“GOOD BYE. IT’S TIME FOR ME TO MOVE ON.” (John Mazzorana)
It seems like yesterday that I started the NEOPMA. It’s been 32 years of love , frustration , aggravation, fun and friendship. Despite all the stomach acidity and thankless times …I still think of our racers as friends , family and some cases even like my brothers/ children. I will miss you guys but promise to stay in touch.
My decision to retire is based on several things but I will only share the top four in random order:
Several of the clubs staunchest racer sponsors have either stopped racing ,moved on to other organizations or simply moved. One of my major reasons for running the club was the comrades/ friendship and fun I have with you all.
Recently my health has become of real concern and makes it difficult to me to give 100% effort to do a good job. I hope to be somewhat better early next year.
The Pro Mod world is becoming cluttered with big dollar events, lots of associations with numerous events and less cars per event. Difficult to successfully compete.
It’s not uncommon to see $50,000 purses (now $ $150,000) causing drivers to move onto other programs. On the other hand, PRO MODS ARE FINALLY GETTING RECOGNITION.
WHERE DOES THE NEOPMA GO FROM HERE?
Frankly, I don’t know. I would like it to continue and prosper so I’ve been trying to find a suitable replacement but to no avail. Some of the best candidates understand the time and dedication required but cannot commit. Others simply do not have the drive, desire or skill set needed to assure ongoing success. Frankly, this is a quandary. Anyone interested please contact me.
THANK YOU TO SO MANY RACERS, SPONSOR COMPANIES, TRACKS.
This good bye note would be extremely long if I mentioned all the people who helped us so I will only focus on the top few :
THANK YOU TO OUR STAFF WITHOUT WHOM THEIR WOULD-BE CHAOS:
Mark Tinari our Vice President director of marketing, website manager and photographer has been the cornerstone of our team for over 25 years. His continued support has help make us one of the best-known PM clubs in the country.
Dennis Quitoni our director of operations joined us several years ago and brought more comprehensive and effective methods of staging with cohesive rules while managing racer relations. “You can’t make all the racer happy all the time“ but Dennis listens and tries.
Donna Curci and Jimmy. Long Island Donna is her race name and our club announcer. Her passion for Drag racing is fantastic. She eats, sleeps and thinks about nothing once she is at the track, yes and even at home Ya gotta love her .
Mel Jones is our operation assistant manager. Aside from helping stage cars and numerous other tasks , he is fun to be with. Thank God for Mel and his sense of humor. PM drivers can be very demanding and outspoken. It is Mel’s personality that keeps us from getting upset.
Jay Warren (NC ProModer) and his wife Lori are welcomed members of our NEOPMA family. Jay provides us with some of the best Live Coverage ever . His talent and consistent coverage make us proud to work with him.
THANKS TO OUR RACERS AND RACER SPONORS: Just a few …
Fred Scriba, Anne and the Scriba family for their many years of support, dedication, sponsorship and most of all friendship. The Scriba family has been loyal to the NEOPMA for well over 25 years. They are one of the major reasons I continued to run the club.
The Hard racing team (Brian Hard, Tyler Hard and Kevin McCurdy) supported the club and helped bring it up to the level of larger organizations. Through their efforts and support the NEOPMA racers can stand toe to toe with any Pro Mods in the country.
The Pilot, King, Miller racing team are great competitors and friends. Through their participation and assistance, we were able to have top notch racing and competitive payouts. They are lots of fun and a very competitive team that are envied.
Too many more to list. You made it fun.
THANKS TO OUR SUPER LOYAL TRACKS BOTH PRESENT AND PAST:
Maryland International Raceway. Royce Miller one the best track owners and promoters in the USA and a close friend. His track is by far one of the best tracks in the country with fantastic, caring ownership/management, super facility, great track prep and devoted personnel . Thank you for your friendship , loyalty and support for over 25 years .
Empire Dragway up in Leicester NY . The facility is amazing and one of the best tracks we have ever raced at . Great track prep, long safe shutdown, warm and friendly staff and super spectator appreciation . Empire is a relatively new track to the NEOPMA but has quickly become one of our favorites.
Tracks from our past: Englishtown , Cecil County Raceway , Atco and Capitol have all played a major role in our 32 years of success.
THANKS TO OUR MANUFACTURE SPONSORS FOR GREAT PRODUCTS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
ATI PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS… JC BEATTIE has helped us for years with superior racing part and financial assistance. Quality parts.
VP RACING Fuels … if you’re racing a PRO MOD car then the only fuel to consider is VP. VP products and financial support have helped us stay at the forefront of the Pro Mod class. Fantastic product!
Mark Mickie Transmissions … WOW , by far one of the best Pro Mod transmissions on the market. Great product , great service , competitive pricing and super people who are racers themselves…what more can you ask for? Working with this team is a pleasure.
THANKS TO OUR FANS AND SPECTATORS.
We appreciate your years of loyalty and support. You were there when we were a young, fledgling organization and you stayed with us for all these years. You’ve seen us grow into a one of the fastest, successful and longest lasting Pro Mod organizations in the country.
THANK YOU, LORD, FOR 32 YEARS OF FUN , FAST CARS AND ESPECIALLY FRIENDSHIP.
