Tommy D'Aprile's last ride in Mel Bush's famous '62 Bel Air was one of his wildest rides in the seat of a door slammer. Just past the 330 mark a four-link bracket tore from the rear housing, planting the four-link bar into the track as the momentum of the car forced the car to ride over it, tossing the car in the air. Luckily for D'Aprile the car came back down on all four and has lived to fight another day.

Since then the team at Jan-Cen racing Engines in Elma, NY have rebuilt the rear suspension of the famed Bel-Air and converted her back to her legal fighting weight.

Crew Chief Kevin Peters has led the charge in getting the Bel Air back on the track. Much like Angelo Dundee, when he brought Ali out of his many retirements, Peters will have to rebuild his prize fighting machine.

"Mel gives us the best of everything to work with. It's our job to get the work done no matter what it takes," sated Peters. Mike (Janis) and Little Mike (Mike Janis Jr.) basically leave me in charge of Mel's cars. They give me all the help and support I need but I've taken on the challenge of getting her ready for Indy personal. I want to win this one for Mel and Johanne and show the world what Jan-Cen Racing Engines can do".

Pro Modified qualifying for the most prestigious event in drag racing will begin on Friday with one session at 5:00 p.m. Saturday the Pro Mods will have two more qualifiers scheduled for 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Qualifying will wrap up Sunday at 2:00p.m. First round of eliminations are set for 5:00 p.m. Sunday evening. The final rounds of eliminations will be contested Monday durin professional eliminations.

Mel Bush Motorsports consists of:
Team Owners: Mel and Johanne Bush
62 Bel Air Driver: Tommy D'Aprile
Crew Chief: Kevin Peters
Truck Driver/Mechanic: Jimmy Shremmer
Eric Fahy: Cylinder Head Specialist/Body Specialist Jake "Snake" Fahy: Clutch Specialist

For More Information on Team Driver Tommy D'Aprile check out: http://www.sirthomasinc.com

Courtesy of Mel Bush