Zizzo Runs Personal Best, but Mechanical Issue Causes Problems in Eliminations
JOLIET, Ill. - After rain, rain, and more rain on Friday, TJ Zizzo started his weekend off with a personal best run of 3.874 at 311.27 mph, which was good enough for a number five qualifying spot after day one.
"We were super pumped about our pass on Friday," Zizzo said. "Carrying over what we did in Atlanta to our first run in Joliet was a boost to the team, because with time off between races you always worry about picking up where you left off. To run a personal best on the opening day of qualifying at our home town track was a great feeling, especially when you can receive a standing ovation after the run from rain soaked die hard fans."
Round two of qualifying saw a match up of neighbors when Zizzo met Tony Schumacher in the days first run for TJ. Zizzo lost traction early in the run, while Schumacher began to haze the tires around the half way point. "It's always fun to meet Tony out on the track since we live so close together," TJ said.
Sunday brought a day of sunshine, a light breeze and Zizzo in the 9th qualifying position matched up against Antron Brown. Unfortunately, by the time the tree went green, a mechanical malfunction in the clutch cost him the race. "We are learning new things all of the time," TJ said. "We've been building speed each time we go out and run and with that you push different parts to the limit and you discover new obstacles to overcome, we know we can run fast and compete."
"Even though we are disappointed with the way things ended up in eliminations, it was a good weekend to get to spend time with the fans," Zizzo said.
TJ and the PEAK, HERCULINER, O'Reilly Dragster will rejoin the NHRA Drag Racing Series when they return to O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, IN for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, September 1st through the 6th.
Keep up with TJ in the mean time on facebook at www.facebook.com/tjzizzo or on twitter at www.twitter.com/tjzizzo. Follow the team's activities as well on youtube at www.youtube.com/tjzizzo.
