■ McLeod Racing announces contract extension with import drag racer Ricky Silva and CLM Motorsports . Silva is set to make his season debut at the Xtreme Front Wheel Drive Challenge which will be held at Bradenton Motorsports Park during the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod Race

March 3-5 , 2023 . With the acquisition of PowerTrain Technologies , McLeod Racing is able to provide a new line of smaller diameter clutch kits for racers like Silva .

Returning with the 1997 Honda Civic , Silva will feature a new 7.25 ” triple disc clutch from McLeod Racing . The lightweight line of these smaller diameter clutches provides great linear engagement and friction life with a positive feel .

“ We are excited to kick off the 2023 season on the big WSOPM stage ,” says Silva . “ Having McLeod Racing on board with us once again will make it that much better . We ’ ve been working on some new products with them and we can ’ t wait to show our fans and customers .”

As McLeod moves into its third year working with Silva and CLM Motorsports , the company continues to broaden the applications dedicated specifically to import drag racing .

“ We are happy to have Ricky as part of our family once again ,” says Creative Director , Krista Baldwin . “ With the recent acquisition of PowerTrain Technologies , McLeod will have Ricky play a big role in product development for the import and sport compact market . Ricky and his team will market our products to his customers and provide feedback so we can continue to be the leader in the drivetrain aftermarket .”

Ricky Silva is set to make his season debut on March 3-5 in Bradenton at the invitational World Series of Pro Mod in his McLeod front wheel drive Honda . As a fan favorite , Ricky will be competing against the fastest import drag racing machines in the country .

■ One of drag racing ’ s longest-tenured relationships will continue in 2023 , as Pat Musi Racing Engines and Edelbrock Group ®, a leading manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket performance parts , will continue their partnership this year .

It ’ s a pivotal relationship that has spanned more than two decades , with the longtime partnership set to extend through the 2023 race season .

The collaborative Edelbrock / Musi Signature product line is set to continue as well , including the popular Edelbrock / Musi 555 crate engine . It ’ s also been a meaningful relationship for Pat Musi , who worked closely with late owner Vic Edelbrock , and has continued to see tremendous benefits of partnering with the industry powerhouse .

“ It means a lot to me to continue our partnership with Edelbrock ,” Pat Musi said . “ Vic Edelbrock taught me a lot about business and we had a great relationship , and to see it continue with their team for more than 20 years is a great thing . They believe in what we ’ re doing and they ’ re behind us 100 percent . The products we ’ ve developed with them have looked really good and I believe we have even bigger and better things coming out , so that ’ s going to be really cool .”

The two companies have combined forces in recent years , leading to a number of exciting product innovations , which have drawn rave reviews in the drag racing world .

The crate engine line has been a massive success for both Edelbrock and Musi , while the Edelbrock / Musi Signature collection currently includes race-ready cylinder heads and manifolds .

“ We are very excited to continue the relationship with Pat Musi Racing Engines ,” said Edelbrock VP of Sales & Marketing , Mark Campbell . “ The two companies have collaborated on many exciting projects over the years , and continue to work on new and exciting things . The race center in North Carolina provides Edelbrock and Pat Musi Racing Engines the opportunity to bring advanced cylinder head technology to the race and street market , and help our customers reach new goals .”

Product development will continue to be a key part of the relationship , which has Musi thrilled for the upcoming season . After seeing what has happened thus far with the collaboration between Edelbrock and Pat Musi Racing Engines , he has big plans for 2023 and beyond . The Edelbrock Race Center is housed within the Pat Musi Racing Engines facility , and has already been home to a number of special projects .

All Edelbrock racing cylinder heads are machined in the Centroid 5-axis CNC in the engine facility and Edelbrock Race Center , and Musi expects several new developments to take place there this season .

78 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 181