Top Dragster of Toyrific Racing gets boost with supercharged powerplant
ORILLIA, ONTARIO (June 14, 2010) – With a new ERD engine program, Melanie Simmons is hoping to be a strong player in this year’s Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts.
“We were disappointed we didn’t qualify for a couple of races last year,” said Simmons, who drives the Top Dragster of Toyrific Racing. “But we’ve stepped up for this year.”
The 540-cubic inch Chevy engine has received a supercharger and related equipment from the shops of Carl Spiering’s Engine Research & Development (ERD) and the team is hoping the increase in power will get the LJ Red dragster down the track quicker.
“We didn’t qualify and sat out a couple of races,” Simmons explained about the team’s woes last year. “That’s why we’ve upgraded the engine.” The car was previously fueled through an Enderle Fuel Injection system.
During the first Quick 32 Sportsman Series event for 2010 held at Cayuga Dragway in May, the team borrowed a car from Spiering similar to their now-upgraded dragster, and Simmons qualified 13th in the field. The Toyrific team will be ready with the new combination for the upcoming RPM Magazine Family PowerFest & Media Weekend to be held at the Grand Bend Motorplex June 25-27.
Simmons has raced since 1996, starting in Junior Dragsters and graduating to the faster car several years ago.
The popular driver will once again have her father Roger crew chiefing for the team.
Others helping out include Colin Steels, Dave Gregg, Suzanne Simmons, and Mike Scott. Team sponsors are Jackson Transportation Systems, Delta Faucet Canada, Barrie Harley Davidson, Lauer's Restaurant Equipment, Auto Sense Auto Parts, Auto Logic Service Expert, McArthur Tire
Orillia, Castrol, Tim Martin Racing, ERD (Engine Research & Development), Extreme Collision Centre, NGK Spark Plugs, Felpro Gaskets, Crown Battery and RS Performance Auto Service.
Simmons said she enjoyed the first year of Quick 32 Sportsman Series, in spite of her limited success.
“We still had fun,” she mentioned. “I thought the series was excellent, and our sponsors still had lots of exposure.
“And this year we are shooting for a better season.”
At the RPM Magazine Family PowerFest & Media Weekend three qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, June 26 and eliminations are scheduled to begin Sunday, June 27.
For information about the RPM Magazine Family PowerFest & Media Weekend at the Grand Bend Motorplex, call (519) 238-7223 or visit www.rpm-mag.com or www.grandbendmotorplex.com
