Several months ago before the start of the 2007 Pro Modified Racing Association season, Bruce Boland let it be known he was going for the points race and the championship.
Early in the season, the veteran had some traction and driveline issues, but once the car was sorted out, Boland was able to pull some impressive numbers with the new ERD powerplant.
During the final PMRA event at the Grand Bend Motorplex over the Labor Day weekend, the Hamilton, Ontario driver qualified for the show, and when he made it to the semi-finals, he had amassed enough points to take the title.
“I got my ring, ” he said after running in the final round, and just losing the race to Joe Boniferro of Niagara Falls, Ontario. “It was a close race, and I gave it my all, ” he continued. “I may have not won the race, but I’m happy to take the title. ”
The 52-year old auto shop owner did not win any of the PMRA events this year, and for two of the races the B & B 1953 Corvette driver did not even qualify. But he had a pair of runner-ups (Lancaster Raceway Park and the Grand Bend Motorplex), got to the semi-finals at Sanair, and coupled with his perfect attendance gave him 1228 points, 17 more than Matt Guenther of Livonia, New York, and Ike Maier of Tottenham, Ontario.
Boland dedicated his title and his efforts this year to the 12-year old son of crewmember Brad Short. Young Kevin Short died of heart ailment in July of this year, and Boland wanted to take this title in the youngster’s honor.
“This one’s for Kevin, ” Boland said during the post-race ceremonies at Grand Bend. “He was my biggest fan. He always came out to our races, and helped us out. ”
Bruce Boland will be honored at the upcoming PMRA Champions Banquet, scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2007 at The Como Restaurant in the Francesco Hall in Niagara Falls, New York.
Entering its fourth year of operation, The Pro Modified Racing Association continues to enjoy strong fan popularity and for 2007 presented some of the best in Pro Modified drag racing in North America.
The PMRA traveled to several drag strips in 2007, including two dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, Lancaster Raceway Park in New York State, Sanair in Quebec, and a season-closer at the Southwestern Ontario track of the Grand Bend Motorplex.
The PMRA is pleased to have Wix Filtration Products, Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., Uni-Select, and Moen Incorporated as sponsors of the 2007 points series.
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