Former IHRA champ looking for good 2012 after first year learning curve
LONDON, ONTARIO (February 2, 2012) - One of Canada's most successful drag racers will be returning to the Pro Modified Racing Association in 2012.
After his first PMRA racing last year, London's Rob Atchison will be behind the wheel of the Atchison Racing Corvette Pro Modified, and said he hopes his short time last season will bear fruit.
"We're going to try to make the next step up," said the three-time IHRA Funny Car Champion, who believes the team has made the transition from the Alcohol-powered Flopper to a door-slamming Pro Modified. "We've made some changes, and I think I've learned how to drive the new car."
Atchison was a dominate force in the IHRA Funny Car wars, winning 21 events, world records in elapsed time and speed, and the three titles in 2003, 2004, and 2005. With only 20 runs on the Corvette last year, he believes he has made the needed driving style adjustments.
"With a Funny Car you have to steer it all the time," he noted. "I found with the Pro Modified the drive can be much smoother, and there is not the need to be aggressive as with the Funny Car. There is less correcting with the Pro Modified, and making adjustments as you're driving down the track does little to help."
Rob's father Bob Atchison will continue to act as crew chief for the car, a Tim McAmis Race Car chassis powered by a 481X AJPE prepared by Atchison Machine Service under the hood of the 1963 Corvette body. An APSI Superchargers – D Rotor Screw-type Supercharger is employed, along with an Atchison Machine Service fuel system. A three-speed Lenco sits behind the engine.
Assisting the team are Kyle Harris, Pat Ryan, Dennis Smith, Colin Harris, Maxine Atchison and Julie Atchison. Thanks go to Dave Bankes for his involvement on the team.
The effort is sponsored by Atchison Machine Service and West Coast Transportation along with product sponsors, Pennzoil/Shell Oil, Eaton Aeroquip, Mahle Clevite, NGK Spark Plugs, Contact Welding, Jet Tools and Equipment, Hoosier Tire, Dewalt Tools, Lenco Transmissions and Permatex Canada. The team placed ninth in the 2011 PMRA standings highlighted with a semi-round appearance in event six of the schedule.
Racing since 1995, Atchison said he and the team should be ready for serious racing.
"We're going to be back," he said. "I love racing the PMRA series, it's a great organization that gives us the chance to race locally in front of many fans and sponsors."
The PMRA will compete in seven events this year, starting May 18-20 with the Victoria Day Weekend Challenge at the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park.
The Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca competes with its two companion series, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, www.Quick32.ca and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, www.PBSS.ca offering a solid and full package of drag racing action.
Photo Credit: Dale Boeru ~ www.CanadianDragRacer.ca and Dave Erauw Photography ~ www.erauw-photo.com
