MAZZORANA RETIREMENT

few longtime NEOPMA racers for their support – both as participants and sponsors – over the years . They include Fred , Anne , and Fredy Scriba ; Brian Hard , Tyler Hard , and Kevin McCurdy of Hard Racing ; and Gene Pilot , Steve King , and Jeff Miller of Pilot Racing .

Continuing on the note of sponsors , Mazzorana thanked ATI Performance Products , VP Racing Fuels , and M & M Transmissions .

Mazzorana also mentioned the racetracks that hosted NEOPMA events over the last 32 years , from 25-plus-year host track Maryland International Raceway to a more recent edition to the schedule , Empire Dragway . Past tracks also included Cecil County Dragway , Atco Raceway , Capitol Raceway , and Old Bridge Township Raceway Park .

Mazzorana closed his letter by acknowledging the spectators and fans that supported the series from the grandstands , the pits , and online .

“ We appreciate your years of loyalty and support ,” Mazzorana said . “ You were there when we were a young , fledgling organization , and you stayed with us for all these years . You ’ ve seen us grow into a one of the fastest , successful , and longest lasting Pro Mod organizations in the country .

“ Thank you , Lord , for 32 years of fun , fast cars , and especially friendship ,” Mazzorana concluded .

In the days and weeks following his retirement announcement , Mazzorana was overwhelmed

with responses , messages , and calls from racers , teams , tracks , and fans of the organization . One of those teams was Scriba Racing , which competed in NEOPMA for many years before spending the 2024 season focused on PDRA Pro Nitrous competition , where they won the world championship . The team issued a statement thanking Mazzorana for his contributions .

“ On behalf of the entire NEOPM racing

community and Scriba Racing team , we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to John Mazzorana ,” the statement started . “ John ’ s tireless devotion , leadership , and passion for the sport of Pro Modified drag racing has left a significant mark on the sport . Through his visionary work and initial creation of the NEOPMA series , John built an organization that exemplified the spirit of competition but also fostered camaraderie and community among the racers , fans , track owners , and everyone who had the privilege of being part of the journey . While racing as part of the NEOPM , we gained invaluable experience and more importantly , everlasting friendships in the racing community .

“ For over three decades , the NEOPM has been synonymous with providing excellence in Pro Modified racing and thrilling side-by-side competition and much of that success is a direct reflection of John ’ s unwavering commitment to the organization ,” the statement continued . “ As we bid farewell , we honor not just the conclusion of the NEOPM series , but also the extraordinary contributions John made to the sport of drag racing and to all of us who love it . While the NEOPM races may have come to an end , the legacy John built will forever be remembered and cherished .” DI

36 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 191