The story of Rat Poison begins in the late 1960s, rooted in the golden era of drag racing. Originally campaigned by partners John Morey and Frank Pettinato, the team debuted their pre-Rat Poison dragster in 1967 as a C/GD (C/Gas Dragster), later transitioning to J/F (Junior Fuel). By 1968, they had evolved into the iconic “Rat Poison” A/Fuel Altered, a name that would become synonymous with raw power and family perseverance. This early version featured a Hilborn-injected nitro setup and terrorized tracks like Maple Grove Raceway and Capitol Raceway in the early 1970s, often seen smoking the tires in dramatic launches.

Frank Pettinato’s son, Dan, was there from the start—often in the push vehicle as a young boy, watching his father stage the car for races across Southern California and Arizona. This hands-on exposure ignited a multi-generational passion. After Frank’s era, Dan took the wheel, transforming Rat Poison into a modern nitro-fueled beast while honoring its roots. Today, Dan’s son, Robby Pettinato, serves as crew chief, making Rat Poison a true family affair spanning over 50 years. The team’s legacy includes decades of fuel car racing on both coasts, with interviews highlighting the adrenaline of piloting these unpredictable machines.

The Machine: Engineering a Wheelstanding Icon

At the heart of Rat Poison is a 1923 Ford Model T body, a nod to classic altered designs that prioritize lightweight agility over aerodynamics. Power comes from a Brad Anderson Enterprises 426 cubic-inch Hemi engine, fed by a high-percentage nitro methane fuel mix—running consistently at 95% nitro for explosive performance. This setup propels the car into the 5-second zone over the 1/4-mile, with top speeds exceeding 245 mph.

Fuel Altereds (AA/FA class) are among the most volatile in drag racing: short wheelbases, massive rear tires, and nitro-fueled engines create “organized chaos” on the track. Rat Poison exemplifies this, often seen heating the hides with throttle whacks during warm-ups—a rare sight that thrills fans. The car’s setup demands precise tuning from Robby, who has been instrumental in recent successes, as shared in pit-side chats.

Key Specs:

• Chassis: Custom-built for AA/FA competition, emphasizing low weight and high power-to-weight ratio.
• Engine: Brad Anderson 426 Hemi, nitro-injected for over 3,000 horsepower.
• Transmission: Direct drive or multi-speed, optimized for explosive launches.
• Top Performance: 5.92 ET at 245 mph (track record).

Milestones and Triumphs: Dominating the Nostalgia Circuit

Rat Poison’s recent achievements have solidified its status as a top contender in nostalgia drag racing:

These wins showcase the team’s consistency, with Dan’s driving prowess and Robby’s tuning turning close qualifiers into victories. In 2023, Rat Poison outran competitors like Dave Giles in thrilling matchups. The Maryland and Darlington records were historic blasts, marking the first fuel altered to dip into the 5s at these venues.

Beyond stats, Rat Poison has faced legends like Randy Bradford in wheelstanding duels, adding to its lore. Collectibles like hero cards and signed postcards celebrate these feats, available to fans.

Looking Ahead:  2025 and Beyond

The Pettinato family isn’t slowing down. In 2025, Rat Poison has a special invitation to the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series, including the inaugural Pro Outlaw AA/FA events. This five-round series features nitro Top Fuel and Funny Cars, with Pro-Am classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They’ll compete at tracks like Dragway 42 and Darana Raceway (formerly National Trail), facing 12,000-horsepower rivals.

Additionally, Rat Poison heads to Tucson Dragway for the inaugural Fuel Altered Chaos on November 14-15, 2025. This event commemorates the Morey & Pettinato legacy, pitting over 30 AA/FA entries in a 24-car main event—the largest altered show in the track’s history. Promoter Chris Graves and track owner Jim Hughes promise “CHAOS,” with pre-entries from across the U.S.

The Rat Poison Experience: Fan Engagement and Media

Follow the action on social media:

• Instagram:  @ratpoisonracing (photos, videos, and live updates)
• Facebook:  Rat Poison AA/FA (event highlights and onboard rides)

Podcasts and videos, like Dan’s appearances on Drag Racing Heritage and Draglist LIVE, offer insider stories. From backup duties by “Drag Strip Blondie” to top-end charges, Rat Poison embodies the thrill of nitro racing.

Over 50 years strong, Rat Poison continues to evolve, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge performance. Whether resetting records or chasing new titles, this family-driven machine proves that some legacies are built on nitro and never fade.