Points leader Vito Montesano ready for a win in PMRA drag racing

Round four of Pro Modified Racing Association this weekend during

the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex

MAPLE, ONTARIO (August 3, 2011) – Pro Modified Racing Association driver Vito Montesano is hoping he can put it all together for the next PMRA race at the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts August 4-7 at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

Montesano presently leads the PMRA Championship Point Award Series presented by Magnum Auto Parts and Patio Passport with 817 points. He has qualified number one at all events so far this year with his supercharged ERD-powered 1969 Camaro Pro Modified, and has set a fast time of 5.889-seconds down the quarter mile.

"What's my plan for this weekend? It's to stay at the top," he said. "I'd like to set a big number and keep it."

Montesano has a first-round appearance, a semi-final round, and a runner-up posting to his credit so far this year.

Second in points is three-time PMRA champion Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario with 811 points with his 1941 Willys. Eric Latino of Whitby, Ontario, who has one PMRA race to his credit this season, is next with his 1969 Camaro and 788 points. The 1941 Willys Pro Mod of Jeff Roth of Kitchener, Ontario is next with 778 points, and John Russo of Middletown, Massachusetts and his Camaro are fifth with 775 points.

Montesano mentioned he is keeping the status quo with his car this weekend.

"We have no major changes with the car," he said. "We want to keep consistent and try and win one."

Montesano and the rest of the PMRA racers will be doing battle at Grand Bend this weekend, the first race of the 2011 season to be held at the track. This popular annual race will feature rounds in the two companion series to the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series. 

The weekend will also feature Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Ike Maier in the Paton Racing Top Fueler, wheelstander and jet car action, and two top Alcohol Funny Cars, the Larry Dobb's car and Cassandra Simonton driving the Kon Rodz Racing entry of Spiro Kontos.

Session one of PMRA qualifying gets underway Friday August 5 at 7:15 pm. Qualifying continues Saturday August 6 at 4 pm, and PMRA elimination rounds are scheduled to begin Sunday August 7 at 11:15 am.

Thursday, August 4 the weekend gets underway with a Fan Fest Party hosted by Boston Pizza in Stratford. On Friday August 5 there will be a Test & Tune session beginning at 11 am, gates open to the public at 3:00 pm, and the first qualifying round in the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS takes place at 7:15 pm, followed by entertainment presented by Ideal Supply in the NAPA tent.

The Vendor Midway opens at 9 am Saturday August 6 to start the day. After Time Trial sessions for Bracket racers in the afternoon, qualifying continues at 4 pm for the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS, as well as round one for the Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Alcohol Funny Cars, Ike Maier Top Fuel Dragster, Wheelstander and Jet Dragster. At 7 pm qualifying and the show cars return, and the evening closes with fireworks and entertainment.

At 11:15 am Sunday August 7 eliminations begin along with a return of the Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Alcohol Funny Cars, Ike Maier Top Fuel Dragster, Wheelstander and Jet Funny Car. Eliminations for the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS will continue through the day, with the final rounds scheduled for 5 pm.

Complimentary spectator event tickets will still be available at Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts locations across Ontario, at businesses in Stratford, by contacting the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Pro Bike & Sled Series or download a printable E-Ticket at www.stratfordspectacular.com

General parking is $20 per car load and weekend camping is available. 

For information about the Stratford Spectacular Hot August National presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts at the Grand Bend Motorplex, call (519) 238-7223, visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com or www.stratfordspectacular.com