“Nitro Express” Now Canadian-based!

By:       Bruce Biegler

In a rather significant Canadian drag racing news development – there is now a 2^nd Top Fuel dragster operation based from Canadian soil.  

Confirmation has come from Oshawa Ontario’s John Laporte that he recently completed the purchase of the entire “Nitro Express” Top Fuel operation from Oklahoma’s Fred Farndon.  Farndon, who was born in Canada, and who is a wily 71-years old, will continue to drive the car for the immediate future.

The "Nitro Express" is now Canadian based

Laporte, who owns and operates a precision sheet metal fabrication company (Fabrication Technics – Bowmansville ON) also confirmed that John (Bodie) Smith, son of legendary famed tuner Paul Smith will tune the car and that the motor program will include new involvement by Canada’s Kirk Silbermann (Ajax Engines). 

The team has plans to race at both Charlotte and Reading NHRA events this fall which will lead up to a 5-6 event run during the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle season.

“After we raced at Cayuga last summer we did a lot of work to the car in Canada,” said Laporte.  “Because of the almost all Canadian crew it just made more and more sense to  base the car out of Canada – so I purchased it all – 100%.”

For Laporte, whose involvement with Fred Farndon dates back about two years, the chance to field a second Top Fuel car for Canadian drag racing fans was something he didn’t want to pass up.

“I’m pleased to give Canada another Top Fuel car to cheer for,” John added.  “We look forward to some fun and exciting times ahead.”

Racing fans planning to attend this weekend’s Autofest in Oshawa can get an exclusive close up look at the car which will be on display over the weekend.   That takes place Friday thru Sunday at Lakeville Park.

(Bruce Biegler Photo)