Top Sportsman team to debut Pontiac GXP door-slammer
PINE RIVER, ONTARIO (March 19, 2012) – After competing in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts with their Cavalier-bodied Top Sportsman car for several years, Marvin and Darrin Grubb will debut a new race car this year.
We've got a new chassis and body this season, explained team owner Marvin Grubb. Just about every piece on the car except the engine and transmission is new.
With more than 1000 runs and strong consistency on the Cavalier, the Grubbs turned again to builder Chris Duncan for their new car, a Pontiac GXP based on an NHRA Pro Stock body.
We wanted to get lighter, said Grubb. This new car has a state-of-the-art Roush carbon fiber body.
We're expecting to go faster, he continued. This car is more aerodynamic.
With Darrin Grubb driving, the team placed fourth in the 2011 Quick 32 Sportsman Series. The team qualified in the top ten for each of the six races, and the season was highlighted with an event win at the Xtreme Mayhem Nationals at the Cayuga Dragway.
The series is comprised of Top Sportsman and Top Dragster entries, and each side runs its own eliminations, and the top eliminator on each side enters a final round to determine the event winner.
The new Grubb machine will be powered by the 706-cubic inch Par Racing Chevy engine, with a Hutch's Transmission Service two-speed Powerglide-based transmission. Rupert's Racing Products provides the fuel system.
Mike Dennis is the crew chief on the team, and Barb Grubb is also an integral part of the effort. Sponsorship is provided by Marvin's Automotive Service Ltd., Pennzoil, Hutch's Transmission Service, Ideal Supply, Chris Duncan Race Cars, Foris Signs and Par Racing Engines.
Marvin believes the team will continue to be consistent and successful with the new car.
We're going to be testing soon and get things sorted out, he said. We have a lot of confidence in Duncan and his building good race cars.
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts kicks off its 2012 season with the Victoria Day Weekend Challenge May 18-20 at the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park, the first of six events.
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series, www.Quick32.ca will race six times in 2012. The series also competes with its two companion series, the Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, www.PBSS.ca offering a solid and full package of drag racing action.
