Release from PMRA:

If there is one driver ready to get back to racing in the Pro Modified Racing Association, it is Eric Latino, driver of the 1938 Chevy Pro Modified.

“I can’t wait to get the car out,” said Latino, who placed fourth in the PMRA Championship Point Award Series in 2009. “We plan to race in all the PMRA events this year. We have had a great time with the series.”

Latino mentioned the car is ready, and that there will be more power for 2010.

“We found a lot more power in the engine than we had last year,” he mentioned. “It should be up over 200 horsepower more.”

The Chevy coupe is powered by a Veney 526-cubic inch Hemi supercharged engine, and behind it is a Lenco CS2 three-speed transmission. A Kobelco K-10 14-71 blower sits atop the engine, and is fed through a Waterman Racing Components fuel system. The car is based on a Jerry Bickel Race Cars chassis with help from Don Phoenix.

The team spent some time thrashing with set-ups in 2009, but with the assistance of Jim Salemi of G-Force Race Cars, the right combination was found, and Latino said he was pleased with the progression the team made last season.

He added the plan is to sight new sights for 2010.

“We went as fast as we wanted to go last year,” Latino said. “We felt comfortable. This year we’re going to step it up. I want to qualify for every race.”

Salemi will return to the team as car chief. Crew chief on the team is Pete Olin, with Rachel Olin, Matthew Latino, and Ross making up the rest of the team. Sponsors for the car include Redline Automotive, Global Emissions Systems, Magnum Auto Parts, NGK Spark Plugs, Hoosier Racing Tire, Pro Racing Fuels, Don Butt Auto Body, Ellesmere Fabricators, and Kendall Motor Oil.

Latino said he continues to work on his own physical fitness program over the winter months.

“I want to be in shape to drive this car,” he said, adding he started his fitness program before his first year in the PMRA in 2008. “I think right now I’m physically in shape. I’m thankful to Andre Avitor of Anytime Fitness in Durham, Ontario (and a drag racer himself) for his help.”

Latino and his Chevy will be ready for the opening round of the PMRA, the Victoria Day Weekend – PMRA & Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts event on the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario.