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Joe Amato (born June 13, 1944)) is an American dragster driver, who won the National Hot Rod Association's Top Fuel championship five occasions and scored 52 event victories, most of them with crew chief Tim Richards.
In 24 years of competition as an owner and driver in the NHRA’s Top Fuel category, Joe Amato has achieved immense success behind the wheel of a dragster as well as at the helm of a major corporation such as Keystone Automotive.
May 12, 2020 · From a ‘53 Ford for his first car, Amato was soon dabbling in drag racing, and he won five NHRA national events in the Pro Comp ranks in a ride that would now be classified as Top Alcohol Dragster. In 1982, he and crew chief Tim Richards made the move up to Top Fuel eliminator, and Amato finished in the top 10 in points every year he raced.
Amato made the sport’s first 280-mph run in 1987 and won the Winston championship again in 1988, but arguably his most successful season was 1990, when he won six national events, tying the NHRA record for most Top Fuel dragster victories in one season (since bettered by Gary Scelzi).
Dec 22, 2023 · Joe Amato’s ability to think outside of the realm of normalcy propelled him to incredible success in drag racing. But it also could have been what did him in as a driver.
Oct 1, 2001 · During his two decades as one of Top Fuel's most successful drivers, Joe Amato wasn't the flashiest driver in the pits and he was seldom outspoken or controversial, but he did have an uncanny...
In terms of total professional victories, Amato is fifth – and sixth overall when his five sportsman wins are added. He's also fifth on the all-time Number 1 qualifiers list and the only five-time points champion in NHRA Top Fuel history.
