When it comes to small tire racing these days, the Radial vs The World class is certainly king, as it’s become a true shark tank, with the astounding elapsed times, top-level cars, and large payouts. This class now attracts some of the best racers from all over the globe to its ranks at events all across the country, and it’s soon to gain another competitor. Canadian Pro Modified racer Paolo Giust is diving into the Radial vs The World ranks with a roots-blown 1969 Camaro, and his entrance is sure to stir up the waters when he hits the track.

Giust is no stranger to wheeling a racecar — he’s been an avid racer since the mid-1980s, when he started out in the bracket ranks. Soon, he needed something quicker and faster, so Giust picked up a dragster to feed his need for speed, before eventually moving to Top Sportsman. When it was time to turn things up a notch, Giust made the jump to Pro Modified.

“In 2012, we bought our first Pro Mod car from Top Fuel racer, Ike Maier. Then, in 2015, we debuted our second Pro Mod with the C7 Corvette called “Elvira”. We currently run the PDRA series with a few other races here and there,” Giust explains.

Giust has experienced success racing in Pro Mod, winning the prestigious Shakedown At The Summit in 2015, but the allure of running radials became too much. “I just love the hype of racing, the crowds look awesome, and I know I’m going to have a good time! I’m really looking forward to this, as is my wife. It was actually her idea — she’s been watching these races and is dying to go,” Giust says.

When it comes to his weapon of choice for Radial vs The World racing, Giust isn’t bringing a knife to a gunfight, that’s for sure. His new ride, dubbed “Black Betty”, is a 1969 Camaro that’s being built by G-Force Race Cars that will be powered by an MSR Hemi with a roots supercharger, and will have a Quick Drive converter unit behind it.

Look for Giust to make the plunge into radial tire racing at Donald Long’s premiere radial tire event, Lights Out 8, next February.