Dirt
NEOPMA
consider how this club showcases ProCharger , turbo , nitrous , screw blower and roots blower combinations – all competing in a single , action-packed , 16-car field . “ It ’ s not easy to maintain parity , but for now these guys are running 2 and 3 hundredths of a second from one another !” Mazzorana says .
A level arena has also played out during eliminations as well , with a different victor in all five events . Winning entries this year were comprised of two ProChargers , two nitrous cars and one roots blower car .
Late in the season , reports were coming in that many news cars were under construction and existing cars being refurbished with plans to be returned to action in 2021 . Native New Yorker and longtime racer David Hance feels that the influx of cars seen this year is only the beginning and believes that 30-plus teams showing up next season wouldn ’ t be an exaggerated expectation , as he himself is currently mounting a Pro Modified comeback with plans of competing within the ranks of the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod series .
In October , the NEOPM association gathered at Maryland International Raceway for its season-ending event , in which 20 cars showed up to do battle . First-time winner Matthew Deitsch emerged victorious while wheeling his nitrous-assisted , Musi-powered ‘ 69 Camaro . Deitsch qualified third and drove a masterful race throughout the day , leaving first out of the gate against all four opponents . Deitsch got past Marc Meadors , Andy Jensen and Dean Marinis in the semis to advance to the finals against the No . 1 qualifier and manytime event winner , Kevin McCurdy . Deitsch lead the entire race , clocking a winning elapsed time of 3.713 at 202 mph . McCurdy recorded a 3.766 at 201 mph in the runner-up effort .
The championship points battle came down to the wire as well , with Dean Marinis clinching the championship over Tyler Hard . Marinis had a stellar year while wheeling the Harry Pappasowned 1969 Camaro .
The 2020 racing season and new format has been a learning experience for all involved within the organization and Mazzorana has been completely encouraged with what he ’ s seen . “ I believe that within the next two years we ’ ll be among the fastest if not the fastest eighth-mile Pro Mod club in the world !” concludes Mazzorana . DI
32 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 162