Meet Team CCI Motorsports
Team Biographies, Members And Crew Duties
Frank Patille
CCI Motorsports Team Owner / Driver / Engine Builder
It started with a 1969 Camaro and a 468 Reher Morrison engine. Then, it graduated to an 815 c.i. Sonny's power house. Now it's a 526 c.i. Hemi. No matter what it is, Frank builds it.
As an engine builder, and primary engine specialist for CCI Motorsports, Frank keeps this team running on all eight cylinders. In addition to engine building and general car performance, Frank also tunes, maintains and trouble shoots the 1957 Buick Special.
When he's not drag racing, Frank's "day job" as president of CCI Constructors, Inc. keeps him busy with concrete and excavation projects around the Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania regions.
Diana Patille
CCI Motorsports Statistics / Travel Coordinator And Chief Cook / Bottle Washer
You either love it or you hate it! That's pretty much Diana's attitude toward drag racing. It's noisy, dirty, smelly and exhausting. And, it's a blast! As the wife of a racer, engine builder and crazy Pro Mod driver, Diana finds herself doing things many women would never consider, or even know where to begin.
Things are never dull at the Patille household, and you never know where your next "road trip" will take you.
Diana works as a project manager for a construction management firm in Wilmington, Delaware from 9 to 5.
When not building schools, tracking millions of construction dollars or scheduling contractors, she's working with Frank, keeping the CCI Motorsports Buick organized and on the track, recording run data and weather information.
Todd Blades
CCI Motorsports Engine Specialist:
Todd's background in motorsports began as a teenager, racing streetcars, like most guys have done. He wrenched for an alcohol dragster and Pro Mod team for about 4 years and ran a pro street alcohol Harley for about 4 years, before becoming involved with CCI Motorsports. Todd brings vast race-day experience and a good working understanding of engine components to our Team.
When he's not crewing, Todd works as a sheet metal / welder for A&H Metals based in Newark, DE. He lives in Newark with long time love, Tammy, and their 2 children.
Nick Vanella
CCI Motorsports Crew Chief And Engine Maintenance
Nick is one of those guys who picks things up quickly. He's a graduate of the Automotive Training Center, and works as a master mechanic at West Chester Jaguar / Range Rover. Nick loves his automotive work "Period".
Nick Vanella has been an integral, important member of our team. He's an agreeable guy who has been a tremendous asset to our team.
When he’s not racing, Nick and wife, Christine, work on their home improvement project.
Jon Salemi
CCI Motorsports Tuner "DMPE" Darren Mayer Performance Engineering
When we first met Jon at the PRI Show we knew he would be the missing link at CCI Motorsports. Since that time, Jon has been hired to keep the Black Cat on the track and running fast.
Jon Salemi is the retired rocker from New York, Salemi now heads DMPE's "Darren Mayer Performance Engineering" sales and tech department as well as being the track representative for DMPE
Chris Patille
CCI Motorsports Maintenance Specialist
If it's not race season, you'll find Chris at Penn State, where he's majoring in the Business Management program and will return to PSU for one last semester this fall and will graduate in December
Chris not only enjoys working as part of the crew on his father's race team, but also spends time pimping his ride, a Chevy S10 pick up truck.
Kenny Jester
CCI Motorsports Wheel Man / Car Maintenance
A long-time friend of Chris Patille's, Kenny recently graduated from York College with a degree in Business Management.
An easy-going guy, Kenny is a pleasant member of Team CCI Motorsports.
Ronnie Fioravanti
CCI Motorsports Car Maintenance
Ronnie and Frank have known each other for decades. It's no wonder Ronnie's main job on the team is maintenance. He is exceptionally detail-oriented and meticulous in his work.
Sammy Patille
"November 1998 - April 2010. R.I.P, Buddy"
Friends Of CCI Motorsports:
Richard Dixon:
Full time sponsor and part time helping hand of CCI Motorsports, Richard has become a real friend of the team. He pitches in during critical moments when we're short on time. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty, or grille a steak for dinner. We appreciate all that Richard does for our team.
Kip Dupuis:
Previous owner of the 1957 McAmis Buick, Kip assists with tuning and has been a mentor and advisor for Frank and CCI Motorsports. Kip occasionally travels to the East Coast to attend events with his buddy, Rick DeStefano, and checks in with CCI.
Kim Massella:
Owner of Cakes by Kim, she bakes a mean filled cake. Girlfriend of Ronnie, and girl friend of Diana's, Kim frequents as many races as possible. See her website "CakesbyKim.com"
Mike Spinozza:
Mike has been providing engine machine work for Frank for the past 30 years. Located in Newport, Delaware, American Automotive offers a full range of services. Find out more at their website at www.americanautomotive.com
Gil Davis:
Gil is there to provide good advice for those difficult engine questions -- higher level engine problems / questions. Based in West Chester, PA, Gil's shop is convenient to racers in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland.
It started with a 1969 Camaro and a 468 Reher Morrison engine. Then, it graduated to an 815 c.i. Sonny's power house. Now it's a 526 c.i. Hemi. No matter what it is, Frank builds it. 
You either love it or you hate it! That's pretty much Diana's attitude toward drag racing. It's noisy, dirty, smelly and exhausting. And, it's a blast! As the wife of a racer, engine builder and crazy Pro Mod driver, Diana finds herself doing things many women would never consider, or even know where to begin. 
Todd's background in motorsports began as a teenager, racing streetcars, like most guys have done. He wrenched for an alcohol dragster and Pro Mod team for about 4 years and ran a pro street alcohol Harley for about 4 years, before becoming involved with CCI Motorsports. Todd brings vast race-day experience and a good working understanding of engine components to our Team.
Nick is one of those guys who picks things up quickly. He's a graduate of the Automotive Training Center, and works as a master mechanic at 
When we first met Jon at the PRI Show we knew he would be the missing link at CCI Motorsports. Since that time, Jon has been hired to keep the Black Cat on the track and running fast. 
If it's not race season, you'll find Chris at 
A long-time friend of Chris Patille's, Kenny recently graduated from 
Ronnie and Frank have known each other for decades. It's no wonder Ronnie's main job on the team is maintenance. He is exceptionally detail-oriented and meticulous in his work. 