NHRA
Connolly and team announce 2006 engine plans
Dave Connolly to use engines from Cagnazzi Motorsports in 2006; SKULL GEAR continues backing of Rickie Smith and Dick Maskin team DECATUR, Mich. - SKULL GEAR owner Evan Knoll has announced that his NHRA POWERade Pro Stock team driven by Dave ...
Published: Nov 11, 2005, 7:24 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber

Dave Connolly to use engines from Cagnazzi Motorsports in 2006; SKULL GEAR continues backing of Rickie Smith and Dick Maskin team
DECATUR, Mich. - SKULL GEAR owner Evan Knoll has announced that his NHRA POWERade Pro Stock team driven by Dave Connolly will utilize Victor Cagnazzi engines in 2006. Knoll, who also owns Torco Race Fuels, has also extended the sponsorship of Rickie Smith and team owner Dick Maskin.
The Cagnazzi Motorsports program will replace the previous engine program established by Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins.
"I'm very excited with the potential of this alliance," Knoll said. "As far as I am concerned, the Cagnazzi operation has the most horsepower to offer us at this time. They have an impressive in-house program that when combined with our championship driver will produce a killer combination. I like Victor Cagnazzi's style of doing things."
Knoll was quick to point out that he's grateful for the effort put into his team's program by Jenkins.
"Grumpy hung in there with us and we did the same with him," Knoll said. "We've experienced some tough times with this team and through it all Grumpy never stopped trying. 2006 will be a new year and we just decided to go in another direction. That's all. I have a lot of respect for Bill Jenkins and he has a lot of success left in him for the years to come."
Knoll will extend the sponsorship program of Rickie Smith and Dick Maskin through the 2006 season. He originally signed the duo in the middle of the 2005 NHRA POWERade tour.
"They provide a quality representation of our SKULL GEAR brand and I'm eager to be teamed up with them for 2006 and possibly beyond. You never know what can happen in this class. I am very happy with what they provided for us this season."
Knoll's team will begin testing in mid-December and he expects them to log nearly 50 runs on the new Jerry Bickel Cobalt. He also has a Jerry Haas Cobalt and will test it extensively as well.
"When Pomona rolls around, the car that does the best will be in the starting line-up. I know one thing is for sure, when that time comes we will be more than ready for the challenge, said Knoll."
-jls-
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Phoenix: David Starr preview
Next article Rally Australia leg 1 standings
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Rickie Smith

John Force muscles his way to 140th NHRA career win
NHRA
NHRA
John Force muscles his way to 140th NHRA career win

Pro Mod Drag Racing Series standout Von Smith continues championship chase at Bristol Dragway
NHRA
NHRA
Pro Mod Drag Racing Series standout Von Smith continues championship chase at Bristol Dragway

Pro Mod driver Castellana ready to show true potential
NHRA
NHRA
Pro Mod driver Castellana ready to show true potential
Latest news

Sebastien Ogier tipped for partial WRC 2027 programme
WRC
WRC WRC 11 min
Sebastien Ogier tipped for partial WRC 2027 programme

Max Verstappen jokes about key difference with Kimi Antonelli at 20: “He speaks Italian!”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
31 min
Max Verstappen jokes about key difference with Kimi Antonelli at 20: “He speaks Italian!”

Kimi Antonelli almost had to retire in Mexico due to an oil leak
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
1 h
Kimi Antonelli almost had to retire in Mexico due to an oil leak

How Mercedes can win F1’s world constructors’ title at Brazil GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
1 h
How Mercedes can win F1’s world constructors’ title at Brazil GP
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe