July 5, 2010

The Canadian Nitro Nationals marked the second event in the PMRA series for 2010. The car had performed well last weekend & Mark, Richard, Carl & Dave were looking forward to some test laps on Friday before the first round of qualifying Friday evening.

Unfortunately, the new combo blues struck again & after only 2 test launches, a malfunction with the trans brake caused some damage. Repairs were made & the car was ready for the first qualifying session. It was during this attempt that a damaged torque converter was also discovered.

With no spares available and our close proximity to home, The decision was made to convert the Yenko back to a clutch setup. This allowed us to make the other qualifiers but added a new variable to the tune up. The remaining 3 qualifiers were made with Mark & the Camaro on the bump at the end of the third session. In the final session we were bumped by Paul Noakes to the first alternate.

Misfortune for PMRA points leader Eric Latino allowed us to get back in the show for Sunday. We did not have the new setup worked out & shook the tires against Terry Brown who subsiquently destroyed his engine during the race.

The next event for the team will be with the PMRA at the IHRA Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals in Grand Bend July 16-18, 2010. Thanks to all our supporters! Keep the faith & we will see you in Grand Bend!

The team travelled to Grand Bend for the RPM Magazine Family Powerfest & Media Weekend June 25-27, 2010. Friday was a test session to prepare for the Ultimate Pro Mod Showdown on Saturday.

Our testing began to show the potential of the new combination with several quick 60' times. Adjustments were made to the Car & we were ready for the Showdown.

A weather delay Saturday morning put a slight rush on the day's schedule but the Grand Bend staff worked very hard & provided a great program for the racers & fans. With only 2 qualifiers and 20 Promods ready to do battle, the pressure was on to make the 8 car qualified field. The awesome power of the ERD Hemi was keeping the team on the edge but Carl Spiering was able to get the handle on the tune up & allowed Mark to put the car "in the show".

Our First round paring was with fellow PMRA competitor Jeff Roth. The race was a pedalfest as both cars struggled to hold on to the track. By virtue of a better reaction time, Jeff won even though Mark was quicker in the 1/8th mile race.

Our thanks to RPM Magazine for the great weekend. The team also wishes to thank Jim Salemi for your great chassis tuning & the crew at ERD. See you the TMP for the Canadian Nitro Nationals July 2-4, 2010,
The second stop on the PMRA 2010 schedule.

June 2010
The 2010 Season for Nielsen Motorsports began Victoria Day Weekend at the Toronto Motorsports Park. The Yenko Super Camaro has been outfitted for outlaw pro-mod action this season. The most notable changes to the car are the addition of a PSI Screw Supercharger and a Bruno's Automotive BRT Converter Drive in place of the clutch.

As many of our competitors will agree, the best planning to prepare the car for the new season is always subject to "Murphy's Law". This year was no different. Many of the components required to complete the car were delayed due to reasons beyond our control. This in turn cancelled our planned testing of the new combination before the first event. In fact components were still being installed Sunday before first round of qualifying. Saturday's rain fit the mood in the pit as we were missing key team member Richard Ruysseveldt. The rain delay allowed the team to fire the engine & begin to set up the new fuel system. The BRT was tested as well & we looked forward to the first lap with the new equipment. With guidance from Carl Spiering, Mark began to familarize himself with the new procedures required for the Bruno converter drive. After 7 months of down time, there were a few "cobwebs" to be dusted off & Mark was working hard to get the new combo mastered. When qualifying was over, we were outside looking in.

We now have a base to start from & are looking forward to a couple of test days before we travel to Grand Bend for the RPM Magazine Family Powerfest & Media Weekend June 25-27, 2010.

Congratulations to first time PMRA winner Eric Latino and to new PMRA member Derek Hawker for reaching the final round in his first PMRA race.

The Team wishes to thank Carl, Terry & Rob at ERD and Jon Salemi for your assistance this weekend.
We miss you Donna....

Nielsen Gets the wrong kind of "break" at the Rock

Rockingham, NC. April 27, 2009

The 38th Annual IHRA Spring Nationals in Rockingham, North Carolina, , would hold both promise & frustration for the Nielsen Motorsports team After a long winter off the track, the entire team were ready to get back in the groove for the upcomming season. The first qualifing attempt on Friday showed how rusty we were, resulting in a very slow run.

Round two was a better effort with a 6.22 at 230 mph. Mark was beginning to get comfortable with the new starting line proceedure. New Crew Chief Les Mellows would get to establish a baseline to tune the Yenko Super Camaro.

Saturday at the Rock brought hot, humid conditions & a track exposed to the full power of the sun for the entire day. Despite these tricky conditions, The crew were able to lay down a very respectable 6.15 at 229 mph placing Mark & the Yenko 13th in the qualifying order.

Unfortuneately, the "break" came in the form of severe engine damage at the end of this run. Even with careful preparation & maintenance, these ultra powerful machines will find the weakest link. There was simply more damage than spare parts available.......we were out for the remainder of the race.

The team will have the necessary repairs made & be competing next at the PMRA Victoria Day Weekend Challenge, May 16-17, 2009 at Toronto Motorsports Park, Cayuga, ON

Check out http://www.pmra.ca for complete details.

See you at the track!!

Photo by Rachel Ross.

NEW SEASON, NEW ATTITUDE!!!

April 20, 2009

The 2009 Season for Nielsen Motorsports kicks off at the 38th Annual IHRA Spring Nationals in Rockingham, North Carolina, April 24-26, 2009. The Yenko super Camaro has been outfitted with a 2 step in keeping with the new rules for 2009.

Possibly the best news however is the addition of Les Mellows to the team.
Les brings years of expertise in tuning blown alcohol combinations in Alcohol Funny Car & is looking forward to applying his knowledge to a Pro Modified setup.

When asked, Mark stated:
" Les' knowledge, experience & ability to read the track will be a big help to our team"

This weekend will be the first laps on the car for 2009.
The team will be working to refine the racing setup at Rockingham Monday after the race.

Stay tuned for a complete 2009 racing schedule.