Behind the wheel of a new '63 Corvette Pro Mod, R2B2 Racing driver Raymond Commisso reset the
record for quickest ET at 5.817 seconds in the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge presented by
ProCare Rx at the NHRA Virginia Nationals.
Commisso's record-setting run came in the quarterfinals when he faced teammate and friend Melanie
Troxel, who said: "It's always a bitter-sweet situation racing a teammate, but when you have a big
team, a competitive team sometimes it's going to happen. I'm really happy for Ray, because I know
holding on to his record was really important to him, especially given the fact that he's struggled
to get down the track so much in recent events."
Commisso said, "It was such a relief just to get down the track, and getting a new record just made
it sweeter."
While the boss (team owner/driver) Roger Burgess jokingly put his money on the "Voodoo Queen,"
Commisso was not to be deterred. Going after bragging rights and with his sights set on
recapturing his world record set back in Englishtown, N.J., Commisso was all business on the track.
On a cool weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park that gave optimum racing conditions, the record had
already been moved first by Brad Personett in his turbo-powered Camaro and then by No. 1 qualifier
Rick Stivers.
After taking out points-leader Burton Auxier in round one, Commisso had his hands full in round two
when he had to face his teammate. Al Billes (crew chief) had both cars set with record-setting tune
up's, assuring that someone would walk away with the title. Troxel tore down the track with a 5.829
breaking Rick Stivers mark, but it wasn't enough to defeat Commisso. Commisso passed the line
before Troxel and set the world record at 5.817 seconds.
Commisso said, "It is never fun racing your teammate but when it comes down to it I race to win, it
doesn't matter who I am up against.
"I have to thank Al Billes horsepower for being able to pull that off. Conditions were right this
weekend, everybody was running fast and the record was definitely up for grabs so I'm glad that I
can walk away with it."
Commisso then went on to face Stivers in the semifinals. While Commisso was first off the start,
Stivers beat him to the finish, 5.998 at 235.35 to Stivers' 5.823 at 246.93.
"I broke a spark plug, which shook the tires. I had to short-shift to get through and keep the car
on track and that cost us the race, but I'm a happy man. This has to have been one of, if not THE
best weekend of Pro Mod drag racing ever. It was truly one for the books," Commisso said.
