Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
FREEPORT, IL.- Aaron Scibona (Pictured Left) is a very hard working, dedicated seventeen year-old. Aaron excels in and out of the classroom. Along with being a three sport athlete (baseball, basketball, and football) at nearby Freeport Aquin Junior-Senior, Aaron enjoys playing guitar along with his many other jobs.
Aaron has added the very exciting sport of drag racing to his schedule. Scibona had always been intrigued by racing, but it wasn't until he bought his red 1998 Ford Mustang Cobra (Upper Left), that he really started to get involved in it. After buying the car from local resident salesman Mark Brewer, Scibona was directed to long-time racing enthustiast Casey Roberts and newly-formed MVP Performance. Scibona learned more about his car and what it could do. After rebuilding the car, Roberts and Scibona were ready to see the Cobra in action. The two ventured over to nearby Cordova Dragway for a Friday night test and tune session. Roberts strapped Scibona into the Cobra. Aaron hit the gas and has never let off.
"After the first night, it was pretty much an addiction. You see the cars going fast and you want to go fast," Scibona recalled.
After only two practice runs, Aaron was ready to drag race, but Roberts wasn't for sure. On just his third pass out, Scibona beat one of the best drag racers in the midwest (Anthony Lane). Roberts couldn't believe it, but Aaron was now fully dialed into the sport of drag racing.
There was no question in his mind, when asked about his best racing memory thus far. "So far the night (Aaron's first night out), when I went against Anthony Lane (Blue car, Left Lane). I had the slower car, and I was just looking out my driver's side mirror. I kept my foot on the floor, knowing Lane was getting closer. I held on to get the close victory at the line." Scibona (Red Car, Right Lane) remembered. After that special night, Aaron and Casey worked on getting more speed out of the Cobra. Over the winter, Aaron and Casey gutted the Cobra, and worked to put more power in the car for the upcoming season.
Along with the aderaline rushes and excitement, Aaron has learned some valuable life lessons from racing. "It's definitely taught me the value of a dollar," Scibona explained. Aaron has put in many long nights and days, working and learning about the Cobra with the help of MVP Performance.
Scibona went on to explain, "It's a lot of hard work. Sometimes you just have to get your hands dirty, and do what you enjoy doing. The biggest accomplishment this far has been building the car with the help of Casey." The before (Left) and after (Right) pictures of Aaron's engine are below.
Hard work pays off, if you are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be successful. "In a way it's kind of hard to believe I'm racing," Aaron reflected. "Growing up, I never thought I'd have a car, and be able to race it. It's a dream come true. I have put a lot into racing without the help of my parents." Scibona continues, "I had to work for everything I've gotten. It wasn't just handed to me."
"Aaron is very laid back, not hyper like other kids in his position. He is really appreciative of his parents for letting him race," Roberts said.
Thursday is a big day for Aaron and MVP Performance. "On Thursday (April 1st), we go on the chassis dyno block with Aaron's car and see if we can break a World Record for the most powerful, naturally-aspirated Cobra 4-valve long block motor," Roberts explained. I want to wish Aaron and the rest of the MVP Performance the best of luck in their quest for the World Record. There will be an update coming from "Through the Gears" on the outcome of the chassis dyno (Lower Left).
Skies the limit for what Aaron has the potential to do in drag racing. "I definitely want to take it (racing career) as far as it will go. I want to have a good season, and gain some attention from the sponsors for the future," Aaron explained. "Hopefully, we'll be able to have multiple cars with different sponsors, and be able to run them."
Aaron has a very bright future in racing, and would like to take some time to thank some special people who helped him along the way. "I would definitely like to thank Casey Roberts and Mark Brewer. Brewer sold me the car, and gave me Casey's number. Casey and I talk everyday. Next, I would like to thank MVP Performance for helping me with all the car installs and labor. I would also like to thank my Mom and Dad, for all their support and understanding."
