Drag Illustrated Issue 156, May 2020 | Page 79

VINCENT NOBILE RELISHES CHANCE TO GET BEHIND PRO STOCK WHEEL IN ORLANDO VINCENT NOBILE HAS been a fixture at the race track since he’s been in diapers, which is why last year was so difficult for the talented driver. At least for one weekend, Nobile got the Pro Stock fix he’s been missing. After the team was parked following the 2018 season, Nobile and his father stepped away from the class, and it was undoubtedly a difficult decision for the 13-time Pro Stock winner. While a full-time return may not be in the cards at the moment, Nobile drove an Elite Motorsports Camaro at the World Doorslammer Nationals. Nobile fell in the opening round of eliminations, understandably never getting in perfect rhythm, but he remained full of excitement. “It felt good to be back in the car,” Nobile said. “That’s something you just can’t explain. I definitely missed it and it definitely felt good to be back out here. I can say I certainly miss it. There’s times I really get bummed out about it. “Like I tell anybody — and I’ve never done any sort of drugs in my life — this has to be worse than drugs. You can’t get it out of your system. It’s just one of those things that becomes an addiction.” Nobile qualified 14th with a 6.532 at 211.43, making a series of runs in the 6.50s and showcase the driving prowess that made him one of the top drivers in the class. “I felt pretty comfortable. They say it’s like riding a bike and I’ve got quite a few runs under my belt,” Nobile said. “Naturally, you have some nerves, but I felt really comfortable in the car and it went right down the track. It’s going well so far. I’m out here having a good time and I get to make a few laps. I’m just happy to be out here, to be completely honest. It feels right, like where I’m supposed to be.” Nobile is as natural of a talent as anyone in the class, but when funding went away, he was forced to step away from the sport. He worked with Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman to put together a deal, but Nobile isn’t seeking out full-season sponsorships. He also wasn’t about to rule anything out following these two races. “Will it turn into more? Who knows. We’ll see,” Nobile said. Nobile isn’t actively seeking a sponsor, noting that part of things is a full-time job in itself. Still, there’s no denying Nobile has missed being behind the wheel. The thrill on Nobile’s face in Orlando was obvious, and he treasured the time with his father. The only downside? “This was probably a bad idea to come out,” Nobile said. “I’ll be going through withdrawals real bad now. – JOSH HACHAT DI SHANE TUCKER ENJOYS MASSIVE PROGRESS IN ORLANDO SHANE TUCKER’S plans changed for the start of the 2020 season, but he was more than happy with the result. Initially not expecting to start his season until much later in the year, Tucker raced at the World Doorslammer Nationals in Orlando, campaigning a sharp black, gray and pink Auzmet Architectural Camaro powered by Elite Motorsports. He looked strong throughout the weekend, going a career-best 6.502-seconds at 212.23 mph in qualifying, and picking up a first-round win. It came about quickly, but the Australia native was pleased with the chance to compete at the inaugural race this weekend at Orlando Speed World Dragway. “We hadn’t planned to race until Indy, but this opportunity came up and it all sort of worked out,” Tucker said. “I expressed some interest in the race, (team owner) Richard (Freeman) and I had a conversation, and it all sort of came together. It’s a pretty good deal here, and hopefully we can keep progressing.” Things came together pretty quickly for Tucker, who made steady progress to end 2019. He won a round last year in Dallas, but didn’t think he would have a chance to continue that good stretch until Indy in September. This opportunity was too good to pass up, leasing a motor from Elite Motorsports. It’s a program that allowed Tucker the chance to have an immediate and noticeable impact, which is important to the part-time racer who spends most of his year in Australia. “Honestly, I think Richard gives you every opportunity to run well,” Tucker said. “You can’t put an amount on seat time. I’m comfortable with how I drove last year, and we’ve got a great chance to run with everyone at the top.” – JOSH HACHAT DI May 2020 DragIllustrated.com | Drag Illustrated | 79