The new Nostalgia Pro Stock movement will make its Sydney racing debut this Saturday at Day of the Drags with a number of old school rides on track with a new generation behind wheel.
With plans to develop the class with rulesets for each generation in the works, for now the important phase is to just gauge interest and have cars on track putting on a show irrespective of performance.
Racers featuring this weekend include Owen James racing the iconic Ex-Polito Ford Cortina. The car has a deep history in Australian drag racing, originally raced by Joe Polito from 1985 to 1990. Polito essentially constructed the car himself in the early ’80s, with Mario Corona handling the panel work. The project started as a bare chassis, which Polito carefully fitted with a Cortina body, assembling it in his own garage.
“This DIY spirit and craftsmanship marked the car’s humble beginnings, quickly making a mark in Pro Stock circles,” said James.
James purchased the car in 1990 and raced it until 1996, winning several events, including the Holden vs. Ford challenge and other minor events, primarily at Oran Park. After a six-year layoff, James brought the car back for two more events at Wakefield Park, followed by its final drag racing appearance in 2002 at Oran Park before being put into a 22-year hibernation in a chicken shed.
James is now back behind the wheel of the Cortina, slowly refining its performance. While his journey with the car is still in its early stages, he’s focused on extracting the best from the Ford Cleveland engine built by Pro Flo Performance and OAC Engineering. With a personal best ET of 8.638 seconds at 155.96 MPH, James is focused on refining the car’s setup and dialling in consistent performances. Supported by his dedicated team, James is determined to make the most of every opportunity to race and learn more about the car.
Naomi Dyson will also racing her 1986 Pontiac Firebird, this iconic car, originally known as the Australian Flag Car, has a storied past in Australian Pro Stock racing. Driven by Wayne Missingham in the 90s, it was imported from the USA by John Honan and underwent several transformations, including being reworked into the pink Smith & Ware car. Despite its rich history, the Firebird may not have the speed needed for full-time Nostalgia Pro Stock competition, but Naomi is excited to take on the challenge with her technical expertise.
Powered by a small block Chevy engine from Westend Performance, Naomi’s best time is 9.05 seconds at 151 mph. Supported by a dedicated team and sponsors like BNS Waterproofing and Penrite Oils, Naomi aims to impress, focusing on the Best Showman award rather than top speed. Her entry into the class adds another chapter to this legendary car’s history and is sure to be a highlight for drag racing fans.
The youngest of the competitors this weekend will be Luke Romeo, the 18-year-old drag racer is set to make his mark driving his 1991 VP Commodore, a car with a storied history, including championship wins in the mid-90s as a Super Stock car. Powered by a small block Chevy engine built by Intouch Automotive, the Commodore has earned a reputation as a formidable competitor. Although Luke isn’t yet planning on running full-time in Nostalgia Pro Stock, he’s excited to take on the challenge and turn heads with his performance. The nostalgia of Pro Stock racing, with its high RPM engines and fierce competition, is what draws Luke to this class.
Luke, who typically races in Super Gas and has posted a personal best of 9.90 at 153 MPH, is looking forward to the thrill of close racing and the adrenaline of the high-revving engines. Supported by his dedicated crew, which includes his dad, friends, and his Nonna and Nonno, Luke is ready to give his all. His sponsors, such as Intouch Automotive, Burson’s Narellan, VP Race Fuels, and Atlantic Oils, have been integral to his success, and they will be with him this weekend. While his main focus is on racing, Luke is also aiming for the Best Showman award, promising fans an exciting and memorable performance on the track.
Also out their will be one of the most recognisable Pro Stock cars during the 90s and 00s, the Polito Family’s Ford Probe has been in the family for three generations. Originally built by Jerry Bickel in 1989, Joe Polito successfully campaigned the Probe from 1990 through to 2004 culminating in two National Championships in ‘96 and ’97, and at the peak of the car’s dominance, was once the quickest and fastest aspirated small block in the land after a 7.71 pass at the ‘97 Winternationals.
The car was passed down to Joe’s son, and current Pro Stock racer Tony who ran it in a variety of classes, before Joe’s grandson’s Nicholas and Joe Jr took turns behind the wheel. Nicholas is eager to continue the family’s Pro Stock focus with a set goal of winning a Pro Stock Championship and will be the one to race the Probe in Nostalgia Pro Stock, paying homage to his family’s long Pro Stock past time.
“Being able to race the same car my grandfather and father drove has been a surreal experience,” said Nicholas. “Competing in the Nostalgia Pro Stock class, which aims to honour the legacy of Australian Pro Stock cars and drivers, adds an entirely new layer of significance. While it’s not the modern Pro Stock we know today, it’s as close as it gets, and it’s an honour to be a part of this exciting new chapter in the sport.”
Joe Catanzariti has entered his Pontiac Firebird, the model and body shape was a revelation for Pro Stock in the 90s, replacing the iconic Oldsmobile Cutlass as the body of choice in Pro Stock. Normally racing in Super Gas, look out for him to be the quickest car at the event when he removes the throttle stop.
Stay in touch with Nostalgia Pro Stock at their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/231641446110613
and Pro Stock Australia: https://www.facebook.com/ProStockAus/
Story credit: Pro Stock Australia.
