Brazilian businessman and drag strip owner Sidnei “Grandao” Frigo, a second year NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster competitor, will be making the transition to Top Fuel next season, it was announced late last week.

Frigo, whose racing operation is based out of Florida, finished ninth in the NHRA Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster standings behind the wheel of his colorful A/Fuel Dragster, will make his Top Fuel debut at the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals in Pomona. Frigo and company have a brand new Murk McKinney-bult chassis for the move to the professional ranks, and the team will begin testing in December to prepare for the new venture and for Frigo to obtain his upgraded license.

Frigo scored his first major win in the United States during his rookie season in 2011, grabbing a win at the NHRA Division 2 meet at Charlotte’s zMAX Dragway.

Frigo’s Top Fuel Dragster will carry the colors of Artivinco, one of the largest cardboard product manufacturers in Brazil. The team is currently hosting a poll on their website (in Portugese) to decide the paint scheme for the new car, with five winners receiving a team shirt and hat. The contest/poll ends on November 30, so get your selection in sooner rather than later.

In his native country, Frigo owns and operates the lavish and private, $24 million Sao Paulo International Dragway in Sao Paulo. He’s also linked with Chicuanas businessman Rishi Kanick, who is building a likewise expansive and modern motorsports park in central Trinidad based on the concept and design of the Sao Paulo raceway.

The Frigo team has not yet revealed the extent of their schedule for the 2013 campaign, but we’ll have more information as it becomes available.