The memories of his finest Pro Stock season are still fresh in Dave Connolly’s mind.  Fervent dreams of a better 2008, however, are clouded by reality.

With the NHRA’s new 24-race POWERade Series campaign beginning in less than two weeks, the only thing certain for the talented driver is his uncertain competitive status.

Connolly, who recently celebrated his 25^th birthday, is one of the drivers sidelined when Evan Knoll, his team owner and sponsor, put his Torco Racing teams on a one-year sponsor hiatus due to health issues.  And Victor Cagnazzi, the team owner for whom Connolly races, has not yet found a suitable financial replacement. 

The memories of his finest Pro Stock season are still fresh in Dave Connolly’s mind.  Fervent dreams of a better 2008, however, are clouded by reality.

With the NHRA’s new 24-race POWERade Series campaign beginning in less than two weeks, the only thing certain for the talented driver is his uncertain competitive status.

Connolly, who recently celebrated his 25^th birthday, is one of the drivers sidelined when Evan Knoll, his team owner and sponsor, put his Torco Racing teams on a one-year sponsor hiatus due to health issues.  And Victor Cagnazzi, the team owner for whom Connolly races, has not yet found a suitable financial replacement. 

“Right now I am burning up the phone lines, trying to get back (to racing), but it is tough finding a sponsor because businesses aren’t able to make financial decisions until March,” Connolly said.  “Victor and two or three others also are trying to find someone willing to do it and, hopefully, they can.

“We have a lot to offer with the group of guys Victor has at his race shop and, as much as we’d like to start the season in Pomona (Calif., Feb. 7-10), in reality, I think we are looking at getting started at Gainesville (Fla., March 13-16),” continued Connolly.  “If we do, that would give us plenty of time to make the Countdown top 10 and give us another shot at winning the championship.”

I might not have had the opportunity if it wasn’t for Evan stepping in (and buying the team) when I was with Bullet (Racing, in 2005).  I am very appreciative of what he and (Torco Racing’s) Latrell Preston have done for me in the last three years. - Dave Connolly

Connolly came close in 2007, winning a career-best eight races in nine finals – including a Pro Stock record-equaling five in a row – that put him into select company with Greg Anderson and drag racing icons Bob Glidden and Ronnie Sox.  Connolly was the point leader going into the Countdown’s final two races but slipped to third overall with two atypical first-round exits.

“You know in drag racing we say you are only as good as your last pass, and we didn’t have a very good ending,” he said, “but I think everything happens for a reason. You can’t take anything for granted in racing. I have been on an emotional roller-coaster ride and it has definitely showed me you never know when your last pass is going to be.

“I am going to use that approach to help make me a better racer – if not in 2008, then when we come back in 2009.”

Many of his peers would argue Connolly already is among the elite.  He is one of the category’s most-feared drivers at the starting line.  He has 17 victories in 29 final rounds. He compiled a 50-15 won-lost round record last year on his way to his third third-place point finish (2007, 2006 and 2004).  He was fifth in 2005.

“I would like nothing better than to have Torco Racing on the side of the car, but we know the No. 1 priority is getting Evan healthy and back on track.  He is kind-hearted with the things he’s done to give us a chance to race,” Connolly said. 

“I might not have had the opportunity if it wasn’t for Evan stepping in (and buying the team) when I was with Bullet (Racing, in 2005).  I am very appreciative of what he and (Torco Racing’s) Latrell Preston have done for me in the last three years.”

Should he be sidelined, don’t look for Connolly on the sidelines or in the pits signing autographs.

“Drag racers don’t live in a normal world where people work five days and get weekends off,” he says.  “We work 10-hour days Monday through Friday and then work on the weekends, too.  I’ve been doing this for five years now.  I’m not one to sit home and watch guys racing on Sunday.”

In the meantime, Connolly will continue perfecting his starting-line technique while racing his Super Comp dragster at several national events.  “I’ll go to races closer to home (in Bradenton, Fla.), starting with Gainesville and Atlanta,” he concluded.  “But our race team is still working on our Chevy Cobalt in Victor’s shop, putting things together so we will be good to go as soon as we can.”