After a six-month hiatus, Vinnie DeCeglie will make his return to NHRA Pro Stock competition at
this weekend's Fram Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Calif. DeCeglie sat out the first half of the
2009 season while he tended to his wife, Linda, who recently underwent a successful liver
transplant. Happily, Linda DeCeglie is continuing to make steady progress in her recovery and she,
along with the couple's three sons, Michael, Joey, and Jonathan, will be on hand at Infineon
Raceway this weekend as Vinnie once again climbs behind the wheel of the 210-mph Mountain View
Tires Pro Stock Dodge.
"It has been a difficult time for all of us but we've manage to get through it," said
DeCeglie. "At first, I didn't miss the racing because I was taking care of so many things at home
but now that everything is good with Linda and the kids, I'm ready to get back out there."
DeCeglie, who has not raced since the 2008 season-ending NHRA Finals in Pomona, last
November, recently prepared for his return by making several test runs at Auto Club Dragway in
Fontana, Calif.
"I just wanted to get used to the car again," said DeCeglie. "We made a handful of runs
and everything was fine. As they say, you don't forget how to ride a bicycle. I hit all my shifts
really well and I actually felt more comfortable than I thought I would. Now, I'm really ready to
get back out there."
There is little doubt that the car DeCeglie will wheel in Sonoma is much improved from
the one he drove last November. In his absence, interim driver Dave Beckley made nine starts in the
NHRA Full Throttle Series and qualified eight times, including a best of No. 8 at the
season-opening Kragen O'Reilly Winternationals in Pomona. Beckley, who like DeCeglie is a former
national event winner in Comp Eliminator, also recorded a best elapsed time of 6.59-seconds this
season. Despite their success in qualifying, the team is still looking for its first round win in
Pro Stock competition, a goal DeCeglie hopes to achieve this weekend.
"There is no doubt that the car is better now than the last time I drove it," said
DeCeglie. "Nick [Mitsos, team owner] has put together a really good program with [engine supplier]
Allen Johnson and Jeff Pearly, who is helping us with out set-up and tuning. The whole team has
been so close to getting their first round win and I believe it's going to happen soon, hopefully
this weekend.
"I also want to thank everyone who sent get well wishes and prayers for my family. It
really helped us get through a difficult time. I'm anxious to get back in the race car but I'm also
really looking forward to seeing all our friends and fans in person."
