SS/AH Hemi-powered Dodge Dart.

That work in progress and relatively secret project could see the drag strip for the first time in 2015. (*DragRaceCanada will have more updates on that project going forward).

“The Hemi Dart that my father and I are current working on has been ongoing for the past couple of years,” he added. “The most recent developments are that it’s back from being painted by Scott Jahren and it’s ready for assembly. I have really enjoyed being a part of the build process with my father – it isn’t without challenges – but I’ve learned so much. We are both looking forward to it’s debut. We are on course for that in late 2015.”

Ryan’s day job is also 100% automotive related. After attending Niagara College and receiving his Red Seal as an Automotive Technician, he now works along side his father Joe operating their very successful and long running family businesses in the heart of Niagara Falls; Joe’s Transmission Service and Al’s Radiator.