MARKHAM, ONTARIO (April 4, 2011) – Big Sal Cammisuli said he is getting anxious to get into his new Pro Modified and compete in the upcoming Pro Modified Racing Association season.
"I'm all ready," he said. "I just can't wait to let the clutch out."A doorcar racing veteran, Cammisuli has stepped up his efforts in 2011 for his first year in PMRA action. His ZR1 Corvette Pro Modified is ready for opening day.
Although he has had a little experience with supercharged cars throughout his racing, the engine in the ZR1 will be a new experience for him, he said. The 526-cubic inch Brad Anderson (BAE) Hemi has been built and maintained by noted Pro Modified racer Mike Janis of Jan-Cen Racing Engines, and Cammisuli said he will be relying on Jan-Cen for assistance.
"I'm a former nitrous guy," he explained. "I'll be relying on and consulting with Mike (Janis) and John Vouros with this blower car."
A PSI Screw-type Supercharger sits atop the engine, and a three-speed Lenco transmission sits behind the engine in the Stroupe Race Cars chassis. Son Patrick Cammisuli will crew chief for the team, which will receive its main sponsorship from ProT Screen Printing and Embroidery.
Cammisuli has been drag racing since the early 1980s, some of that time as a driver, and some as a team owner.
He has raced in several doorcar classes, including the OSCA and the former Outlaw Pro Stock series at Cayuga, but he got his first taste of the speedy Pro Modifieds about 20 years ago when the class was just beginning.
"Back in 1991 I bought Al Billes' Pro Modified," he said. "I got my Pro Modified license and it all started from there."
He also did some tuning for Rob Sporring's team when the PMRA got underway seven seasons ago, and always wanted to get behind the wheel of his own Pro Modified.
"I liked the atmosphere of the PMRA," he said. "I thought it was well-organized, and I liked the professionalism. I think it's a great organization."
And Cammisuli said he will be at the top of his game when he suits up for the PMRA season opener May 20-22 for the Victoria Day Weekend Challenge at the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park.
"I want to see what the blower car will do," he said. "I don't want to play around. I want to run fast."
