Virginia Motorsports Park is familiar territory for the Parise Racing team. Super Chevy has significant meaning to the team. So it seemed fitting that the team would be in attendance for the Super Chevy Show held last weekend at VMP.
“The Super Chevy Show holds a close place in our hearts.” states Andrew Parise. “Super Chevy is where I decided to race again, where Dina decided she wanted to begin racing and where the Parise Racing team began. We have met so many people over the years at Super Chevy events that they have become part of our family. We watched drivers such as Dave Tomasino, Bruce Boland and many others race in the Nitro Class, as we were competing in the bracket class. Now it has come full circle for us.”
The weekend was a bit disappointing for the team as far as numbers on the board. “We tried some new combinations and the car just didn’t like them,” stated Andrew.” It was a tough weekend for us, we know my ’53 Montana Bros. Corvette can run good 1/8th mile numbers, but we just couldn’t get the combo correct this weekend. The car ran a best of 4.06 in the 1/8th and a 6.09 in the quarter. For a converter car those numbers are nothing to sneeze at, but they weren’t the numbers we were expecting or wanting. Our Crew Chief, Dave Jordan did a great job over the weekend with what we had to work with. Running converter cars is a challenge and Dave is up to that challenge. We looked over the data, and we are ready for the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association race May 1st.” /p>
Dina Parise got in her ’63 Tim McAmis Corvette for the first time since having hand surgery in January. She did not get in the car to race, just to get ‘acquainted again’. “The doctors told me just to take it easy. Something I do not do well with. The team tried to make me a spectator for the weekend, but considering watching is what got me into the Pro Mod in the first place, I’m not sure that was a great idea either. Leave me watching too long, who knows what I will do next! ,” said Dina Parise, jokingly. “I did WANT to get out there and make a full run but knew I had to take it easy. I did one burnout, and took it easy. Then, did the second burnout, and I was just going to go for it, but knew I would be in trouble from everyone. I have two weeks to get ready for the May1st NEOPMA at VMP, so back to the occupational therapist I go, for now.”
The new Super Chevy was just amazing. The fans were great, the weather was the best you can ask for and the track was perfect. We had a great time at the event; but we did have a mishap on Saturday evening. Crew member and Andrew’s brother in-law Charlie Saccoccio was putting away the pro jacks; the jack caught his finger and cut it wide open. The EMT at VMP patched Charlie up temporarily, and then on to hospital for seven hours with Dina. “Nothing like a grilled cheese at 3:30 am,” stated Dina “He’s patched up, but now I had to worry that Sunday we only had two good hands between the two of us! “
It is always exciting and fun to be with the crew at VMP, it makes the trip that much better. They were a big help to the team on Sunday, when Charlie was unable to crew due to his injury. During downtime, the food and beverages were abundant along with the laughs. “The crew in VMP is our extended family,” stated Dina. “We wish we could move the track to Long Island. It would certainly save us a ton of fuel costs! “
Parise Racing would like to thank Doug Winters and his wife Erin for extending Andrew invitation to compete in this event. The Winters are great people and we wish them the best. Another big thanks goes to Ken Walsh for lending a hand and being a tool rental shop at a great price!
Jim Campasio and Patrick Hill of Super Chevy Magazine provided Andrew with Editor Choice Drag Race award. Andrew was honored to accept the award from Jim, Patrick and Super Chevy Magazine. Jim has a bit of a history with the Parise Racing team. The 1967 Camaro both Dina and Andrew bracket raced went on fire in the pits in Bradenton, and Jim was there to record it (from the top of the Parise motor home to be exact)! “Bad press is better than no press,” Jim said. The following issue, there it was, a half page spread of the Camaro BBQ! What a sight! To this day, the Parise’s still get asked about that photo! Jim is precisely right.
Super Chevy as well as all races Parise Racing attends was broadcast with a LIVE FEED from the pit area. You can see the LIVE FEED on race weekends by visiting : http://www.pariseracing.com/ or to view with chat visit : http://www.ustream.tv/channel/parise-racing . Want to know when Parise Racing goes live? Join the Parise Racing Facebook Fan page : http://www.facebook.com/PariseRacing .
At each event, Parise Racing will be actively involved with America’s Veterans through their ‘Vettes for Vets’ program. As proud supporters of the Wounded Warrior Project, the Parise’s will be raising donations at each event for WWP, as well as hosting Veterans for the day. If you see a Veteran at the track, please remember to thank them. Also, please stop by the Parise pit and make a donation to this great cause, or donate on line (securely and quickly): http://www.pariseracing.com/causes.php
A special thank you to Dina’s hand therapist Karen Kayton, OTR, CHT of Vitaris Rehabilitation, in Garden City, New York.
Thank you to Parise Racing’s sponsors:
Consultedge http://www.consultedge.com/
NGK http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/
Good Year http://www.racegoodyear.com/