“We’ve stepped up to the next level,” said Ajax team owner Kirk Silbermann recently. “We’ve got the next level of car, and along with running all the PMRA events we plan on running the new car in IHRA events.”

The Ajax car is a 1967 Camaro-bodied Pro Modified, powered by a Brad Anderson 526-cubic inch Hemi engine on a G-Force Race Cars chassis.

“The G-Force chassis is more aerodynamic,” stated Silbermann. “It’s a state of the art car,” adding that the car is better suited for driver Scott Wildgust. “Scotty fits better in this car than the old one. He’s more comfortable.”

“This new car is definitely better for me,” said Wildgust, who drove the previous Ajax entry in last year’s PMRA circuit to a second-place tie in the point standings. “This car I’ll be able to see out of,” he added, noting that his vision was quite restricted in the previous Pro Modified.

Silbermann noted that he has been working with fellow Pro Modified driver Carl Spiering in setting up the new car, through Spiering and his ERD (Engine Research and Development) facility in Jordan Station, Ontario.

“We’ve been working with Carl,” Silbermann said. “He’s put us on a competitive program, and we’re grateful for his help and input.”

“Kirk has definitely stepped up the program,” added Wildgust. “And with the big power this car will have, we should have a good year.”

While Wildgust drives the car, Silbermann crew chiefs for the effort, along with John Weima. Other members of the team include Maria Silbermann, Tracy Weatherhead, Wendy Witt, Chuck Wildgust, Dan Achilles, Joe McCan and Jack Switzer.

Primary sponsorship for the team is Ajax Engines and Torco Racing Fuels Ontario, with associate sponsorship from J.S. Wild Auto & Trailer Sales, Stratford Automation, Wildgust Group RE/MAX, and Dave McArthur Custom Finishes. The team is also supportive of Canada’s overseas military effort and helps to honor its fallen heroes. The car is scheduled to make its public debut at the upcoming Performance World Show March 14 to 16 at the Torco Racing Fuels Ontario booth in Toronto, Ontario.

Silbermann believes he has the car and the team to do well this year. “I’ve provided Scotty and the crew with the best available equipment,” he said. “We now have the car, the crew, and the driver to be a player.”

PMRA tour stops in 2008 include two dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, New York, Sanair in Quebec and the Southwestern Ontario track of Grand Bend Motorplex.

Negotiations are underway with several US race tracks based in Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania with the plan of presenting a seven-event PMRA drag racing series this season.