 Ralph Andreacchi steps up 2008 PMRA effort
New engine and new knowledge will make Skull Motorsports a big threat
MAPLE, ONTARIO (February 4, 2008) – After a year away from Pro Modified Racing Association competition, Ralph Andreacchi will return for the 2008 PMRA season with a vengeance.
The Skull Motorsports team driver has a new Al Billes Racing 526-cubic inch supercharged Brad Anderson Hemi ready for the 1953 Studebaker Pro Modified, plus a year’s worth of knowledge after working with partner Raymond Commisso on the ComAnd Racing team on last year’s NHRA AMS circuit.
“I can’t wait to use some of the knowledge I picked up from working with Al Billes last year to the Skull team,” stated Andreacchi, who added he plans to race the entire PMRA tour in 2008.
“Being under the Al Billes Racing umbrella brings that extra security, so to speak, going to the starting line, knowing the car is making a ton of Billes power. And that is very reassuring,” added Andreacchi. “I decided to put the old Stude back together and run it when we are not racing in the NHRA Pro Modified series with Raymond.”
Andreacchi mentioned he had applied some of his learned skills last season helping his cousin and fellow PMRA driver Sam Andreacchi, who had a good 2007 and placed fifth in points in his rookie season.
“Working with Al and Raymond over the past season was rewarding, and now we can apply that to our Studebaker. There was lots of hard work last season, running all 10 NHRA Pro Modified races,” he went on. “The team was Canada’s first five-second Pro Modified. We should be in good shape for this year’s season.”
“My solo tuner duties were put to the test at our Bristol stop on the tour last year, when Al could not be with us and was in Edmonton,” commented Andreacchi. “So I took over the tuning duties, and we qualified Raymond Commisso in the number five spot, I was having fun, we went all the way to the finals, posting the fastest ET every round, and although we lost in the finals, it was an experience I will keep forever.”
The former OSCA driver of the year said he will be doing all the driving this year, and will be helping out with the tuning. He added that Billes will work with the team to help get the 2500-horsepower race car down the track as quick as possible.
“Al will be with us tuning the car,” said Andreacchi. “He’ll be with us when he can as he maintains a busy schedule, and we look forward to his expertise. He will be a great asset to the team. He’s the best tuner in the business.”
“I also want to thank my wife Diane,” he continued. “That old saying ‘behind every good man is a good woman’ and this is true with my racing. She has been very supportive, and for that I am grateful.”
Other team members include Frank Cesario, Tony Piselli, Eric Grenci, Walter Carrierio, Kerry Atkinson, Joseph Andreacchi, and “Chico”.
The Skull Motorsports team is sponsored by Al Billes Racing, Performance Engineering, Fast Eddie Racewear, Le Chassis, J.E. Construction and Haulage, plus VP Fuels, Performance Tire, and the Dimmi Bar and Trattoria.
PMRA tour stops in 2008 include two dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, Lancaster Raceway Park in New York State, Sanair in Quebec and the Southwestern Ontario track of Grand Bend Motorplex.
Negotiations are underway with several US race tracks based in Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania with the plan of presenting a seven-event PMRA drag racing series this season.
For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@ProModifiedRacing.com |
