Pair of IHRA Pro Modified front-runners plan to attend marquee event

Two of the IHRA’s leading supercharged Pro Modified racers plan to enter the outlaw confines of the Al Anabi Shakedown at E’town presented by Speedtech Nitrous.

The traditional rulebook is out the window but that has no effect on Mike Janis and Tommy D’Aprile. Neither driver plans to change their approach. When they cover the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park quarter-mile this weekend, they will be running the same combination that will be in their cars two weeks from now when the IHRA season concludes in Rockingham, N.C. Pair of IHRA Pro Modified front-runners plan to attend marquee event

Two of the IHRA’s leading supercharged Pro Modified racers plan to enter the outlaw confines of the Al Anabi Shakedown at E’town presented by Speedtech Nitrous.

The traditional rulebook is out the window but that has no effect on Mike Janis and Tommy D’Aprile. Neither driver plans to change their approach. When they cover the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park quarter-mile this weekend, they will be running the same combination that will be in their cars two weeks from now when the IHRA season concludes in Rockingham, N.C.

"We never really attend Outlaw events," said Janis, who will be racing a Hemi-powered 1967 Pontiac Firebird. “For years our main focus has been IHRA legal racing and it will remain that way but the Outlaw movement is growing by leaps and bounds and to ignore it would be foolish. We've built several outlaw combinations for ADRL teams at our engine shop (Jan-Cen Motorsports) and have noticed the growing popularity. To be honest though, the $20,000 is a big attraction but I'm really hoping to relax and have some fun at the races."

The $20K Janis mentions comes courtesy of Mike Ashley’s Lend America, the sponsor of the Pro Mod Blown division. Special cash incentives are also available to the team who can run the lowest e.t. under the existing Pro Modified record of 5.89 seconds.

The lure of changing a few things here and there tempts Janis, especially with the cash offerings. He’s sticking to his guns hoping the weather conditions will play out in his team’s favor.

"We talked about changing a few things, but in the long run that wouldn't be advantageous to us,” said Janis Jr., the driver’s son and crew chief. “We think our car has had the ability to run in the .80's all year. We just haven't had the opportunity to do it. Englishtown is always a fast track, now add in a cool fall night and I'm sure the potential of a low .90 or a high 5.80 will be there. We'll just have to take advantage of what we're given."

Janis will have a “teammate” over the course of the weekend as D’Aprile will pilot the Mel Bush Motorsports rare 1962 Bel-Air in competition. Janis builds the supercharged Hemi engines for the bubble-top classic Chevrolet.

The Al Anabi Shakedown at E’town presented by Speedtech Nitrous event will mark the first of a three-race tour for D'Aprile culminating in Las Vegas Nevada.

"We have a tough row to hoe coming up,” said D’Aprile. “With three races in three weeks under three different sets of rules; trying to change something to get an advantage is tempting but Mike and the Jan-Cen guys have an IHRA legal package that can run with anyone no matter the rules. I'm hoping we'll get some good air for once this season and show everyone what I know we have.”

D'Aprile currently sits fourth in IHRA points and is hoping for a top three finish.