Pizza & Pro Mods: Brian Corradi Brings Flavor, Horsepower With Zach Sackman at the Wheel

Fans headed to the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series at Dragway 42, Sept. 24-27, might find themselves with a hot slice of pizza in one hand and a race ticket in the other. Thanks to local racer and businessman Brian Corradi, Master Pizza shops in Northeast Ohio are serving up more than award-winning pies - they’re giving fans a chance to experience one of drag racing’s wildest shows.

Corradi, best known in the nitro world as a championship-winning crew chief, also owns and tunes the “Gotham City” Pro Mod - a ProCharger-boosted 2017 Camaro piloted by Zach Sackman. And just like the family-run pizza shops, the race program blends tradition, passion and plenty of horsepower.

Corradi’s Pro Mod journey traces back to longtime friendships and inspiration from fellow racers.

“I was always interested,” Corradi said. “A really good friend of mine, Mike Ashley, was the one who helped me with the Pro Mod. I was his crew chief in '07-’08. He basically gave me the push and is instrumental in what I’m doing today. I built this car, and it became part of the ‘Gotham City’ theme because that’s what Mike had with a lot of his cars. So we carried that on.”

The Camaro, assembled just a couple of years ago, has already proven itself on some of the sport’s biggest stages. What makes it all the more special is having a long-time family friend behind the wheel.

Zach Sackman grew up around Corradi and his family, making this pairing as natural as it is competitive.

“I’ve known Brian basically all my life, and driving for him is pretty cool,” shared Sackman. “He’s one of the best tuners in nitro racing, and I believe he can be the best Pro Mod, too. He’s super competitive, and I am too, so it makes for a good challenge every time we roll up.”

Sackman, who has multiple wins under his belt, has never made passes at Dragway 42, but he isn’t fazed.

“To me, a racetrack’s a racetrack. You go out there, figure it out, and focus on making consistent runs. That’s the plan.”

Off the track, Corradi and his family pour the same energy into Master Pizza, which has grown into a well-known Ohio brand recognized for its award-winning pies and family-friendly atmosphere. Now, those local shops are set to help fuel the excitement for the IHRA weekend.

Through a special promotion, customers who stop into Master Pizza may walk away with not just dinner, but also tickets to the Outlaw Nitro Series at Dragway 42. 

“Anything we can do to help you guys out that helps us out, too,” Corradi said. “We’re all for it.”

For Sackman, it’s an honor to represent both the Corradi family and their businesses. 

“It’s not every day someone asks you to drive their Pro Mod. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity Brian has given me.”