First Look – Marvel New Canadian Pro Mod!
By: Bruce Biegler
Canada’s Pro Mod racing scene will feature a bold new player this season. Jacinto Dos Santos (who is more commonly known as Jay Santos), from Halton Hills Ontario, will debut a simply spectacular new machine this spring…
Santos, who is a highly successful and multi-dimensional businessman (owner of Brampton Pallet Inc., JM Recycling and S&W Auto) is scheduled to take delivery of his all new G-Force Race Cars built ’69 Camaro in the very near future. That car features the very latest in G-Force chassis technology and is also the first ever ’69 Camaro body produced by reputed Canadian company Cynergy Composites (Strathroy ON).
For Santos, who did dabble over the last few seasons within the OSCA Fast Street Car scene driving a 1969 Camaro SS, the move to Pro Mod came as a consequence of a few things.
“Originally, about two years ago, my plans were to build a new 10.5 tire car,” Jay revealed. “But as time when on and we looked at the investment required to do that I decided instead to step up to Pro Mod. I have been working very closely with Jim Salemi (at G-Force), Jon Salemi (Resolution Racing Services) and Mike Stawicki who are all #1 one guys that I have the utmost respect for. They have been great to work with on the project — showing me all the ins and outs.”
In fact Jim and Jon will continue to assist as Jay gets his bearings in the Pro Mod class as a driver. The car will be motivated by an ultra powerful 521 CID supercharged BAE Hemi motor from Mike Stawicki (MSR), which features a rotor screw blower. That engine is similar to that which now powers Mike’s record shattering Firebird which won the PMRA points championship in a rout last season.
Santos also takes great pride in the final finish of the Yenko-themed Camaro. A stunning scheme designed by Justin Spencer (Competition Designs) was expertly applied by Buffalo-area artist extraordinaire Scott Jahren.
Santos is also excited about being the first to run the newly introduced Cynergy ’69 Camaro body.
“Originally I had thought about doing a 70 ½ Camaro – but after a meeting with Tim (Hodgins) at Cynergy he agreed to make a ’69 Camaro,” Jay added. “I was able to help with that design and I’m very pleased with the final outcome.”
Jay Santos plans to begin testing the new car approximately March in conjunction with the Salemi brothers and Mike Stawicki down in Florida. After that fans of both the PMRA and ADRL racing circuits can look forward to seeing the all new Canadian entry at various events this season.