Cagnazzi Racing expands Connolly's duties

DAVE CONNOLLY TO TAKE ON EXPANDED ROLE AT CAGNAZZI RACING

Dave Connolly

Photo by: Ted Rossino

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 7, 2011) - Dave Connolly, twenty-two time NHRA Pro Stock event winner, will be expanding upon his role for two-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion Cagnazzi Racing.

Beginning at the upcoming VisitMyrtleBeach.com 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, N.C. on April 15 - 17, 2011, and building upon his current role handling the set up on Erica Enders' ZaZa Energy Chevrolet Cobalt, Dave Connolly will now be Cagnazzi Racing's full time Crew Chief for Erica's team.

This will create a dual role for Connolly, who will also be back behind the wheel of the Industrial Distribution Group Makita Industrial Power Tools race car that same weekend at the 4-Wide Nationals, the first of multiple races planned this season for Connolly with IDG and Makita.

"I couldn't be more excited right now about my new dual role for Cagnazzi Racing" Connolly said. "I was heavily involved last season in the set up of my own race cars, both in the Pro Stock and Sportsman classes. Now I'll be able to get more closely aligned with Erica's car as we all work to help her become the first female Pro Stock event winner." "Plus, knowing that I'm going to get back behind the wheel of the IDG Makita Industrial Power Tools Cobalt is exciting, especially since I'll have a competitive car with tremendous horsepower under the hood."

"I anticipate a very smooth transition for Dave", says owner Victor Cagnazzi. "I have been very impressed with the role Dave has already played on Erica's team and how effectively he, Erica and everyone on the ZaZa team have worked together.

Mike Smothers, who has been with Cagnazzi Racing for over 3 years assisting the race team's engine department with research & development, assembly, and purchasing, is also being elevated within the organization. Smothers, effective immediately, is the Assistant Crew Chief on both Connolly's and Enders' race cars. This is in addition to Smothers' current role overseeing engine tuning on Rodger Brogdon's RACERS EDGE/Attitude Apparel Pontiac.

"I foresee nothing but success for Mike in his expanded role as the team's Assistant Crew Chief and look forward to watching him and Dave excel", says Cagnazzi.

-source: cagnazzi racing