New Car, New Driver, New Attitude for 2005

Josh Hernandez ready to prove he’s a force to be reckoned with.

(3-15-2005) GAINESVILLE, FL - After a number-one qualifying performance in Houston at the Pro Stock Super Bowl, freshman AMS/TLR Pro Modified driver Josh Hernandez is ready to show the world that he really has what it takes to get down the quarter mile like a winner at the 36th annual Mac Tools GatorNationals this coming weekend. In his rookie season behind the wheel of a Pro Mod, Hernandez knows he has big shoes to fill, replacing former teammate and veteran-racer Von Smith as driver.

“Von was a great teacher and was great to have on the team. It’s a little intimidating, coming out and driving one of these cars after someone like Von had such a great season last year.

“There’s a lot of pressure on me to perform, and I’ll just try to do the best that I can. That’s all I can do,” he said.

Moving away from the 2004 Mustang they ran last year, Tommy Lipar is fielding a supercharged 1957 Chevy Bel-air with an Howard Moon-tuned, supercharged Hemi capable of producing over 2,500 horsepower.

“A Pro Mod car is just ornery,” Hernandez said. “Compared to an Alcohol Funny Car, a Pro Mod has 10 to 12 inches shorter wheel base and just as much power – it’s intimidating. These cars are absolute monsters, and they don’t recover quite as well as the funny cars do.

“We’re looking forward to the first race of the year, and we’re pretty positive about the season,” Hernandez said.

Josh Hernandez and the Tommy Lipar entry is backed by Angel Brothers Paving and Utility Contractors and Century Asphalt Materials of Baytown, TX.