For the last three seasons Justin Belfance served as car chief and crew chief on John Montecalvo’s Extreme Pro Stock team. With his growing family now requiring a greater time commitment, Belfance has stepped away from his race career. In his place, Montecalvo welcomes veteran tuner and driver, Tommy Lee.
Lee has been a fixture in both Mountain Motor and 500 cubic-inch Pro Stock for decades.
Tommy LeeFor the last three seasons Justin Belfance served as car chief and crew chief on John Montecalvo’s Extreme Pro Stock team. With his growing family now requiring a greater time commitment, Belfance has stepped away from his race career. In his place, Montecalvo welcomes veteran tuner and driver, Tommy Lee.
Lee has been a fixture in both Mountain Motor and 500 cubic-inch Pro Stock for decades.
“We we are excited to have Tommy on board with us. It’s a bad news/good news scenario for our team,” said Montecalvo. “It’s tough to say goodbye to Justin. He was a good fit for our team and did an outstanding job for us. We wish him all the best and we’ll miss him, but I feel very comfortable having Tommy join us as he knows his way around Mountain Motor Pro Stock.”
Montecalvo’s car, hauler and equipment have already been relocated to Lee’s shop in Statesville, NC. The team will operate from that central location, rather than Montecalvo’s New York home.
“Tommy’s shop is closer to [engine builder] Sonny Leonard’s place for us and close to some good test tracks,” said Montecalvo. “An added bonus is that he’s an excellent driver if we need him behind the wheel to test.
“It won’t just be Justin that we’re missing this year,” Montecalvo said. “One of our long time friends lost his battle with cancer just after Christmas. Donnie Crowder was a great man, and we will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Debra and family.”
Donnie Crowder, former IHRA and PDRA official, lost his battle with cancer on December 26th at the age of 63.
“We hope to honor Donnie’s memory throughout the 2015 season,” said Montecalvo. “We’re really looking forward to getting back on the race track and taking some win lights.”
