- Kon Rodz Racing -- Seriously "On The Road"

One of Canada's most potential ridden TAFC teams has been making some serious strides this summer. In addition to participation within the NHRA Divisional Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Ontario-based KonRodz Racing (owned by Spiro Kontos) has now dabbled three times at the NHRA national event level.

The team has in fact qualified at all three of the national event races it has attended so far, running in the 5.7 secs zone at Norwalk (in June), at Indy (over the Labour Day weekend) and at Concord NC (last weekend). Despite bowing out in the first round of each race, the team has shown solid progression with up-and-coming driver Jason McKnight being rewarded with career best ETs and speed: 5.703 secs and a rather booming 256.11 mph -- both testaments to their car's potential.

For team owner Kontos, the U.S. Nationals Indy event experience was of particular significance and full filled a lifelong dream.

"I can honestly say it was a great honor to be there and to have the chance to compete at the U.S. Nationals for the first time in my racing career," Spiro reflected. "Our team and driver did a great good, and for us to make that show was a dream come true for me. Since Dale and Laurie Cannister have come on board as consultants, I have seen a great improvement to our team in more ways then expected."

At Indy the team also had some terrific personal experiences which added to their enthusiasm.

"My son Stefan had the great privilege in meeting Mrs. Charlotte Lucas and also the Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani," Spiro added. "He also hung around with Tommy Johnson Jr who is one of the nicest people that you could ever meet in your life. We also had Clay Millican come by our pit area and tell us about his trip to Iran. Racers a truly great people -- all the history behind this race track gave us all goose bumps."

Last weekend the team also collected some very cool additional recognition. Their stunning looking Chevy Impala received the overall "Best Appearing Car" Award during the NHRA Carolina Nationals.