Quick 32 Sportsman Series,
sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts,
gets underway for 2009

New series offers to expand horizons for drag racing teams with 32-car fields

CAYUGA, ONTARIO (February 20, 2009) - A new Ontario-based Can-Am drag racing series has been established which will offer large fields of competitors in some of the fastest and exciting racing at drag strips.

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts will field 32 cars at its events, 16 dragsters pitted against 16 “door-slammer” cars. Based on the IHRA’s Top Dragster and Top Sportsman categories, the cars will strictly abide by the IHRA’s safety rules and regulations. Cars will compete on an ET, dial-in basis using full Christmas Tree starting lights, and must run at 7.95-seconds or faster in the quarter-mile to qualify.

Automotive parts giant NAPA Auto Parts is the series sponsor, and the winner of each event will receive $3,000. Part of the series’ program is a season-long point award series, with the points winner receiving $5,000.

“We felt there was a need for a series of this nature,” said Carl Spiering, who will be competing in the events. One of Canada’s top Pro Modified drivers, Spiering, of Jordan Station, Ontario, has long been associated with the sport as a driver, team owner, and engine builder.

Spiering was approached by racer Scott Wildgust of Wartburg, Ontario, for assistance with his inspiration for the series. Wildgust’s concept was worked through with the help of Spiering and former drag strip and oval track manager Bruce Mehlenbacher of Cayuga, Ontario. The three will head up the Quick 32 Sportsman Series.

“This group of teams has excellent spectator appeal and the Quick 32 will offer racers of dragsters and door slammers the opportunity to compete in a well-run professional series along with the Pro Modified Racing Association,” explained Wildgust, who has driven several classes of Sportsman and Pro cars. “It’s going to be very impressive scene when we roll into the tracks; it’s a win, win deal for the teams, the venues, the sponsors and most importantly the fans that follow both series.”

Six events are scheduled for the 2009 season at present. Three races will be held at the Grand Bend Motorplex, one at Cayuga Dragway, one at St. Thomas Dragway and one to be determined. Several of the events will be run in conjunction with events of the popular Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.PMRA.ca offering fans a great show of drag racing.

A large number of teams are scheduled to compete, most from Ontario, but there are several from New York State and a large contingent are expected from Michigan.

PMRA Director of Operations Mehlenbacher, long involved with drag racing in a behind-the-scene capacity, is looking forward to his role in the upcoming special events.

”This series will be run with the same professionalism as the PMRA,” noted Mehlenbacher, who will perform the same duties with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series as he has with the PMRA for the past five years. “The new series will offer a competitive and exciting expansion to the Pro Modified Racing Association events and the selected special events that we compete at.”

A new website for the series will be up very soon at www.Quick32.ca

For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher Bruce@Quick32.ca