10/19/2024
IHRA Events
Deponte has reeled in trio of Ironman victories
Glenncen Deponte is a fisherman by trade and a successful racer on the side.
In fact, the 29-year-old Hawaiian has driven his 1996 Chevrolet Beretta to three victories in IHRA Ironman races, including back-to-back wins in 2023-24.
Deponte has been racing nearly half his life, starting in a Junior Dragster after being introduced to the sport by his father. While each Ironman victory is a dream come true, his approach has been focusing on one run at a time.
“Winning three Ironmans are experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Deponte said. “I take every race as a learning lesson to improve myself as a driver so when I do hit an accomplishment it makes it that much more meaningful to me. I don’t focus on winning. I just try to be consistent and cut good lights.”
Beyond his dad, his racing hero has been Dave Connolly, the noted Pro Stock racer. He also has the support of his significant other, Cherish Quiocho, who creates digital content for him.
Deponte’s car features a 383 Chevy small block with a powerglide transmission. He’s owned the car since 2019 and repainted to its design himself. It’s proven to be a good fit for him, but it’s more than the car.
He won the first Ironman in a Camaro in 2014. Now, he wants to go for a fourth Ironman with a different kind of race car.
“I still have the Beretta and just recently purchased a 2007 Undercover dragster with a big block Chevy and a powerglide transmission,” Deponte said. “I took it out to race for the very first time in August. The second outing, I attended the Big Island Auto Club Labor Day races here in Hilo, Hawaii where I took first in the Quickest 8 bracket. The goal is to win an Ironman in the dragster.”
He loves the adrenaline and speed with drag racing. Much like “The Flying Hawaiian” Danny Ongais was a hero to the people of the islands two generations ago in drag racing and IndyCars, Deponte hopes to inspire a younger crowd on a local level.
“I am just an average kid from Hawaii where we don't have the amount of competition of the mainland,” he said. “But, I would like my Ironmans to be an influence to any kid out there who has a dream, no matter where you come from. You have never give up, set goals and crush it. Always do your best and the rest will follow.”
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