Simonton Qualifies #1 at Chicago Regional‏

Simonton Qualifies #1 at Chicago Regional‏

JOLIET, Ill. – Spiro Kontos’ Top Alcohol Funny Car team Kon Rodz Racing has made strides over the past year and half, proving that they have what it takes to compete with the best: talented driver Cassie Simonton, veteran tuner Randy Anderson, top-notch equipment, and a dedicated crew to put it all together. They made another leap this weekend at the Chicago NHRA regional, qualifying in the #1 position, over world champion Frank Manzo and two other Top 10 drivers.

“The number one qualifying run was probably one of the most exciting runs. The car was all over the place and I had to drive it everywhere, so when I got to the end I didn’t really think it ran that fast, to be honest. I didn’t realize it until the safety people told me I was number one,” said Simonton, whose 5.60 pass was the talk of the pits and the grandstands on Saturday night.

The weekend started with a conservative 5.73 pass on Friday, which placed the Minnesota driver in third. The car improved to a 5.71 in the second session on Saturday morning, but was bumped down to sixth. As the team awaited their turn to make their third and final qualifying pass, they were bumped down to the eighth position. “Sassy” Cassie went out and went all the way to the top of the qualifying sheet. When the scoreboard lit up, the crowd erupted into cheer. The team was welcomed back to the pit area by a sea of people, including family and friends.

“It was great to celebrate that accomplishment with my team and my family,” Cassie said. “It was good for Spiro and my team, because that was our first number one qualifying position as a group. I really want to thank Spiro and all of the crew members – crew chief Randy, Cory, Pat, Londos, Graham, and Steve – for their part in the weekend. It was a great moment.”

Unfortunately the cheers ended there. As Cassie flew through the finish line beams in round one of eliminations, the win light did not show up in her lane. She got the starting line advantage, but opponent Ray Drew powered around for the round win. It was still a positive weekend.

“Every weekend we’re getting better and better. We made four solid passes down the track. It was a hot track then and it’s only going to get hotter for the national event here at the end of June. We have a good baseline going into the Route 66 Nationals. I really think we’ll have a good car,” claimed the 25-year old driver.

They’ll need to have a good car. Kon Rodz Racing will be competing with several of the top cars from around the country, flocking to Route 66 Raceway to race in the special Jegs Allstars event. Simonton and Kon Rodz will not be a part of that race, but will instead be racing for the Route 66 Nationals win, June 29-July 1.

Kon Rodz Racing is a NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car team owned by Spiro Kontos, competing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. 25-year old Cassie Simonton drives the team’s 3,000 horsepower Chevy Monte Carlo funny car. Spiro, Cassie, and the whole Kon Rodz Racing team would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support: Lucas Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, Goodson, BAE, Goodyear Tire, Clevite, Mac Tools, Artist ButchM, and ithreesixty Music Infused Apparel.

For more information on Kon Rodz Racing, please visit www.konrodzracing.com. Keep up with Cassie and the team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/konrodzracing) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/cassiesimonton and www.twitter.com/konrodzpr ).

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Nate Van Wagnen
NVW Motorsports Promotion
440-986-1480
nate@nitronate.com