Zizzo is living the dream
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - If drag racing is a dream, then TJ Zizzo, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze / O'Reilly Auto Parts Top Fuel dragster is living his. It is the first time that Zizzo Racing has attempted to compete for a top fuel championship and they have made the most of their attempt.
This weekend will mark the end of the IHRA Knoll-Gas Motorsports Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series season and the Illinois based team finds themselves on top of the field by 26 points. After a season long battle that saw the lead change back and forth between Zizzo and veteran Bruce Litton the only thing left to decide at the IHRA World Finals is who will be the 2007 World Champion. The PEAK / O'Reilly team will arrive at the Rockingham Dragway on the strength of their 1 win, 4 runner-ups and 1 semi-final appearance.
"It's been a dream season," Zizzo said from the family auto body shop. "A few nightmares, but mostly sweet dreams. I had a dream the other night that my dad was driving the car and Richard Hartman (Bruce Litton's crew chief) was trying to start it and the car wouldn't fire. I'm not sure what that means, but I'll have to keep my eyes on Richard," Zizzo joked.
This weekend will mark the end of the IHRA Knoll-Gas Motorsports Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series season and the Illinois based team finds themselves on top of the field by 26 points. After a season long battle that saw the lead change back and forth between Zizzo and veteran Bruce Litton the only thing left to decide at the IHRA World Finals is who will be the 2007 World Champion. The PEAK / O'Reilly team will arrive at the Rockingham Dragway on the strength of their 1 win, 4 runner-ups and 1 semi-final appearance.
"It's been a dream season," Zizzo said from the family auto body shop. "A few nightmares, but mostly sweet dreams. I had a dream the other night that my dad was driving the car and Richard Hartman (Bruce Litton's crew chief) was trying to start it and the car wouldn't fire. I'm not sure what that means, but I'll have to keep my eyes on Richard," Zizzo joked.
"This year has been a year of learning experiences on and off the
track," Zizzo continued. "Bruce has taught me so much off-track about
religion and life, he's become a great friend. Plus our team has really
had a chance to shine and show what a group of dedicated people can do.
No matter the outcome of this weekend it's been a great year for our
sponsors, our team and all of our fans."
With only three rounds of competition remaining in top fuel, three drivers have a chance at their first championship. Scotty Cannon still holds hope from the third position. He would need both Litton and Zizzo to fail to qualify combined with winning the race to add a top fuel championship to his trophy case of Pro Mod awards. Zizzo's slim lead over Litton will most likely be the story of the weekend as they fight it out head to head. With about one round of points to spare between them, the action is set to be fast and furious.
Zizzo will attempt to stretch his lead before Sunday eliminations by qualifying higher than Litton and capturing the Last Man Standing award. Zizzo has captured eight of the possible 19 awards for being low qualifier during Friday and Saturday night qualifying sessions. The driver earning the Last Man Standing Award receives five additional points.
"It's going to come down to who stays around the longest," Zizzo said. "I've been so busy lately I haven't had much of a chance to even think about it. That's probably a good thing."
Qualifying for the IHRA World Finals begins Friday October 19 and continues Saturday October 20 with eliminations set for Sunday October 21.
With only three rounds of competition remaining in top fuel, three drivers have a chance at their first championship. Scotty Cannon still holds hope from the third position. He would need both Litton and Zizzo to fail to qualify combined with winning the race to add a top fuel championship to his trophy case of Pro Mod awards. Zizzo's slim lead over Litton will most likely be the story of the weekend as they fight it out head to head. With about one round of points to spare between them, the action is set to be fast and furious.
Zizzo will attempt to stretch his lead before Sunday eliminations by qualifying higher than Litton and capturing the Last Man Standing award. Zizzo has captured eight of the possible 19 awards for being low qualifier during Friday and Saturday night qualifying sessions. The driver earning the Last Man Standing Award receives five additional points.
"It's going to come down to who stays around the longest," Zizzo said. "I've been so busy lately I haven't had much of a chance to even think about it. That's probably a good thing."
Qualifying for the IHRA World Finals begins Friday October 19 and continues Saturday October 20 with eliminations set for Sunday October 21.
