The Team

What began over 30 years ago with a young teenager (Frank Sr.) painting cars in his mother’s garage for extra cash, Privitera Motorsports now boasts a stable of 6 unique nostalgia Hot Rods, including two of the Washington D.C. Metro area’s most beloved nostalgia door slammers, a 1940 Willys Coupe and a 1948 Anglia named, “The Wooppee Car.”  Frank Privitera Sr. discovered he had a fascination with cars and a knack for wielding and painting as an enterprising young man interested in supplementing his allowance.  His natural talent was unmistakable as a student at a technical high school, where his teacher was thoroughly impressed with his technique, and even asked for pointers!  The team began in the late 70’s with its first racecar, a 1962 Ford Falcon, raced at local drag strips such as Aqausco Speedway and Capitol Raceway.  After many years of racing, Frank Sr. began building show cars, competing in the ISCA show car circuit and ranking as high as #2 in the national standings throughout the late 80’s with his little deuce coupe.  As Frank Jr. approached the age of 16, the team shifted gears and once again got back into racing.  Over the last 10 years, the team has campaigned several cars, ranging from an 11 second pro-street Camaro to the current pair of 8.6 second door slammers.  In 2006, the team again made a major investment in their drag racing enterprise through the purchase of a 3-car Renegade transporter.  This new piece of equipment has eased long distance travel and allowed the team to expand its reach, and racing schedule, to all over the Eastern United States.

As the team looks into its future, there is always the unquenchable need to go faster.  Privitera Motorsports is already in the process of building the knowledge, equipment, and facilities to support a Top Alcohol Funny Car team that could begin competing as early as the 2008 Racing Season.  Stay tuned for more information about this amazing new addition to the team.   

Frank Sr.

Frank Jr.

Bitten by the car bug at an early age, Frank Jr. has spent the better part of his life in and around Hot Rods.  He tuned his first car at age 4 (with a little help from Dad, of course).  Frank Jr. graduated from Hot Wheels to Go-Karts, running lap after lap around an improvised track in the Pizza Italia parking lot.  During his high school years, Frank Jr. Raced a 1979 Chevrolet Camaro at local racetracks in footbrake bracket racing classes , earning many round wins.  During Jr.’s college years, he upgraded to the now famous 1940s Willys coupe.  As crew chief, Frank Sr. slowly increased the power of the Willys each year with new engine combinations, producing anywhere from 550hp, in the early days, to the current configuration, putting out over 900hp.   After earning his B.S. in Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech, Frank Jr. began working for Boeing as an engineer on the National Missile Defense Program.  Frank Jr. continued racing the Willys, while also beginning work on attaining his Masters Degree in Systems Engineering.  In 2004, Frank Jr. left the Boeing Company for an opportunity with SPARTA, another Department of Defense contracting company working in the arena of Missile Defense.  In 2006 Frank Jr. completed his Masters Degree in Systems Engineering and continues to work for SPARTA as an engineer supporting the defense of our nation.  Frank Jr.’s career as a rocket scientist has allowed him to focus on his true passion, cars!  Its funny how the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!  In his quest to drive anything with wheels and his desire to learn from the best has led Frank Jr. to recently attending driving schools to refine his skills in all areas.  In November 2006 Frank Graduated from Skip Barber’s 3 Day Advanced Racing School and he plans to attend the Frank Hawley School of Drag Racing sometime in 2007/08 to earn his Top Alcohol Funny Car license.

Norbert

New to the team but not to cars, Norbert hails all the way from Germany. Working as an auto mechanic for over 20 years Norbert is an asset to our team in many capacities whether its setting the cars on the line or helping with a between rounds engine change. Norbert knows how to get the job done.

Matt

New to the team but not to cars, Matt comes from the Bayou of Schreveport, LA. Working as an engineer alongside Frank Jr. at the Missile Defense Agency Matt loves technology and cars. He is an asset to the team using his mechanical and electrical skills to help the team with maintenance between rounds and projects around the shop.

Mary Ellen

Maryellen is the glue that holds this team together, she keeps things running back at home so that we can go racing and at the track so that we can win. As Frank Sr.'s wife Maryellen has been around cars for over 30 years, even working in a speed shop when she was younger. Now Maryellen runs the family restaurant. For the race team "mom" makes sure the coach is packed with food and treats and cleans up our messes when we make it back into town. She is truly a godsend to keeping our team running.

Melaine

Melaine has been around racing her entire life, growing up in the pits of infineon raceway in Sonoma, CA. She has had a love for racing since childhood and helps out wherever she can. Sometimes her most important job is making sure her fiance, Frank Jr. stays hydrated on those hot days at the track. Melaine also helps with cooking, cleaning, and everything else it takes to keep this operation going.

Marvin

A seasoned veteran to motorsports Marvin has a long history with all types of racing. He has served as a crew member on several race teams over the years and has even found himself in the drivers seat of a top fuel Harley a time or two. Today he supports our team with mechanical wisdom, starting line prowess, and a mean cream chipped beef recipe.

Danny

A friend of the family for over twenty years, Danny is a part time crew member who makes it to our races when possible. Danny is a Cadillac afficionado and owns several old Caddys that he can be seen driving all over the Washington D.C. metro area.

Marc

As one of the two youngsters on the team Mark has taken on an apprenticeship role. Mark can be found checking tire pressure, putting batteries on charge or doing a host of other very important work on the racecars. Sometimes we even let him ride the four wheeler. Mark is learning the ropes of drag racing and hopes to one day have his own race car.

Phillip

Another of the youngsters on the team Phil has also taken on an apprenticeship role. Like his brother Mark, Phil can be found checking tire pressure, putting batteries on charge or doing a host of other very important work on the racecars. Phil has a great interest in cars and is attending a special high school program which teaches his mechanical skills and car restoration techniques. Phil also enjoys building and racing radio controlled cars.