Bellemeur Named as New SK Racing Driver

Courtesy of Kon Rodz Racing

GLENDALE, AZ. (May 20) – Sean Bellemeur has been named as the driver of the SK Racing/Kon Rodz Top Alcohol Funny Car in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, it was announced today by team owner and founder Spiro Kontos. Southern California native Bellemeur, 32, is a five-time NHRA national event finalist, most recently at the season-opening Circle K NHRA Winternationals last February.

A second-generation racer, Bellemeur has extensive driving experience in everything from Jr. Dragsters to front-engine Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters. Most recently, he has been the driver of the MasterCam Camaro Top Alcohol Funny Car. He will continue to drive that car at select events, splitting his schedule with the Kon Rodz Team. Bellemeur will make his debut in the Kon Rodz entry at the upcoming O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill., June 26-29. Both entries are tuned by two-time NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car world champion Randy Anderson.

“The opportunity to drive and collect points on both ends of the country in two of the best Top Alcohol Funny Cars out there is almost overwhelming to think about,” said Bellemeur. “I’m excited to get started representing Spiro Kontos and the team’s loyal sponsors. I’m also very excited to continue to work with Randy Anderson. I’m very blessed to have this opportunity.”
Bellemeur replaces Cassie Simonton, who had been the team’s driver since 2009.

“We are committed to building a program that is capable of contending for both race wins and national championships,” said SK Racing founder Spiro Kontos. “In order to achieve those goals it is sometimes necessary to make difficult decisions and this was definitely one of those. Although this was a tough decision, it was one that I felt needed to be made. Cassie will always have a place in our organization.

“Looking forward, we are very excited to have Sean as a member of our team. He has proven himself as a very capable driver in a variety of cars and we believe that he provides the best chance for us to get our long-awaited first NHRA national event victory. Our goal is to continue to represent our sponsors in a professional manner and to our best to put Sean in a position to contend for the NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car championship.”

Kon Rods Racing is proud to be associated with the following companies:
Rat Pack Apparel, CRC Industries, Aerodine Composites Group, Bell Helmets USA, MasterCam, Nick Pastura Motorsports, Sparco USA, Goodyear Tire, NGK Spark Plugs, MAHLE/Clevite, Goodson Tools, and Hedman Hedders. 

Sean Bellemeur/Kon Rodz Racing 2014 NHRA SCHEDULE

EVENT LOCATION DATE
O’Reilly Route 66 Nationals Joliet, Ill. June 26-29
Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals Norwalk, Ohio July 3-6
Division 6 Regional Woodburn, Ore. July 11-13
Division 3 Regional Columbus, Ohio July 18-20
O’Reilly Auto Parts Northwest Nationals Kent, Wash. Aug. 1-3
Division 6 Regional Kent, Wash. Aug. 14-16
Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals Indianapolis, Ind. Aug. 27-Sept. 1
NHRA Carolina Nationals Concord, N.C. Sept. 12-14
AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals Ennis, Texas Sept. 19-21
NHRA Nationals Reading, Pa. Oct. 2-5
Toyota NHRA Nationals Las Vegas, Nev. Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Division 7 Regional Las Vegas, Nev. Nov. 6-9
Auto Club NHRA Finals Pomona, Calif. Nov. 14-16

Stefan Kontos Named Kon Rodz Racing Team President

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photos courtesy of David Smith, Kon Rodz Racing

KING, Ont., Canada (June 1, 2013) – Ontario, Canada-based NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car team Kon Rodz Racing announced today that 18 year old Stefan Kontos will take over the day-to-day operations as team president, effective immediately. Team owner Spiro Kontos will maintain his role as owner and CEO of the popular team, now competing in their third full season with driver Cassie Simonton.

  

“I will oversee the team operations, but Stefan will have full control of the team. I’m reducing my role in the team so I can work on other business ventures. I will still be involved and I’ll attend all of the races as usual, but all of Stefan’s decisions will be final,” Spiro said.

  

Despite his young age, Stefan has already proved himself through his work within the team. He worked to attract a host of new sponsors to the team, including Sparco USA, Bell Racing Helmets, and Off Axis Custom Paint. Stefan’s projects also include building the official Kon Rodz Racing Facebook and Twitter pages. He will use what he learned as he grew up within the sport to take on additional responsibilities associated with managing a professional race team.

“I’ve learned a lot from watching my dad run this team as I grew up. I also pay great attention to how teams like Don Schumacher Racing run their operations and how it pays off with positive results on and off the track. By taking what I’ve learned from them, as well as constantly pursuing sponsors, I hope to bring that same level of professionalism to alcohol racing,” claimed the younger Kontos, who is currently studying Professional Communications & Business at Ryerson University. 

The new team president has no drastic changes planned for the near future. Stefan does, however, have strong goals for the rest of the season.

“I won’t be making any major changes. We had a round-winning combination last year, so if anything we’ll be building on that. We want to take it to the next step; winning our first Wally. We have a great team and a great driver. There is no reason why we can’t be winning races. We’re going to focus on consistency. After our last race at Norwalk we feel we are back on pace. We’re looking forward to the summer stretch of the season where we really shined last year.”

Kontos’ Randy Anderson-tuned KonRodzRacing.com Monte Carlo is driven by Minnesotan Cassie Simonton, a former Junior Dragster race winner. Simonton drove the 3,000 horsepower Top Alcohol Funny Car to back-to-back runner-up finishes during the 2012 season, falling to the legendary Frank Manzo at Chicago and northeast hitter Paul Gill at Norwalk. 

Stefan is already anticipating the challenges of his new increased role.

“I think that being young and already having a lot going on with my education will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m eager to take on,” Stefan added. “I have a great marketing group and support system to assist me every step of the way. My father will still be very involved with the team, so he will always be there if I have a question. I’m truly looking forward to the opportunity he has given me.”

Spiro’s decision to pass on control of the team to his son has been in the works since the start of the 2013 season. The choice was reinforced when Stefan added several companies to the team’s list of valued sponsors.

“I’m proud of my son’s involvement in the sport,” Spiro said. “He really stepped up to the plate this year, bringing in new sponsors for our team.  I think his ideas and youthful energy will help take Kon Rodz Racing to the next level.”

Stefan is now the third generation in a line of family businessmen. Spiro founded Kon Rodz Racing after building Direct Waste Systems and Recyco Environmental, Inc. His father was also a successful entrepreneur.

Cassie Simonton and the Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team will next compete at the Burndown at Sundown NHRA Lucas Oil series regional event, June 7-9, at Route 66 Raceway outside of Chicago.

Kon Rodz Racing is a NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car team owned by Canadian businessman Spiro Kontos. Minnesota native Cassie Simonton drives the team's familiar orange and purple KonRodzRacing.com Monte Carlo Alcohol Funny Car in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Spiro, Cassie, and the entire Kon Rodz team are grateful to the quality companies that support their racing program; Sadi, Lucas Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, Goodson, BAE, Goodyear, Clevite, Mac Tools, Artist ButchM, ithreesixty Music Infused Apparel, Flaming River Industries, Sparco USA, Bell Racing Helmets, CRC Automotive Products, Mid-Ontario Truck Centre, and Off Axis Custom Paint.

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).

 

Kon Rodz Racing Partners with Flaming River

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Steve Fuhrman/Cyclops Photography

MAPLE, Ont. (July 30, 2012) – Spiro Kontos and his Kon Rodz Racing team are proud to announce a new partnership with Flaming River Industries. The manufacturer of steering products will have a spot as an associate sponsor on the team’s Top Alcohol Funny Car, driven by Cassie Simonton. The partnership between the two is a perfect fit.

“We’re proud to associate with Flaming River and their line of steering components. Whether it’s the 260 mph Funny Car or my street legal hot rods, I demand the best. Flaming River is the best. We’re very happy that our recent success is catching the eyes of companies like Flaming River,” Spiro said.

The Canadian team is coming off a stretch of races that featured such highlights as their first #1 qualifying position and back-to-back national event final rounds. Crew chief Randy Anderson tuned Simonton to final round appearances at Chicago and Norwalk on some of the hottest track conditions seen in recent history. With the addition of Flaming River’s new Funny Car steering box, the team hopes to steer into the Winner’s Circle at a race that is known for hot conditions.

“Between our increased exposure and the excitement around the U.S. Nationals, we’ve decided that Indy is the best place to debut our new partnership,” said Kontos. “The prestigious U.S. Nationals over Labor Day weekend is a race that everyone wants to win. We feel that we have a great shot at it, and we’re happy to have Flaming River along for the ride.”

Based in Berea, Ohio, Flaming River Industries is a manufacturer of steering components, steering accessories, and electrical components. Their American-made products are available for hot rods, street rods, race cars, boats, and even golf carts. For more information on Flaming River Industries and their innovative products, visit www.flamingriver.com.

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, Flaming River Industries, and ithreesixty Music Infused Apparel.

For more information on Kon Rodz Racing, please visit http://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 )

"Sassy" Cassie Reaches the Finals...Again

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Cyclops Photography

NORWALK, Ohio – In the eyes of Cassie Simonton, team owner Spiro Kontos, and the Kon Rodz Racing team, their luck has finally turned around. An early season filled with rare parts failures and first round losses is in the rearview mirror as the Canadian Top Alcohol Funny Car team leaves Summit Motorsports Park, the site of their second final round appearance in a row.

“Obviously you need luck in drag racing sometimes. We had some bad luck earlier in the year, but that’s behind us. We were lucky first round. Randy and the team saved me in the second round, but we came back and had a good run in the semi-finals. I think our luck is finally changing for the better,” Simonton said.

The weekend started off with “Sassy” Cassie’s best qualifying start at a national event, 3^rd with a 5.71. First round was perhaps the race decided most by luck. Simonton was on a great pass before the car just went silent around half-track. Opponent Brian Harvanek smoked the tires early and broke the blower belt, preventing him from chasing down the Kon Rodz machine. Cassie was late in the next round, but was able to drive around Ray Drew when his engine expired before the finish line, 5.643 to Drew’s 5.79. The car had bracket car consistency, running 5.642 to Chris Foster’s 5.67 in the semifinals. .

Cassie would line up against east coast heavy hitter Paul Gill in the finals of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals. She left the starting line first, but smoked the tires early. That very first Wally will have to wait for another race.

After Cassie and the crew put in multiple 16-hour days between Chicago and Norwalk to prepare, the second consecutive final round appearance was worth all the effort.

“This weekend was surreal. After everything we went through getting ready for this race, to start off qualifying with the #3 pass and reach the finals again was so rewarding for everyone. It’s been an amazing two weeks. I think we have a really good thing going, so that Wally should be coming soon,” claimed the Minnesota native.

The wait to go after that coveted NHRA trophy won’t be long, as the next race for Kon Rodz Racing is in just two weeks in Columbus, Ohio. The fourth race on the team’s Lucas Oil Series schedule will give them another chance to run for a trophy and earn more NHRA Regional points. Before that, the crew will have a much-need and well-deserved week off.

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 ).

Simonton Reaches First TAFC Final

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Roger Richards - used with permission

JOLIET, Ill. –“Sassy” Cassie Simonton became just the fourth female driver to reach a national event final round in NHRA TAFC competition, last weekend at the Route 66 Nationals near Chicago. The journey to the money round was not an easy one.

“Qualifying went well, we had three great passes down the track. Unfortunately we hurt it on the second and third runs, so the crew really had to thrash. Everybody pulled together and made it happen. It was a lot of hard work in the Chicago heat and humidity, but as the day went by on Sunday, it was definitely worth all of the work!” said the former junior dragster driver.

Every single round of elimination would prove to be a tight race with some of the strongest cars in the country. A #7 qualifying position meant a first round meeting with #10 qualifier Steve Gasparrelli. Crew chief Randy Anderson’s tune-up gave Cassie the power to send Steve packing, 5.66 to a losing 5.68. In the second round, “Sassy” Cassie eliminated John Lombardo Jr., 5.62 over his 5.63. In Simonton’s first semifinal appearance in NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car competition, she drove the Kon Rodz Monte Carlo to a 5.65, too much for Mickey Ferro’s 5.69.

Fan favorite Simonton was going to the finals in just her third year in the class that is widely considered to be the most challenging, up against 15-time World Champion Frank Manzo, one of the greatest drivers in all of drag racing. Based on the results from previous rounds, the final was expected to be a close race, just like the others. Shortly after leaving the starting line, the car went in to tire shake. “Uncle Frank” experienced shake as well, but went on to take the win light and his 97^th career national event title.

Though she couldn’t join first-time Pro Stock winner Erica Enders in the winner’s circle, Cassie is thrilled just to be driving a car that is so competitive.

“I don’t think it’s really hit me yet, what we accomplished this weekend. We’ve taken out three heavy hitters; they were all close races. It was very rewarding for the team to be able to prove that we are on the right track, capable of winning rounds. ”

Half of the crew is working away on new parts all this week so they can make the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio this weekend. After such a promising showing in Chicago, Spiro, Cassie and the guys are even more motivated. They want to keep that momentum rolling, no matter what it takes.

“We’ve proven that we have a consistent car. No matter what is thrown at us, we can get it back together and perform well. I have no worries going into Norwalk. We can keep this going. If I do my job, practicing my lights and perfecting my routine, and Randy and the guys continue to give me a fast, consistent race car, we can keep it rolling,” Cassie said.

Cassie is quick to thank the people who made the successful weekend possible: team owner Spiro Kontos, crew chief Randy Anderson, crew members Patrick, Cory, Londos, Graham, Steve and Stefan. Kon Rodz Racing would like to thank the fans who sent their well wishes and congratulations.

Keep up with Kon Rodz Racing on Facebook (www.facebook.com/konrodzracing) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/konrodzpr). Follow Cassie on Twitter at @CassieSimonton (www.twitter.com/cassiesimonton).

Kon Rodz Racing Going for a Cruise Down Route 66

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

JOLIET, Ill. – This weekend’s Burndown at Sundown race is a big deal for Spiro Kontos’ Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team. They’ll be racing in front of family and friends, along with a few new members of the Kon Rodz Racing family.

“We have a lot of family members from the Chicago area that plan on joining us at Route 66 Raceway. Our web and media designer, Artist Butch M, is bringing his family to hang out with us for the first time. Since our last race in Norwalk, we also added a few new crew members to our outstanding team; clutch tech Londos D’Arrigo, transport driver Steve Prince, and Graham Rowe on top end. We welcome them to the team and look forward to continuing the season with them,” Kontos said.

The team is ready to lay down great passes and win rounds on Sunday. The Kon Rodz car driven by “Sassy” Cassie Simonton showed promise at the past few races. Crew chief Randy Anderson will be setting the car up to run fast on hot track conditions, as the weather forecast shows high temperatures in the low 90s all weekend.

“Last year, we had one of the better cars on hot tracks, so we’re not really worried about it,” Simonton said. “We’ve struggled a little bit so far this year, but we’re all confident that we can do well in qualifying and go three rounds.”

Racing at the Burndown at Sundown doesn’t just mean on-track activities for Simonton. Last week, Cassie took over the Twitter account at Route 66 Raceway (@Route66Raceway) to answer fan questions and talk about the event. She’ll also be doing a radio interview in the Joliet area, a 7:05 am (CST) appearance on classic rock station WRXQ on Wednesday morning.

“It was really cool to talk to the fans on Twitter and answer their questions about everything from Top Alcohol Funny Cars and our sponsors, to my racing history and the team’s history. I had fun with it. I’m also looking forward to the radio interview; any chance we can get to spread the word about alcohol racing and the Burndown at Sundown this Saturday, we’ll take it,” said the former Jr. Dragster driver.

“Sassy” Cassie Simonton and the Kon Rodz Racing team will get three qualifying shots over the course of Friday and Saturday, before eliminations on Sunday. Show times for Saturday are 5pm and 9pm. The Burndown is the third race on the LODRS North Central Regional schedule. Spiro, Cassie and the entire Kon Rodz team look forward to seeing all of the Chicagoland fans. A special thank-you to Route 66 track manager Charlie and the staff for offering their hospitality this weekend.

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, Dino’s Pizza and Pasta, 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 ).

Tough Break for Simonton and Kon Rodz at Charlotte

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

MAPLE, On. -- "Sassy" Cassie Simonton and Spiro Kontos' Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team proved that they have what it takes to win races at the 4-Wide Nationals last weekend. Simonton clicked off consecutive career-best passes driving the Randy Anderson-tuned Kon Rodz machine in qualifying. The record runs were a positive turnaround from the team's results in Gainesville.

"We tested really well before the Gatornationals, and then tried a few new ideas that ultimately didn't work. Then we went back to what we started with in testing and it went out and ran career-best numbers," said Simonton.

Qualifying started out with the career-best for both Simonton and Kon Rodz Racing, a 5.54 at 261 mph. The team from Canada came back and threw down a 5.53, resetting their career-best numbers. Cassie entered eliminations in the #3 spot, set to race John Headley. Headley was unable to make the run, so Simonton had a bye run. Sounds like an easy way into the next round, right?

"We were going for a run in the 5.4 range in the third qualifying session, but the rear end broke going into third gear. The crew thrashed to get that changed before first round and we were short on time, so we didn't start the car before the run. We went up to the water box to start the car and it wouldn't fire. Tried it again and again: nothing," Cassie said.

Per the NHRA rulebook, a car on a bye run must start, stage and take the tree under its own power. A rare issue within the fuel pump prevented Cassie from doing so, resulting in a first round loss.

"Randy knew right away that it was within the fuel pump. We might have caught it if we started the car before the round, but it was too much of a rush to get to the staging lanes. Lesson learned; next time we'll be sure to start the car and check over everything," claimed Simonton.

The great passes also give Spiro Kontos and Kon Rodz the title of the quickest Top Alcohol Funny Car hailing from Canada, beating the record of 5.566, set by Roger Bateman in 2009. The past weekend's performance gives Cassie even more confidence heading into the North Central region season opener in Indy next weekend.

"The confidence is very high going into Indy. We have a fast car and I know Randy knows how to tune the car. We probably won't run as fast as we did in Charlotte just because the conditions will be different, but it'll still be cool weather, good conditions. I have all the confidence in my team to be able to lay down fast numbers and make up for what happened in Charlotte," says Simonton.

Team owner Spiro Kontos and "Sassy" Cassie would like to thank crew chief Randy Anderson, as well as crew members Patrick, Cory, Adam, and Jeff for their part in the team's career-best weekend.

"Sassy" Cassie Simonton and the Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team will next hit the track at the NHRA North Central Regional event at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 27-29.

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, Dino's Pizza and Pasta, Artist ButchM, and ithreesixty Music Infused Apparel.

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

Simonton and Kon Rodz Racing Prepared for 4-Wide Nationals

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

CONCORD, N.C. - Canadian Top Alcohol Funny Car team Kon Rodz Racing is packing up and heading south for the weekend. While many people might be spending time on the beach during spring break week, driver "Sassy" Cassie Simonton and the crew will be working hard at zMax Dragway, sending their car down the quarter mile at over 260 mph. The group is ready to rebound after going over the car and fixing the issues.

"I can say that we are very positive heading into the race this weekend. We learned a lot from some of the issues we had in Gainesville and we feel confident that we're ready for Charlotte," said Simonton.

The car's first full pass in testing was a 5.56 at 260 mph on the hot South Georgia Motorsports Park track surface. A few bugs in the systems prevented the team from doing well at the Gatornationals, but those gremlins have been worked out. Team owner Spiro Kontos is confident in the team heading into the 4-Wide Nationals.

"Cassie's driving has become very consistent now that she's in her third full season in the car. This will be our first time at zMax with Randy Anderson tuning, so I expect positive results. We're eager to get our first Wally and we would love for that to happen this weekend," said Kontos.

Spiro's son, Stefan, will be launching his new venture, SK Designs. The Kon Rodz Racing car will sport SK Designs logos, along with a couple other logos that were designed for clients. SK Designs is up and running, ready to design a professional logo for your race team or business.

"Sassy" Cassie Simonton and the Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team will first hit the track on Friday morning for the first round of qualifying at the 4-Wide Nationals, April 13-15, at zMax Dragway. The team will get three rounds of qualifying before first round of eliminations on Saturday evening.

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, Dino's Pizza and Pasta, Artist ButchM, and ithreesixty Music Infused Apparel.

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

Kon Rodz Racing Ready for 2012 Season

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

Maple, On -- After what seems to feel like a long winter away from racing, the Alcohol Funny Car team of Spiro Kontos is ready to go racing. It's going to be an exciting year for Kon Rodz Racing.

"We are pleased to announce that Randy Anderson will be back with our team for his second year as our car tuner and mentor. The team has spent countless hours in the race shop doing lots of R&D. We're looking forward to bring it to the track," said team owner Spiro Kontos.

The team will be heading off for pre-season testing at the Eastern Spring Test Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Georgia. Following testing, the team will head over to Gainesville, Florida to compete at their first national event of the season, the Gatornationals, March 8-11.

"The team has all of the right parts and equipment for us to run as a championship contender. Since Randy knows this car's performance inside and out after working with it all of last year, we feel that we have what it takes to give our competitors a run for their money," Kontos said.

"Sassy" Cassie Simonton will be competing in her third season as a driver for the Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car. She has proven that she can race with the best of them. "Sassy" is truly someone who wants to bring home Spiro's first Wally.

Kon Rodz Racing would also like to welcome their newest associate sponsor, ithreesixty Music Infused Apparel. ithreesixty produces a line of headwear for the active lifestyle, including hats and sports bands that feature Bluetooth and iPod compatibility. For more information on these great products, please visit their website, http://www.ithreesixty.com/.

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, Dino's Pizza and Pasta, Artist ButchM, and their newest sponsor, ithreesixty.

For further information on the team, visit their newly designed website at http://www.konrodzracing.com/