New York State Thruway Authority

About Vinny: Vinny is no stranger to difficult challenges. Over the last seven years, his drive and determination have led him to the extremely competitive world of motorsports and IHRA racing. At the age of 20, Vinny formed RKD Paving, a commercial asphalt company. Two years later, the success of this company allowed him to purchase one-third of Depew Development, Inc., a major heavy highway construction company near Buffalo, New York. Currently its Secretary and Treasurer, Vinny is also a Project Manager and Project Superintendent. He coordinates projects for the New York State Department of Transportation; the New York State Thruway Authority; the City of Buffalo; Erie County and most surrounding airports. Vinny directs the movement, operation and repair of over 100 pieces of construction equipment. He also oversees and controls many financial aspects of Depew Development, Inc.'s business. Although he has a passion for racing, Vinny recognized that he could not simply start out by driving 325 miles per hour. He needed proper training. As a result, Vinny attended Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School. Hawley is a three-time IHRA Top Fuel Champion, and in 1997 Vinny graduated with the necessary skills and experience to race nitro funny cars. After several years of research, Vinny recruited a team of accomplished race professionals to build and race nitro funny cars. In 2001 his company completed its first car. In its initial competitive run, he reached an impressive 288 mph in 5.20 seconds. The team made rapid progress, and in December he achieved runs at over 300 mph. By the 2003-4 seasons, Vinny Arcadi has become one of the most competitive racers on the IHRA Championship event trail.