Roth Racing ready to rumble for upcoming PMRA season

Kitchener-based team returns with updated 1941 Willys in Pro Modified racing action

KITCHENER, ONTARIO (March 19, 2010) – The Roth Racing Team debuted a new car in the Pro Modified Racing Association last season, and after a season of some ups and downs, the 1941 Willys team believes 2010 will be a defining year.

“We’re getting ready for the new season,” said team owner Jim Roth. “We’re also getting ready for a more stable year. We’re still on a learning curve.”

With Jim’s son Jeff driving the Willys, the team faced an uphill battle in PMRA events last year, but went out on a high note with a win late in the year. The team placed third in PMRA Championship Point Award Series in 2009.

The team wrestled with setups after installing a screw blower and a new transmission, but it came together for the Southwestern Ontario team with a solid victory during the Labor Day meet at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

The Willys coupe features an Alan Johnson 526-cubic inch prepped by Atchison Racing, a PSI screw blower, and a Bruno Automatic-equipped Lenco three-speed transmission. While the team will retain this combination, Roth mentioned there has been a fair bit of tweaking over the winter.

“We’ve lightened up the car,” he said. “We are also going to use a remote starter, and we’ve done some work on our engine program.”

Sponsored by Oak Grove Cheese, NGK Spark Plugs and Fire Core 50, Dave Bankes is the crew chief on the Willys, and the rest of the crew includes Larry Summerfield, Marc McCrae, and Ashley Medeiros.  

Jeff Roth, who started racing in 1992, will continue to drive the car.

The senior Roth added the team will compete in PMRA events for 2010, plus will race in the ADRL.

He also said the team learned a great deal last season from noted Pro Modified builder and driver Mike Janis.

“We are grateful to Mike,” Roth said. “He taught us a lot.”

“Tom VanDerGeld and his team at Lowdown Hot Rods have done some tricks to the chassis that should also help.”

“And we’re ready to race now,” he continued. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Website: www.jrothracing.ca

The wild-looking blue and yellow Willys will be on hand for the first PMRA event of the season, the Victoria Day Weekend season opener featuring the PMRA and Quick 32 Sportsman Series at the Cayuga Dragway at Toronto Motorsports Park on May 21-23.