Grand Bend Motorplex hosted somewhat of a Canadian Nationals preview last weekend…..
And there was a clear message sent to all potential Pro Mod class entries for next week’s upcoming IHRA Canadian Nationals back at Grand Bend (July 30-Aug. 1st).
All those racers filing entry would be well served to bring their “A Game” combinations — given the rather revealing weekend of testing/racing from the Toronto-based “Com-And Racing” team owned jointly by Raymond Commisso and Ralph Andreaachi. That team — one of four Pro Mod cars to test the GBM surface was very dominate — not only winning the event match but also serving up consistently quick and steady runs throughout the weekend.
Ultimately — Raymond ran a single for the event “W” on Sunday afternoon — carding a 3.813 secs to beat his closest performance rival – the equally potent Scott Wildgust-owned/driven “Smokies Garage” Mustang (from Stratford ON) — which did have a mechanical issue.
Raymond and Scott had qualified 1-2 — with best laps of 3.809 secs and 3.881 secs respectively during time trials.
“Our team was very impressed how well prepped the track at GBM was,” stated team co-owner Ralph Andreaachi. “Credit to Paul and Korey and staff for that high standard. We made numerous 1/8th mile runs that were all in the 3.80 – 201 mph range. Even for our last pass on Sunday — when the track was going away a bit (Ray lifted at 3.5 secs) our data showed the car was on a mid 3.75 secs pace. All thanks to my crew — Harry, Cole, Jerimia, Dylan, Joseph and Remo.”
“We used this race weekend as a test session”, affirmed Raymond Commisso. “Al Billes worked closely to tweak and test different aspects of the car which inevitably made the car quicker and even more consistent. I want to thank Harry and Cole for their hard work — and without Al Billes this wouldn’t be possible.”
“All our team is looking forward to the upcoming IHRA event next week — we know the competition will be fierce — but we’ll be ready,” Ralph winked.
The “Canadian Nationals” warmup weekend also featured some of the very best Top Dragster and Top Sportsman cars from the area – testing and in competition.
London’s Trevor Deeks, who has transferred his reputation for racing fast doorslammers to a brand new American Chassis dragster — was impressive — winning not only the T/D eliminator (which had 13 entries) but also the event’s capper — TD vs TS runoff.
Deeks ran a final round 7.448 secs (7.43 secs dial) to beat Jesse Searson for the T/D title — and then followed that up with a brilliant .001 RT and run of 7.449 secs (7.42 secs dial) to hold off the most popular race car on the property – Wes Goddard’s “Hellbilly” turbocharged Nash – which ran a 6.795 secs at 217.65 mph (6.75 dial).
Goddard, who is from Ayriss ON., had prevailed over an 11-car T/S eliminator — beating Paul Coull’s impressive new supercharged ’37 Chevy entry in that class final round. Goddard’s quickest run over the weekend was a 6.736 secs (low ET) driving the fan favourite machine.
The quickest run for T/D was by Brody VanDerGeld’s potent “Lowdown Hot Rods” supercharged dragster – which qualified #1 at 6.338 secs.
Posted by Bruce Biegler
