Kenny Koretsky has been intertwined with NHRA Pro Stock racing for more than 25 years, but the words championship contenders were seldom uttered when discussing his teams.

But that is about to change.

The popular team owner announced Thursday that he, driver/engine builder Greg Stanfield and Indicom Electric owner Greg Hill, another factory hot rod enthusiast, have formed a partnership. They  
are focusing on a 2010 season they believe could be as bright as the familiar multi-colored race cars that run under Koretsky’s Nitro Fish Apparel banner.

Kenny Koretsky has been intertwined with NHRA Pro Stock racing for more than 25 years, but the words championship contenders were seldom uttered when discussing his teams.

But that is about to change.

The popular team owner announced Thursday that he, driver/engine builder Greg Stanfield and Indicom Electric owner Greg Hill, another factory hot rod enthusiast, have formed a partnership. They  
are focusing on a 2010 season they believe could be as bright as the familiar multi-colored race cars that run under Koretsky’s Nitro Fish Apparel banner.

This alignment also includes Koretsky’s longtime friend/crew chief Eddie Guarnaccia and is the melding of teams that, as one, have everything necessary to challenge for the coveted Full Throttle Drag Racing Series title.

“I really wasn’t sure what I was going to do this year,” said the gregarious Koretsky, aka Captain Chaos.  “In fact, I was contemplating sitting out the season when Greg Stanfield and I began talking.  He is one of the best engine builders in the sport and that is something our team has been without in recent years.

“As it turned out, Greg wasn’t sure if he was going to race in 2010 or just build motors.  I’m happy we were able to work things out.  Greg had his best Pro Stock finish last year when he was fourth, so we definitely have a solid foundation to build on.  Captain Chaos is going to race for the championship.

“We haven’t been able to put together a solid engine program,” Koretsky continued, “and now we’re associated with a very good one.  The Nitro Fish/Indicom Electric Pro Stock team will be at all 23 races.”

Stanfield  is enthused about this opportunity.

“We’re excited,” he said.  “It shouldn’t take long for us to get things working right.  One good thing is Eddie has raced for a long time and so have I.

“Pro Stock is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Stanfield continued.  “Things have been improving for us each year, but we’ve never had the resources to really do the things I want to do.  It’s a slow process because you have a lot of teams that have a lot of money and they are working hard, raising the bar every day.  It’s not only about the money; it’s about the work you need to do to keep up the performance.”

Stanfield’s father taught him how to build engines.  “He got me involved in racing,” he said.  “He always built his own engines . . . so one thing led to another.  I spend a lot of time in the shop.  It is seven days a week for us.”

Stanfield also has an impressive – and varied – resume that includes four Super Stock championships, second place in the 2001 Pro Stock Truck standings and four top 10 Pro Stock finishes in the last five seasons.

“I’ve won races in every class I’ve raced in – Stock, Super Stock, Competition Eliminator, Pro Stock Truck and Pro Stock,” Stanfield added.  “There aren’t many of us who have won races in that many categories.”

Guarnaccia said the team will attend the pre-season test session in Las Vegas (Feb. 4-6).  “We’d like to start the season on a good note.  This is our best opportunity to win races in about five years.  Stanfield is obviously an excellent driver and his motors put out excellent power.

“He had his best Pro Stock season last year and they should be proud of what they did against the tough competition.  I’m hoping we can do better things for them.  With the horsepower they have, it’s a real good opportunity for all of us.”

Stanfield’s fourth place was “one of the most efficient team efforts in Pro Stock,” said Hill.  “Greg did a great job driving and we fought our way through the season.

“I think having Eddie as crew chief is a huge plus for our team,” Hill continued.  “I respect him and think he’s one of the smartest tuners out there.  He’s dedicated to making the car go down the race track.  I think this season is going to be a lot of fun.”

Ultimately, Stanfield hopes to give Koretsky his first Pro Stock national event victory and, perhaps, a taste of what it’s like to be involved in a championship race.  It’s the same desire held by the remaining Pro Stock teams.

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