The son of famed Pro Stock racer and engine builder Frank Iaconio succumbed to injuries sustained in a two-vehicle traffic accident in New Jersey on Thursday, January 2. Frank Iaconio, Jr. 34, was attempting to turn left onto the southbound lane from a home on the northbound side of Route 206 in Mount Olive when he was struck by a southbound SUV. He was airlifted to a nearby medical center where he passed away.

Following his graduation from Mount Olive High School in 2003, Iaconio, Jr. attended the School of Automotive Machinists (SAM Tech) in Texas, where he studied cylinder head machining and theory, learning the in’s and out’s of of engine blocks, cylinder heads, and professional engine building, all with the intent of following in his father’s footsteps to grow the family business, FIRE Racing Engines. FIRE, most notably, provides power for the NHRA Pro Stock machines of Kenny Delco and Val Smeland. FIRE was founded in 1972, and the elder Iaconio earned 11 Pro Stock national event victories in his driving career utilizing his engine-building talents. Iaconio, Jr.’s fatal accident occurred less than half a mile from the FIRE facility.

Iaconio, Jr. worked for Dave Jack Cylinder Heads and LRB Performance Machine Shop, both in his home state of New Jersey, along with his father’s business, for nearly 13 years following his graduation from SAM Tech.

Frank is survived by his parents, Frank and Lisa Iaconio, and sister, Jenna Iaconio. He will be laid to rest January 7 in Chester, New Jersey.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Frank Iaconio, Jr.