Frank Gugliotta knew the question was coming so when it was asked he paused and answered as forthcoming as one could.

The veteran IHRA Pro Stock racer from Mt. Airy, Md., was on the receiving end of concerns about the Pro Stock boycott staged at the IHRA Rocky Mountain Nationals earlier this month.

Only one Pro Stock racer showed at the event and it wasn’t Gugliotta. Those who sat out, he admitted, taught him all he needed to know about the teams he battles with at least ten times a year on the IHRA tour.

“I’ve said this to several people … I’ve always been friends with these people and I’ve always respected them, but after the level of dedication to one another I have a great level of respect for the teams out here,” Gugliotta said. “I look at all of them in a different way now. There’s truly a bond between each one of us out here.

Frank Gugliotta knew the question was coming so when it was asked he paused and answered as forthcoming as one could.

The veteran IHRA Pro Stock racer from Mt. Airy, Md., was on the receiving end of concerns about the Pro Stock boycott staged at the IHRA Rocky Mountain Nationals earlier this month.

Only one Pro Stock racer showed at the event and it wasn’t Gugliotta. Those who sat out, he admitted, taught him all he needed to know about the teams he battles with at least ten times a year on the IHRA tour.

“I’ve said this to several people … I’ve always been friends with these people and I’ve always respected them, but after the level of dedication to one another I have a great level of respect for the teams out here,” Gugliotta said. “I look at all of them in a different way now. There’s truly a bond between each one of us out here.

“Hopefully the Edmonton issue is behind us because I really enjoy racing here in the IHRA,” Gugliotta said. “I can’t speak for anyone else, but I didn’t sense any tension [in coming back],” Gugliotta said. “The whole weekend was good and I hope it stays this way because this is a good place to race and I’d hate for that to change.”

Gugliotta’s words came shortly after a hard-fought IHRA Mopar Canadian Nationals victory in Grand Bend, Ont., to claim his second victory of the season and eleven career finals.

Those are eleven career finals that he credits to car owner Bob Yoak, the man who served as his talent scout. Gugliotta had never driven a Pro Stock car until Yoak gave him the chance in 2002. He’s very much aware that Yoak could have easily gone with a proven driver.

But, he didn’t. Instead, he gave the then Top Sportsman racer a chance. That trust is why Gugliotta wants to win every time he unloads the car from the trailer.

Gugliotta admits that winning is only a small token of his appreciation. After all, Yoak has won two world championships in racing Pro Stock with his son Jon.

He hooked up with Yoak when previous team owner Rick Jones opted to pursue 500-inch Pro Stock racing with son Rickie. Gugliotta faced the prospect of sitting the season out.

Then Yoak purchased John Nobile’s Mustang, brokered an engine deal with Jon Kaase, and began testing in March.

“It goes beyond repayment,” Gugliotta said. “When he gave me the first chance to drive, he didn’t know who I was. I owe everything I’ve accomplished in this sport to him because had he not have given me that opportunity, I wouldn't have been standing in the winner’s circle.

“He’s got good equipment and he’s a great guy, he’s dedicated to winning and I can’t say enough good things about him. He treats me sometimes like I am his son.”

It’s often been said the sky is darkest before the dawn. Gugliotta’s recent victory was just that, but with each run, momentum fell in his corner – even up to the final round match with Pete Berner.

“We struggled in the beginning, but it kept on picking up with each run,” Gugliotta said. “I have a great group of guys behind me.”

“Pete was in front of me at one point. I was able to get around him. Pete and I have had some good battles over the years. We have had some good races and this weekend the track was just awesome.”

For Gugliotta, every six second run he makes finds a comfortable place in his memory banks. After all, he admits, how can you forget six seconds of emotions on edge?

“The six seconds you race are incredible because you change emotions so many times during the run,” Gugliotta said. “It’s awesome and something I’ll never forget when I’m older. I’ll look up at these trophies and I’ll cherish them.”

The last three seasons have been filled with championship battles for Gugliotta. The latest victory puts him back in the championship mix, leading the points.

“Every year from the halfway point, this championship battle is a dogfight and until you get to Rockingham, the championship is never over until the last round is complete,” Gugliotta said. “This is a great class and a dedicated group of racers who know how to race.”