Zizzo adds to list of firsts in Atlanta
ATLANTA - T.J Zizzo and the Zizzo Racing, PEAK/HERCULINER Top Fuel Dragster will make their first appearance at the Atlanta Dragway for this weekend's NHRA Southern Nationals.
"It's our first time ever to this track," Zizzo said. "Hopefully this track can produce some luck for us." Zizzo, like every driver, hopes for a little, but since Lady Luck can be a fickle mistress, his team is making sure the car is ready. "Mike Kern and Tony Smith have been working closely together to get us a more consistent race car," Zizzo added. "We'll take what we learned at the Houston race and try to apply it here in Atlanta."
While hard luck and good work always play a part in drag racing, Zizzo knows just having the opportunity to race is half the battle. "I have a better chance of winning the event when I am there, than when I'm sitting on my couch watching it on ESPN2," Zizzo said. "We're just really happy to be racing in Atlanta."
Adding to his list of firsts, Zizzo joined the social networking platforms of Facebook and Twitter this week. "Watch out world," Zizzo laughed when asked about what he planned to do with his new found social skills. "I'm always texting and emailing friends and marketing partners at the race. So, this is just a better tool to communicate with more of our friends and fans. I'm really excited about it." To follow or friend T.J. visit, http://www.facebook.com/tjzizzo or http://www.twitter.com/tjzizzo.
Not to be outdone, team owner Tony Zizzo added a first to his list when he took his wild 1940 (alcohol, blown street rod) Willys to Union Grove, Wis. last weekend for its inaugural run down the quarter mile. While the event was rained out, T.J. was glad to help Tony at the track. "It was an off weekend for us and we're at the drag strip - and that was cool," T.J. said. "My dad loves to take this car up to McDonald's to get milk shakes for all of our team members. I'm used to watching him terrorize the neighborhood and taking out mailboxes, so it was nice to see it at least near a drag strip."
Two rounds of professional qualifying for the 30th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals take place Friday, May 14 and continue with an additional two rounds of qualifying on Saturday. Final eliminations begin Sunday at 11:00AM.
ESPN2 will broadcast same-day coverage of Atlanta qualifying on Saturday, May 15 at 8:00 PM ET. Eliminations will be broadcast starting at 7:00 PM ET on Sunday.
For more information visit NHRA.com.
