Elma, NY – Every racer has a story to tell. A story of whether what an incredible weekend they might have had, or a story of how many parts they might have broke. A story of how a fan came up and asked for an autograph, or a story of a road adventure getting to the race track. There are many stories to tell, however for Mike Janis and his Mike Janis Racing Team (MJR), this past Independence Day weekend at the NHRA Summit Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, this was a story that was thought impossible to actually be true. A story of how a race team who struggled for many years at this track who would jokingly call it the “Norwalk Curse” before they would even pull out of their shop parking lot. A story of how the bond between Mike and his “FAMILY” really let people believe that dreams do come true. This is the story of Mike and Team MJR’s quest for greatness.
“It has been three days since hoisting the “Wally” up in the Winner’s Circle, and we are all still looking at each other to see if this past weekend really happened” said Mike Janis, Owner/Driver at MJR. “I can sit here and talk about how this track has been very tough on us over the past twenty-five years, or how great the car ran, but quite honestly that means nothing to me. This past event marked a race weekend which will forever go down for me personally as the most incredible weekend I have ever been a part of. Not only did we win, we had more family, friends, customers and supporters there than you could imagine. My Mother was there, my brothers, my sister, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, it was just completely amazing. To share this win with them is something I will never forget. At one point we had so many people in our MJR pit area, that traffic had actually come to a complete stop behind the trailer and people could not help to look as to what was taking place in our pit area. There were no speed secrets taking place there, that was everyone showing their love and appreciation to us. We talked with everyone, laughed, cried, it was a very emotional weekend. The most incredible moment came when a gentleman walked up to me in the pits and said “I have something to tell you… I know where your Father’s old Willy’s race car is. A guy who lives about an hour from here has it and is actually here this weekend.” I about broke down right then and there. Our family has been in search of the car for over thirty-five years. I asked if he could send him over right away. We met and went through the whole story, which right then and there he agreed to drive an hour back home to go get it. When he pulled it into our pit area with it, it was a completely surreal moment. To have all of our family and friends there to witness that moment left everyone speechless. I really wish I could put into words of how special of a weekend this really was, but there are none. From the thousands of pictures taken which people are posting daily, I think you will get a feel of how powerful and special our organization really is. There is nothing more important than “FAMILY” and I can assure you we will be pinching ourselves for the rest of our lives trying to explain this past weekend. One word “EPIC,” said an elated Janis.
“We had an incredible weekend and our Jan-Cen Racing Engines/Mike Janis Superchargers Camaro is flying” said Mike Janis Jr. GM/Crew Chief at MJR. “We have been working very hard and running up front since the year started. We knew if we kept pushing and pushing, we would get over that troubled hump, and hoist a “Wally.” What better place to do it than Norwalk, and a big thank you goes out to Goodyear Tires! If I had one wish right now, it would be that if you weren’t a part of this past weekend’s journey with us, I would wish that you could have been. You would’ve been left with an extremely warm feeling. A feeling of passion, a feeling of team work, and a feeling of excitement. I can sit here and honestly say that we have one of the most unique organizations out there, it is very special. We are doing things for our partners that no other teams our doing. Our fans and supporters will tell you first hand how we treat them. We have incredible partners who help support our program, amazing fans, very loyal customers and the best “FAMILY” anyone could ask for. We are very blessed and what I hope every gets from this weekend is that dreams do come. In our wildest dreams you couldn’t have wrote a story like this… win the race, break the curse, my Grandpa’s Willy’s shows up, all of our family and friends were there, it was for sure one for the record books” said an excited Janis Jr.
Next up for MJR is the NHRA U.S. Nationals Labor Day Weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana. Janis currently sits 3rd in the NHRA Pro Mod Championship Points Standings, only 9 points out of 1st place!!!!!!
We are actively seeking marketing/partnership opportunities. For any interested in marketing/partnership opportunities with Mike Janis Racing (MJR) please contact Mike Janis Jr. at 716-628-2591 or via email mikejanis1065@gmail.com.
Photos courtesy of: MJR, Mike Pappanceno, and Competition Plus
About Mike Janis Racing
Mike Janis Racing, Inc. is a professional drag racing team that competes full-time in the NHRA, IHRA, and PDRA Pro Modified division. Mike Janis is a two-time Pro Modified World Champion and is currently number two all-time for most wins among Pro Modified drivers. Mike owns and operates Jan-Cen Racing Engines which designs and builds world class race winning engines along with their trademark Mike Janis Superchargers for customers all throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe. www.mikejanisracing.com www.facebook.com/mike.janisracing
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