Stratford Drag Racer Has 'Anger Management' on Display

By Bill Bittar

Stratford resident Michael Meneo drag races in Lebanon Valley, N.Y., behind the wheel of "Anger Management" his white 1979 Camaro.

On Sunday, his car was on display at the Monroe Street Rodders Classic Car Show on Fireman's Field in Monroe.

Meneo, 51, whose company is Meneo Racing, said his Camaro is equipped with a 406 Small Block Chevy engine.

"My father got me into the hot rod scene growing up as a kid in the 60's and 70's, when muscle cars were at its peak," he said. "My father owned a body shop in Derby."

Meneo also owns a 1967 Oldsmobile 442 and said his brother Vinny, who owns four cars, is also a collector.

"He comes to the track with me," Meneo said. "The family camps out there." Then Meneo looked over to his son, Anthony. "He'll be the next generation," he added with a smile.

Meneo and his wife, Laura, have four children, including Anthony and their three daughters Debbie, Adrienne and Bella.

"They love cars," Meneo said of his daughters.

When Meneo isn't tinkering with his cars and racing in "Anger Management," he works as a technician for Fair Auto Paint and Body Supply in Bridgeport.

"Body shops buy our paint," Meneo said. "I train the body shop painters on how to use our products."

Anthony may soon follow in his father's footsteps. He sat behind the wheel of "Anger Management" and asked for permission to start the engine. Meneo gave him the green light and soon "Anger Management" roared to life.