Longevity & Independence
Bruce Boland has self built a racing reputation piece by piece over many seasons. Despite a campaign that is limited almost exclusively within the confines of the Province of Ontario, this 100% hands on racer is still widely regarded as one of Canada’s very best Pro Mod competitors…
During 2011 Boland continued on with his reputed winning ways. The Hamilton-based driver, who won three consecutive PMRA points Championships (2007-2009), came within a mere one point of scoring his 4th Championship title. In a very see-saw season battle, it was first time Champion Vito Montesano edging Boland out by a 1534 to 1533 points tally – the closest finish in the PMRA’s history.
Driving this supercharged Willys - Bruce Boland came super close to a 4th PMRA Pro Mod title last season
Boland was behind the wheel of a supercharged B&B Racing 1941 Willys last year. Powered by an ERD-prepared 526 CID Brad Anderson (BAE) supercharged Hemi, the PSI supercharged machine was in fact the 8th Pro Mod of Boland’s long racing career and one which was arguably his best car yet.
“This car was built by Larson Race Cars in Topeka Kansas,” Bruce revealed. “It was originally a very light weight car targeted for and then raced in the ADRL for about two years. When I sold my Corvette to a racer in Quebec last winter we saw this Willys for sale on-line. So we jumped in the truck and went and got it. Then with John Salemi’s help (G-Force Race Cars) we put our engine program and drive train in it and hit the track in the spring.”
Bruce Boland's drag racing success has been self taught and self funded.
Boland’s Willys was impressive right out of the gate and then throughout the balance of the 2011 PMRA season. On only his second full run in the car he recorded a then career best 5.953 secs – racing at Cayuga Dragway.
“I had a real good early feeling about this car,” Bruce added. “Then it proved to be very comfortable and smooth to drive and the visibility was actually an improvement over some of my previous cars.”
What is really impressive about Bruce Boland within Canadian drag racing circles is his longevity. Boland has raced Pro Mod cars of many forms dating back into the 1990’s, well before the inception of the now very popular PMRA circuit (established in 2004). Throughout all that time Bruce has managed to maintain a self-funded very competitive and steady course.
While Boland is of course thankful for his valued associate sponsors — his preference has always been to chart his own destiny.
“I’ve been 100% independent — it seems forever — and I prefer it that way,” he added. “I stay within my means and do what I can with what I’ve got – and so far so good.”
During 2011/12 off-season Boland along with his chief Rob Cesario, and other team members Willy Kerr, Dennis Veillette, Brad Short and Ron Pierce are busy planning their next racing chapter. Their primary objective being of course yet another PMRA Pro Mod Championship title.
A few years back - Bruce Boland raced another Willys Coupe -- this one was a 1933 replica
Posted by: Bruce Biegler – Photos by Bruce Biegler
