The Real Deal: Tommy D’Aprile Dishes on Returning to Pro Mod for U.S. Street Nationals

The stage was set, the anticipation was great, and I was ready for my return to race with best in Pro Modified. It was late December when I received a call asking if I would be interested in driving in the upcoming U.S. Street Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park. 

[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #187, the PRO Superstar Shootout Issue, in March/April of 2024.]

As many of you know, I had walked away from the Pro Modified division quite some time ago and was enjoying racing close to home with my family. My first thought was that I did not want to get myself into racing a full season traveling across the country again. The long weeks and weekends of following a race circuit take a toll on family and work, and I for one did not want to re-enter that lifestyle. 

After some thought and discussion with my family, I agreed to jump back into the seat. In the weeks leading up to the race, I started to get excited about my return. I was racing with my old team and championship car, belonging to Al Billes, from a couple of years back. We also had a couple of new team members from Eric Latino’s racing operation that were an absolute blessing as well. 

We decided to test the week of the race, and as I prepared to get strapped into the car, all I could think about was if I could still do this at the level I needed to. The car started and all I can tell you is I was in the zone right away. We made absolutely fantastic runs, my lights were great, and we qualified well, even going a couple rounds on race day. 

To say the race was a success was an understatement. I felt great and the car and team were on point. What a great weekend of racing. Although the race was fantastic, I have to tell you the people that made it great were even better. Seeing old friends and the encouragement that came from my wife and family meant the world to me. 

Years ago, I was all about winning and wasn’t happy unless we did win. At this race, I was reminded of the true blessing of family and friends that I have. No matter what happened on the racetrack, I had already won! 

I tell you this story to remind each and every one of you the victory you possess before even firing up the race cars. We have so much to be thankful for, and the racing should be an extension of our thankfulness. When we let the outcome of the race decide our attitude, we lose. What I mean here is that if you choose to enjoy this sport and the people around you no matter what the race outcome is, you win!  

I am by no means saying I don’t race to win and that I am happy to lose. I am saying that enough is enough of a race car stealing my joy. Will I race in Pro Modified again? That I cannot answer at this time, but I can tell you that if I do, I will have already won before I even get into the race car. You are all winners and blessed to do what you do. Now start acting the part. As always, the choice is yours to make!

This story was originally published on July 15, 2024.

The post The Real Deal: Tommy D’Aprile Dishes on Returning to Pro Mod for U.S. Street Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated.