The return of Toronto’s Raymond Commisso to Pro Mod class racing has produced an immediate dividend….

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Raymond Commisso, who is a very successful restaurant owner and who because of demanding business reasons last year did not partake in too much drag racing, got his 2016 racing season off to a rousing start last weekend.

Raymond entered his most recent acquisition – a spectacular 1969 Camaro supercharged car at Bradenton’s Florida’s NMCA season opener last weekend – and came away the winner.

Armed with a potent tune-up provided by his crew chief Bob Newberry, Raymond won the VP Racing Fuels XTreme Pro Mod class category during the NMCA’s Ross Racing Pistons Muscle Car Mayhem event.

Ray and his son celebrate with Bob Newberry in victory lane.

Ray and his son Remo celebrate with Bob Newberry in victory lane.

Commisso defeated a very impressive field of cars entered for the 1/8th mile class eliminator which drew 20 entries for the 16-car field and produced a bump spot of 4.119 secs.

After qualifying #7 with a 3.912 secs Raymond’s team produced as steady stream of runs on Sunday to prevail.

Three consecutive 3.9 secs laps defeated John Green, Chris Rini (who crashed) and Ken Cruz to put Raymond in the championship round versus the low qualified car – Randy Adler’s ’57 Chevy from Chicago.

That title bout was over quickly however when Adler’s machine (which had set low ET at 3.912 secs during qualifying) rattled the tires while Raymond rolled to a winning 4.088 secs at 188.36 mph.

The VP Racing Fuels XPM final saw Ray Commisso score when his final round opponent Randy Adler succumbed to tire shake.

The VP Racing Fuels XPM final saw Ray Commisso score when his final round opponent Randy Adler succumbed to tire shake.

For Commisso who has scored major career wins in NHRA, IHRA, and PMRA Pro Mod circuits previously – this was his first title within the NMCA circuit.

Posted by Bruce Biegler
Photos by Phi Hutchison