When you hear the name Dave Connolly, most race fans think of Pro Stock horsepower, national event wins, and his sharp mind on the starting line. With 26 Pro Stock victories and stints as both a driver and championship-winning crew chief, Connolly has seen nearly every angle of professional drag racing. But these days, his focus is on shocks and suspension.
Why Competitive Suspension?
Connolly has always been hands-on, dating back to the earliest days of his driving career. “I’ve always been intrigued,” he says. “When I started crew chiefing in 2009—first for myself, then with Erica Enders—I wanted to learn more about shocks.” That curiosity led him to learn under some of the best: Jeff Ryan of JRi Shocks and Ronnie Crooks, a well-known NASCAR shock guru, both of whom helped shape Connolly’s technical foundation.
That passion came full circle in 2022 when Connolly and longtime race promoter Jennifer Folk purchased Competitive Suspension Solutions from founder Shane Sweigart. What started as a side gig quickly grew into a full-time operation, now based in Bradenton, Florida.
What Racers Need to Know About Shocks
Connolly is quick to point out that shock technology has been overlooked for years. “Racing has gotten tighter and tighter. Shocks are one of the areas where people can find the edge,” he explains.
Unlike off-the-shelf parts, Connolly customizes every setup. Each shock is valved to the exact application—taking into account the car’s speed, weight, and suspension type. “On the rear especially, people forget you already have mechanical leverage from your 4-link or ladder bar. Shocks are the fine-tuning,” he says.
And when you buy from Connolly, you’re not just buying hardware—you’re buying his knowledge. He works with racers on 4-link settings, shock adjustments, and long-term tuning support. It’s an ongoing relationship, not just a one-time transaction.
Wide Range of Customers
From Pro Stock and Top Sportsman cars to 6- and 7-second 1/8-mile bracket cars, Connolly’s customer list spans nearly every corner of drag racing. He services brands like QA1, Penske, JRi, AFCO, and Strange struts, and works with racers in all racing classes.
The results speak for themselves. Many racers see immediate improvements—and even wins—after putting Connolly’s suspension setups to work. In a sport built on fractions of a second, that kind of fine-tuning can be the difference between loading up early or standing in the winner’s circle.
Pro Stock Future?
With his deep resume behind the wheel, many wonder if Connolly will ever return to full-time Pro Stock competition. His answer: “Never say never.” While he isn’t shutting the door on driving again, Connolly is content with where he’s at now—running Competitive Suspension and serving as a trusted crew chief for some of the biggest names in the sport.
“I’m happy with what I’m doing,” he says. “Helping racers go faster, win races, and get the most out of their cars—that’s rewarding.”
Closing Thoughts
Drag racing has always been a tight-knit community, and Connolly fits perfectly into that fabric. With Pro Stock-level knowledge and a hands-on approach, he’s bringing suspension science to racers at every level. Whether it’s a bracket racer trying to shave a few thousandths or a Pro Stocker chasing a Wally, Connolly is proving that shocks are no longer the forgotten piece of the puzzle—they’re the key to staying competitive.
