Potent Pro Stock Partnership

Canadian participation within the ADRL’s XPS class (Extreme Pro Stock) has been bolstered following a significant new partnership between veteran racers…

Towards the end of last year, Toronto-area team owner Amo Paone and reputed Pro Mod driver Tony Pontieri teamed up and the future is progressing rather nicely for the Chevrolet Mountain-motored Pro Stock team.

During the recent ADRL Penske North East Drags held near Reading PA, the team began to reap some rewards from its new association.  For the first time together, they qualified (#14) with a run of 4.126 secs, and then they also won their first ever round in competition, defeating class stalwart John Montecalvo during round #1.

Tony Pontieri & Amo Paone

“We started out together later last year,” confirmed Tony Pontieri.  “Amo and I have been good friends for a very long time – we are both hard core racers.  That is a good thing when teaming up because it’s guaranteed that we always want to go racing.  We work on the car together all the time away from the track too – I really can’t ask for a better relationship from a team owner and friend.”

The team has unveiled a new engine program within the frame rails of the #9 Auto Wreckers-backed Chevy Colbalt, a car that was originally raced in IHRA by Rick Jones.  

“There is always a struggle point in motorsports when you are doing something new,” Tony continued.  “There are a lot of opinions out there, but the truth is you need to find out what your own car likes.  We are going through that phase at the moment.”

For Pontieri, whose racing career has been pretty much exclusively in Pro Mod cars, there is also a rather major adjustment required to his driving process.   This Pro Stock ride is Tony’s first since his very major crash in Rob Sporring’s Pro Mod at NHRA Norwalk last summer.

Tony Pontieri made solid progress in XPS racing recently

“As a driver I am working to get myself back into a program,” he added.  “There is a pretty big difference driving a Pro Stock car and to the 1/8^th mile.  The Pro Stocker is a bit more finicky to drive then a supercharged car.  Your mindset has to be different too.  I’m amazed that everyone in this class cuts “double O” lights — so you really need to be ready as a driver.”

 For Amo Paone, this joint venture is a continuation of his Mountain-motor Pro Stock quest which has been active for a number of seasons.   He formally raced a number of cars in conjunction with his brother Anthony Paone who was then the driver. 

“We have the equipment and the know-how,” Amo added.  “Now we are going to build on our experience.  I’m very optimistic.”

The Paone/Pontieri car will be active at all ADRL circuit races this season. 

For more information on the ADRL visit:  www.ADRL.us 

(Posted by:  Bruce Biegler)