J.R. Granatelli helped pioneer Ford 5.0 racing into the sport it is today.  J.R. was the winner and promoter of the first Super Ford 5.0 shootout in Columbus, Ohio (1990).  From there, he never looked back winning several championships including the most prestigious Stormin’ Norman shootouts from 1992 through1996.  J.R. is a licensed Pro Stock driver and he has been a long time instructor at the Roy Hill Drag Racing School.  In fact, many of his students include several NHRA national event winners.  

After winning a slew of races as the pilot for Paxton Superchargers in their SCCA Camaros and NHRA drag racing Mustangs, J.R. took a sabbatical to go race for Greco Racing.  With Greco Racing he felt at home and produced several more national titles.  In 1997, J.R. retired from racing to focus full time on the business side of Paxton Products Superchargers and Fuel Systems where he was instrumental in producing Granatelli Signature Series (GSS) fuel regulators, fuel pumps, and fuel systems also known as Aeromotive.  During his break from racing, he remained a hired gun for several top-notch teams including Texas Jam Racing.  2001 marked J.R.’s return to full time racing.  J.R.’s past accomplishments and winning reputation earned him the right to carry the Summit banner in the ranks of NMRA Pro 5.0 racing.  In only his first outing, J.R. set the world record, making his Summit Racing Cobra the undisputed quickest and fastest modular motored Mustang in racing, a record that still stands today.