Few names in doorslammer drag racing command as much respect as Jon Salemi. A world-renowned crew chief, tuner, and entrepreneur behind Resolution Racing Services, Salemi has built a career rooted in passion, family, and relentless technical evolution.
In a wide-ranging interview with Kyle Christ on Beyond the Laptop – a show produced by Straight Line Media – Salemi opens up about his journey through drag racing, the impact of technology on the sport, and how punk rock shaped his approach to both racing and life.
Born Into It
Salemi’s earliest memories revolve around drag racing. Raised in Buffalo, New York, he credits his older brother Jim – 17 years his senior – for introducing him to the sport. “There was always a race car at the house,” he recalls. “I was four years old when I started going to the track. It’s been embedded in my blood ever since.”
Jon cut his teeth on the most basic of tasks – checking tire pressure, cleaning parts – before naturally evolving into more technical roles. “I got into tracking atmospheric conditions, pulling data from the Racepak, and spotting trends,” he said. “It was just what I loved to do – trying to figure out why the car did what it did.”
That curiosity laid the foundation for a tuning career that would take him to the top of Pro Mod and blown alcohol racing.
From the Bandshell to the Bleachers
Before Resolution Racing Services, Salemi was rocking stages around the world as the drummer and guitarist for influential hardcore band Snapcase. For nearly 15 years, music was his main pursuit – but even during tour breaks, he found himself back at the shop or track.
“The subculture of punk and the subculture of drag racing are kind of similar,” Salemi said. “Tight-knit, passionate, with built-in fan bases. Both gave me chills. Still do.”
Though he ultimately chose racing over a full-time music career, Salemi hasn’t left it behind. Snapcase still performs a handful of shows each year, and a 2026 documentary is in the works chronicling their legacy – complete with new music.
The Birth of Resolution
In 2010, after stints working alongside brother Jim at G-Force Race Cars and with Darren Mayer at DMP, Salemi struck out on his own and formed Resolution Racing Services. The business was born out of necessity – and maturity.
“My brother and I were clashing a lot,” he admitted. “We needed time apart to grow, and Resolution allowed that. Eventually we came back together, stronger than ever.”
Today, Salemi’s enterprise is a three-pronged operation including Resolution, G-Force Race Cars, and MSR Performance – a collective that builds, tunes, and maintains some of the most competitive Pro Mods in the country.
“I’ve never worked on a car that wasn’t supercharged,” Salemi said. “Blown alcohol, belt-driven, roots or screw – that’s our lane. And we’re busy enough staying there.”
The Tech Explosion
Salemi’s tuning career began when computers were barely part of the conversation. Today, they’re the center of it.
“The tech has completely changed the game,” Salemi said. “From engine and hub dynos to wet flow benches, from CNC machining to shock data – we’re going a half-second quicker than we were 10 years ago. That’s all because of technology.”
He’s quick to point out that drag racing has benefitted from the trickle-down of innovations from other industries – and from racers’ own relentless pursuit of optimization.
“Things we never paid attention to 10 years ago are now the biggest difference makers. Tire technology, traction compounds, 3D modeling, data acquisition – if you’re not deep into it, you’re falling behind.”
Family First
Despite the high-stakes nature of the sport, Salemi remains grounded by family – both biological and chosen. His wife, Melanie, is a fierce Pro Mod competitor. His son Evan is quickly becoming a standout tuner in his own right. And the Salemi racing operation remains anchored by longtime collaborators Jim Salemi and Mike Stawicki.
“The people around us – Eddie Whelan, Katie Knight, the whole crew – they’re not coworkers. They’re family,” Jon said. “This whole thing was built by family, and it’s stayed that way.”
Salemi acknowledges that working so closely with relatives can create tension, but also sees it as a strength. “We’re tight-knit, and yeah, sometimes we need space. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Know Your Role
As a leader, Salemi’s mantra is simple: know your role and execute.
“If you’re not doing your job at the highest level, be willing to take constructive criticism,” he said. “That’s how we operate. Everyone contributes. Everyone is accountable.”
That approach has helped Salemi’s team remain competitive in an era where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Favorite Tracks & Final Thoughts
Salemi closed out the Beyond the Laptop interview by naming a few of his favorite tracks: Galot Motorsports Park, Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Lancaster Dragway near home in Buffalo, Virginia Motorsports Park, and Empire Dragway – a revitalized Upstate New York strip he credits with helping keep the sport alive locally.
“It bred excellence,” he said of Lancaster. “If it wasn’t for that track, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
As Salemi looks ahead, he remains just as excited as ever – not just about ETs or wins, but about the community that makes it all worthwhile.
“To be able to go home at the end of the day and talk to your wife about racing and raising a family the right way — that’s what it’s all about.”
This story was originally published on July 31, 2025. 
The post Jon Salemi Talks Tuning Origins, Pro Mod Evolution, and Punk Rock Roots on Beyond the Laptop first appeared on Drag Illustrated.