EXCLUSIVE - 3x Champ Nino Cavallo Targets Calder March Return

Melbourne Pro Stock racer, Nino Cavallo is targeting Calder Park's national open on Saturday, March 1 for his return to racing after an 18-month hiatus.

Cavallo, who has concentrated on building a new family home during his absence from the track, will use the March date to test for the opening round of the 2014 ANDRA Pro Stock Series, the Pro Stock Shootout also at Calder Park four weeks later (4-5 March).

The three-time Australian Super Stock Champion has a new Bob Book-built 399 cubic inch Hemi motor for his former Mopar factory Dodge Stratus and believes he can become more competitive in the heads-up pro ranks.

"I'm getting quite excited, it's been a while since we raced and I've missed the competition, so it will be good to get back in the car and have some seat time," Cavallo said.

Cavallo said the new motor had a significant power advantage over his previous engine, and should easily eclipse his 7.07-second best.

"Bob's done a terrific job with the new motor, it makes good power and we're pleased with the dyno numbers," he said.

"There's so many variables that affect performance, but if our setup is near the mark and I do my job as driver it will run strong and we'll be competitive."

Cavallo said only minor details are needed to be completed before the Jerry Haas-built Stratus is ready to race again.

"The motor is in and we're almost fully prepared. We had to make a few adjustments to the scoop, which we've done, and we've got a new radiator to install, but once that's in and plumbed we're ready to go."