“Team Green” Tops at Grand Bend
After several attempts this season, Eric Latino and Team Green are back in winning form, capturing the Pro Modified Racing Association event during the IHRA MOPAR Nitro Jam Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex……
“We’re pretty happy about the win”, said Latino, who drives the 1969 Chevy Camaro. “We figured out our set-up, and we’re back on track.”Now in his fourth year of PMRA competition, Latino has four event wins to his credit.
Team Green is owned by Latino and Rob and Ann Sporring, and the Camaro is a G-Force Race Cars unit with a Cynergy Composites Inc. body, powered by a 521-cubic inch BAE Hemi engine.
The Kobelco K-11 14-71 supercharger on the engine has been modified by Al Billes, as has the Leahy Fuel System with a water fuel pump. The power is transmitted through a Lenco CS2 gearbox.
This has been a strong combination, with a benchmark posting of 5.871-seconds at 244 mph to date.
Paolo D’Alimonte is crew chief for Team Green, and Peter Olin is the team’s car chief. Others on the crew include Matt Latino, Nick Campbell, Rikkie Rumball, Gord Campbell, and Paul Bassil.
A veteran of drag racing for 30 years, Latino is a staunch proponent of working towards a cleaner environment, and through his association with Global Emissions Systems Inc. has introduced programs to better the environment through racing.
Latino said he is especially thankful for the support of his sponsors, crew and wife.
“I have to thank all my sponsors, each and every one of them”, he added. “They all have made this come true. And I also have to thank all the people on the crew who work so hard to make it happen. And I have to thank my wife Sue — for all of her support and putting up with all my late nights preparing before the races.”
Latino’s victory, came over a very competitive Pro Mod program and included wins over Jay Santos in round one and points leader Bruce Boland in the semi finals.
The event’s biggest surprise was however former Super Street 10.5 racer Rocky Dileece who placed runner-up in the class. Driving the ex-R2B2 Racing Chevy Camaro Rocky qualified #3 (6.005 secs) and then ran the first “five” of his career in round one at 5.997 secs 238.32 mph. But in the final he fouled away what might have been his first ever win in Pro Mod with a minus .056 RT.
Rocky Dilecce had his strongest race yet since switching to the PM class
Driving his fan favorite super charged ’41 Willys — Bruce Boland set both low ET and top speed at 5.979 secs and 240.47 mph during qualifying.
Event Essentials: IHRA Mopar Canadian Nitro Jam – Grand Bend Motorplex (July 21-22nd, 2012)
| PMRA PRO MOD | NAME | ET | MPH | CAREER WIN |
| Winner: | Eric Latino | 8.054 | 111.81 | 4th |
| R/UP: | Rocky Dileece | 6.091 | 220.66 | (Foul) |
| Low ET: | Bruce Boland | 5.979 | ||
| Top Speed: | Bruce Boland | 240.47 | ||
| Bump Spot: | 6.225 |
With his win, Latino has moved into second place in the Pro Modified Racing Association 2012 Championship Point Award Series presented by Global Emissions Systems, Inc. with 1049 points. Leading at present is three-time PMRA champion Bruce Boland with 1074 points. Third in the series is Jeff Roth with 1033 points fourth is Jack Grainy with 1016 points, and Rocky Di Lecce is fifth with 1014 points.
Posted by: Tim Miller and Bruce Biegler
Photos by: Brennan Shortall & Bruce Biegler
