Stefan Kontos Named Kon Rodz Racing Team President

KING, ON – Ontario, Canada-based NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car team Kon Rodz Racing announced today that 18 year old Stefan Kontos will take over the day-to-day operations as team president, effective immediately. Team owner Spiro Kontos will maintain his role as owner and CEO of the popular team, now competing in their third full season with driver Cassie Simonton.

“I will oversee the team operations, but Stefan will have full control of the team. I’m reducing my role in the team so I can work on other business ventures. I will still be involved and I’ll attend all of the races as usual, but all of Stefan’s decisions will be final,” Spiro said.

Despite his young age, Stefan has already proved himself through his work within the team. He worked to attract a host of new sponsors to the team, including Sparco USA, Bell Racing Helmets, and Off Axis Custom Paint. Stefan’s projects also include building the official Kon Rodz Racing Facebook and Twitter pages. He will use what he learned as he grew up within the sport to take on additional responsibilities associated with managing a professional race team.

“I’ve learned a lot from watching my dad run this team as I grew up. I also pay great attention to how teams like Don Schumacher Racing run their operations and how it pays off with positive results on and off the track. By taking what I’ve learned from them, as well as constantly pursuing sponsors, I hope to bring that same level of professionalism to alcohol racing,” claimed the younger Kontos, who is currently studying Professional Communciations & Business at Ryerson University.

The new team president has no drastic changes planned for the near future. Stefan does, however, have strong goals for the rest of the season.

“I won’t be making any major changes. We had a round-winning combination last year, so if anything we’ll be building on that. We want to take it to the next step; winning our first Wally. We have a great team and a great driver. There is no reason why we can’t be winning races. We’re going to focus on consistency. After our last race at Norwalk we feel we are back on pace. We’re looking forward to the summer stretch of the season where we really shined last year.”

Kontos’ Randy Anderson-tuned KonRodzRacing.com Monte Carlo is driven by Minnesotan Cassie Simonton, a former Junior Dragster race winner. Simonton drove the 3,000 horsepower Top Alcohol Funny Car to back-to-back runner-up finishes during the 2012 season, falling to the legendary Frank Manzo at Chicago and northeast hitter Paul Gill at Norwalk.

Stefan is already anticipating the challenges of his new increased role.

“I think that being young and already having a lot going on with my education will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m eager to take on,” Stefan added. “I have a great marketing group and support system to assist me every step of the way. My father will still be very involved with the team, so he will always be there if I have a question. I’m truly looking forward to the opportunity he has given me.”

Spiro’s decision to pass on control of the team to his son has been in the works since the start of the 2013 season. The choice was reinforced when Stefan added several companies to the team’s list of valued sponsors.

“I’m proud of my son’s involvement in the sport,” Spiro said. “He really stepped up to the plate this year, bringing in new sponsors for our team.  I think his ideas and youthful energy will help take Kon Rodz Racing to the next level.”

Stefan is now the third generation in a line of family businessmen. Spiro founded Kon Rodz Racing after building Direct Waste Systems and Recyco Environmental, Inc. His father was also a successful entrepreneur.

Cassie Simonton and the Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team will next compete at the Burndown at Sundown NHRA Lucas Oil series regional event, June 7-9, at Route 66 Raceway outside of Chicago.