Tony Positano pleased with first year in Quick 32 Sportsman Series

Cayuga/TMP Top Dragster winner plans to return for 2010 season

TORONTO, ONTARIO (November 27, 2009) - “Wow. What an exciting season. We have really enjoyed it.”

Top Dragster driver Tony Positano joined the ranks of the newly-formed Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts in 2009 after competing locally in Top Dragster competition for the past two seasons.

The driver and team owner of the Mike Bos Slip Joint Dragster said the series was the right program at the right time for competitors such as him.

“This is a fantastic series,” noted Positano. “I’m proud to be a part of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. It’s what we needed in Ontario.”

Positano missed the series opener at the Cayuga Dragway at TMP, but raced in the remaining five events. The highlight of his season was capturing the Top Dragster final during the September 19 event held at Cayuga.

Qualifying 14th in the 16-car field, Positano was able to eliminate number one qualifier Michael Hinbest of Orangeville, Ontario to take the Top Dragster title.

“We were surprised but certainly pleased we won,” he said. “It goes to show that you have to be there to play and win.”

Powered by a Stefko Racing Engines built 565-cubic inch engine, and fueled with a Magna Fuel 500 Pump with Pro Series 1250 Carb, the 245-inch wheelbase dragster also utilizes a Ron Shilling Powerglide. 

Kelly Sams provides the Crew Chief duties, and the team’s sponsors include Lucas Oil and Vinylbilt Windows and Doors.

Positano mentioned another couple of highlights for the season, including a loss to fellow Quick 32 racer Michael Kalin of Youngstown, NY, at one race and then beating him at the next event and winning the Grudge Match race over the Labor Day weekend at the Grand Bend Motorplex over the Pontiac GTO doorcar of Michael Campolucci.

“That was quite a show, and quite a race,” he remarked about the win over Campolucci.

Positano mentioned he has no big plans for his car for 2010, other than a freshening-up with new Wiseco Pistons and trying to loose some weight on the car.

Positano also mentioned he wanted to thank several competitors:

“The Spiering family makes a great show at the races,” he said. “Carl is always available for advice, and Lisa is a great driver.

“I want to thank the hospitality of Darryl and Carol McMillen,” he added, “for their Friday night get-togethers at the track.

”I also want to thank my sponsors, including Steve Snowden of Lucas Oil Canada, for having faith in our race team, and Vinylbilt Windows and Doors, which have given me the opportunity to pursue our love and passion.

“And thanks the Quick 32 Sportsman Series sponsors, to Ron Shilling for his continued professional support, and to Kelly, my Crew Chief, for her commitment to a safe and successful race operation.” 

Positano will return next year.

“The Quick 32 program gave us a purpose, a goal,” he said. “It also brought a great group of people together with a common pastime. We look forward to another rewarding and successful season in 2010.”

Tony Positano was the winner of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series Wiseco Piston Award for 2009.

For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher Bruce@Quick32.ca

About the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts:

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca, of drag racing was started early in 2009 as an alternative for high-horsepower Sportsman-class teams to compete on a regular basis.

For 2009, dates included Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, starting with the season opener on May 16 and 17 and the season-closer “Double Header” on September 19 and 20, and the South-western Ontario track of the Grand Bend Motorplex on June 27 and 28, the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts August 15 and 16 and the Thunder by the Beach Weekend September 5 and 6.

With 32-car qualified fields comprised of the 16 quickest open wheeled cars (Top Dragster) and the 16 quickest door cars (Top Sportsman), the Quick 32 Sportsman Series featured the best in ET-style, dial-in drag racing, competing on a Sportsman ladder and pit door-slammers against dragsters in every race day final. 

Competitors in this Ontario-based series must comply with the IHRA Top Dragster and Top Sportsman Safety rules and regulations, and the maximum dial-in will be 7.95 seconds for the quarter-mile.

This new venture provided $3000 to win for each event and $5000 for the annual Championship Point Award Series champion, payouts very popular with competitors and will provide large fields of race cars. 

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is committed in providing a professional atmosphere for its teams. It will also provide solid media and logistic support to ensure it becomes one of the most popular drag race series running Top Sportsman and Top Dragster race cars.

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts competed several times with the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.PMRA.ca, as well as selected special events, offering fans a great show of drag racing.

Photo Credit: Bill Mehlenbacher Photography - www.nxphoto.com and Dale Boeru - Canadian Drag Racing Photos - www.canadiandragracingphotos.com