Joe Fontana

Car Owner, Engine Builder
CLASS OF 2015
Veterans Committee Selection

Joe Fontana was a master engine builder. Cars powered by his engines won on both oval tracks and drag strips. NASCAR Cup legends like Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart started their careers driving cars with 4-cylinder engines built by Fontana.

He started his racing days at Plainville Stadium in CT with Moon Burgess piloting his Flyin’ Jimmy GMC powered coupe. They traveled southern New England also racing at West Haven Speedway, Candlelight Stadium, Waterford Speedbowl, Riverside Park Speedway, Seekonk Speedway, Cherry Park and Thompson Speedway. Joe’s motors won 122 features over the years. Racing during the CORA era at Plainville, he won 19 straight races with driver Sparky Belmont behind the wheel.

Joe also powered many midgets over the years on NEMA and ARDC circuits. He was equally successful powering dragsters. His cars won 12 Wally’s in the Funny Cars plus a couple wins in the Blown Alcohol Dragsters.

Joe was also an accomplished yachtsman. He set a world record in 1988, and beat America’s Cup winning captian Dennis Connor in a Newport to Ensenada yacht race in 1995.

Joe Fontana passed away on July 2, 2021 at the age of 96 years old.