The Pro Modified team of Joe Caruso and Mike Cusimano are looking to make a better showing in Pro Modified Racing Association racing in 2008 than the previous year.
 
“Our big goal this coming year is to be consistent,” said Joe Caruso, who is a team owner and crew chief of the 1994 Corvette Pro Modified. “We’re working on a few things right now to get some more power and lighten up the car.”

Rochester-based team hoping updates will meet with success

The Pro Modified team of Joe Caruso and Mike Cusimano are looking to make a better showing in Pro Modified Racing Association racing in 2008 than the previous year.
 
“Our big goal this coming year is to be consistent,” said Joe Caruso, who is a team owner and crew chief of the 1994 Corvette Pro Modified. “We’re working on a few things right now to get some more power and lighten up the car.”
 
With Mike Cusimano driving, the veteran team competed in most PMRA races last year, and placed 15th in the points standings. The team is also accomplished in IHRA Top Sportsman racing, taking the title at the 1992 Empire Nationals and a couple of runner-ups in 1995 and 1997.
 
“We’re looking forward to running at Leicester this year,” said Caruso, referring to the inaugural PMRA Challenge at the Western New York track June 7. “We’ve always done well at t New York International Raceway Park, and set some of our fastest times.”
 
The team is hoping to set some faster times in 2008 with a host of changes to the car, which is powered by a Jan-Cen Racing Engines 526-cubic inch supercharged Rodek engine.
 
“Mike (Janis) is working on our engine right now,” Caruso said. “He’s got a few tricks he’s working on to get us some more steam.”
 
Caruso added the team is also working on some suspension modifications, and is taking some weight out of the car.
 
The team is planning on competing in the entire six-race PMRA tour for this season. “We’re going to be ready and give it our best shot,” said Caruso. “We’re looking forward to running the whole deal.”
 
Caruso was also grateful for the assistance of his engine builder and others.
 
“I’d like to thank Mike Janis and Jan-Cen for their help. I’d also like to thank Jerry and Donna Highway and Chad Cusimano  for all their help and everything they have done for us. They have been a big part of our success.”
 
The Caruso and Cusimano “Midlife Crisis” Corvette will be ready for action at the PMRA’s season opener, the May 17-18 Victoria Day Weekend - PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park.