The DeFrank family legacy began in Pennsylvania, when Jim DeFrank built a Model A roadster for street cruising fun. It was back in the late '60s when a photo of the car appeared in PHR as part of an article that covered the winter indoor car show scene back there. After moving to Southern California with his wife, Loraine, Jim had a retail tool route, selling to mechanics at local dealerships and garages. He heard that Hollywood movie producers had a need for car covers to protect their motorized props between scenes and during long periods of storage. Jim filled that need and began building an impressive business around a wide variety of products that protect and glamorize specialty automobiles. Not long after, he began drag racing with a serious Hemi Cuda capable of bombing the NHRA national record virtually at will.

Armed with his uncanny knack for making good business decisions, Jim decided to dissolve his (then) partnership in the upscale Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories and branch out on his own. Some of his start-up funding came from the sale of rare and exotic Chrysler parts he'd amassed over the years. California Car Cover Company began with a small showroom and modest warehouse space in Chatsworth, California. While commuting to the office each day, Jim kept fixating on a certain building, knowing it had all the right elements necessary to move CCCC to the next level. Years later, the company relocated to that same piece of real estate.

Fast forward to the new millennium - the business has grown, sons Jimmy and Tony are now an integral part of the operation, and the racing side of things has also evolved. Though Jimmy has become a multi-time champion, both nationally and divisionally, his younger brother Tony also has several national event wins and a Division 7 crown to his growing list of credits, along with six Top Ten finishes in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. As they say, he ain't done yet, either.

By day Tony DeFrank works as executive director at CCCC and runs Anthony James Apparel in his spare time. Most weekends he can be found behind the wheel of the family's newest Super Stocker, a 2007 Chevy Cobalt that falls into Super Stock GT/BA category. Built by long-time family friend (and occasional team driver), Phil Mandella, it was one of the first new Chevy Cobalts to appear in the Eliminator. Phil drove the car to dial it in during its maiden voyage at Indy last year, and Tony took over the seat shortly thereafter.

Like many of the DeFrank family race cars, the Cobalt's 400-inch small-block engine was built by Mike Keown Racing, using Manley rods, pistons from Bill Miller Engineering and a Stef's oil pan. Keown used valve train pieces that include a cam and lifters from COMP, Manley valves and springs, rockers and a timing belt from Jesel, and valve covers by Moroso. Though modifications are severely limited in Super Stock, the induction system consists of an Edelbrock manifold and factory-style Quadra-Jet carburetor. The air/fuel charge is lit through Moroso wires and an MSD ignition. Other engine accessories include a CSR starter and Meziere water pump. While the engines come from Keown, Tony is quick to credit the dedication of his mom and dad, Rob Panaggio, Steve Firestein, Steve Decker, and Jimmy DeFrank. That's what we'd call a "Super Crew."

Over the years the DeFrank family has built an impressive array of race cars using a great deal of the most respected names in the automotive aftermarket. Many of those cars have used Phoenix Race Tires (phoenixtire.com, or 800-531-0855). This Oklahoma-based company is comprised of former Firestone employees, who acquired the drag tire molds when Firestone placed its racing emphasis on Indy cars. DeFrank has also relied on top-quality suspension pieces from Lamb Components and Weld Racing Wheels. Of course, the list goes on and on, but for this discriminating dad (and racer), the best parts go in before his sons go down the track.

To start the 2007 campaign Tony qualified in the number nine position at Pomona, where 78 cars competed in Super Stock Eliminator. He ran 9.428 seconds on a 10.55 index (-1.122 under) and made it all the way to the fifth round. In the following event in Phoenix his luck ran out in the third round. Although father Jim is the team strategist, both Tony and Jimmy are absolute masters at dial-in racing. More times than not they're deadly accurate at both ends of the racetrack.

While many have asked the elder DeFrank if his boys plan to step up in class, his answer is no. Jim enjoys drag racing. He enjoys the sport because it takes him away from the daily pressures of running a successful mail-order company. He's also fully aware of the inherent dangers lurking just around the corner, and his family seems perfectly comfortable running what they know best - Super Stock. DR