Project Pontiac, the passion project of NHRA media personality Joe Castello, will debut at the Foggit booth (#2312) during the 2024 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show from December 11-14 at the Indiana Convention Center. This initiative aims to return Castello’s family bracket race car to the track with contributions from prominent figures in the drag racing community.
“It started as a race car rehab with my family’s old bracket race car that hadn’t been on the track in years,” Castello said. “We were talking about it when I was hosting Hidden Horsepower for Total Seal Piston Rings with Lake Speed Jr.”
In 2024, Castello, alongside four-time NHRA Super Comp world champion Gary Stinnett, intensified efforts on the project at the Engine Performance Expo. During engine inspection at Stinnett Racing, significant damage was discovered, putting Project Pontiac at risk of ending before it began.
“Everyone in motorsports has been there,” Castello said. “Do you build it the same way, or do you try to make things better? With this group of people involved, there was only one answer.”
Following Stinnett’s recommendation, a new cast iron block was secured through Frank Gostyla at AllPontiac.com. Stinnett’s partner at Foggit, Steve Williams, expanded the project by providing a display for the engine at PRI, along with an innovative engine spray to protect key parts.
As word spread, more industry members became aware of Project Pontiac’s mission, which holds personal significance for Castello. The car is a cherished piece of his family history, previously raced by his father during Castello’s childhood.
The engine ultimately exceeded its goal of 800 horsepower during testing. Castello continues collaborating with various experts to honor his late father by bringing the project to fruition.
Key contributors to Project Pontiac include:
- Edelbrock, showcasing aluminum Pontiac heads.
- Straub Technologies, which completed machine work with Rottler Manufacturing technology.
- Camshaft expert Billy Goldbold, confirming the selected comp cam grind.
- Keith Wilson of Wilson Manifolds, responsible for the intake manifold.
- Pontiac specialist John Gaydosh, who conducted a CNC porting job.
- Harry Heads in Sioux City, Iowa, enhancing flow with hand porting expertise.
- Keith Jones, fitting the car with Total Seal rings.
- Summit Racing Equipment, providing essential parts for the car.
“A highlight moment was a call I received from John Callis offering help with Morel Lifters,” Castello recounted. “It’s been a crazy ride.”
Project Pontiac has become a regular topic on the WFO Radio TV YouTube livestream. Castello aims to have the car ready for the NHRA season opener at Orlando Speed World Dragway on February 21-22, 2025, with the PRI Show serving as an important milestone toward that goal.
