With some weight reduction, a new transmission, and an updated engine combination, the Guenther Racing team is hoping to make its mark on the 2008 Pro Modified Racing Association tour Presented by Torco Racing Fuels Ontario.

 

“We’ve made some changes,” said team driver Matt Guenther, who drove the 1941 Willys-bodied Pro Modified to second place in the PMRA standings last year. “We’ve been working all winter to refine several aspects of the car, with the objective of reducing weight and improving the aerodynamics.”

 

The team, which is owned and operated by Matt’s parents Mike and Rhonda Guenther, has also opted to install a new Lenco four-speed transmission with a Ram clutch, getting rid of the former Lenco drive three-speed automatic.

 

The younger Guenther admitted there will be a bit of a learning curve with the new transmission, which is coupled to a Sonny’s 737-cubic inch Chevrolet Nitrous Hemi, one of the few non-supercharged cars in the PMRA.

With some weight reduction, a new transmission, and an updated engine combination, the Guenther Racing team is hoping to make its mark on the 2008 Pro Modified Racing Association tour Presented by Torco Racing Fuels Ontario.

 

“We’ve made some changes,” said team driver Matt Guenther, who drove the 1941 Willys-bodied Pro Modified to second place in the PMRA standings last year. “We’ve been working all winter to refine several aspects of the car, with the objective of reducing weight and improving the aerodynamics.”

 

The team, which is owned and operated by Matt’s parents Mike and Rhonda Guenther, has also opted to install a new Lenco four-speed transmission with a Ram clutch, getting rid of the former Lenco drive three-speed automatic.

 

The younger Guenther admitted there will be a bit of a learning curve with the new transmission, which is coupled to a Sonny’s 737-cubic inch Chevrolet Nitrous Hemi, one of the few non-supercharged cars in the PMRA.

 

“Yes, it will be a bit of a challenge,” Guenther said regarding the change to a clutch, “but we’re not tremendously worried.”

 

The university student started his racing career in 1992 at the age of eight, and when he was 16 he ran in Quick Rod, then Top Dragster, and in 2003 climbed into a Top Sportsman car.

 

The upcoming season will be the team’s second year in the PMRA. The team’s 2007 season was highlighted with a win at Lancaster Raceway Park.

 

While Guenther said the car is still in the process of being rebuilt, he added the goal is to do some testing with the Willys before the first PMRA event May 17 and 18 at the Victoria Day Weekend - PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park.

 

Guenther was quick to point out a large part of the team’s success has been due to crew chief Jerry Highway, who along with wife Donna have helped the Guenther family maintain a high profile. He added that Bill Simpson is coming back on board as a crew member this year, and that the team would not be where it is today without the support of sponsors Honeoye Auto Parts and Mike Mastin Engineering.

 

And, he is hoping for continued success in 2008.

 

“Our plan is to run all the PMRA races,” Guenther said. “We almost achieved our goal of winning the championship last year, and we’re hoping to take the next step this season.”