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Dog Days of Summer perfect fit for Zizzo Racing
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - Coined by the ancient Romans, the term "Dog Days" was named after Sirius (the "Dog Star"), the brightest star in the heavens. The term conjures up the hottest, most sultry days of summer. For Zizzo Racing, the dog days of summer can only be cured with one thing; water.
It started in Martin, Michigan in a region that needed rain water. Water not only played a roll in the delay of the race but also TJ Zizzo's last qualifying attempt. The earth shaking top fuel dragster had rattled a drain plug loose from a cooler in the starters box, sending a stream of water into TJ's lane. The water would cause the team to shut off the Race News Magazine dragster, delaying their final qualifying run. "That made for an interesting evening," Zizzo said. "My team had to really work hard to service our car an additional time and they did a great job." But the extra effort wouldn't help Zizzo's uneventful final qualifying attempt. "Unfourtenly we had to run a little bit later in the evening. It could have affected the outcome, you never know. That's just how it goes sometimes."
Zizzo would end the Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals earlier than he had hoped for with a first round loss to J.R. Todd. Todd would go on to a runner-up finish to Bruce Litton's victory. Litton would take a over the top spot in points from Zizzo for the second time this season. Litton will have a 21 point advantage going into the next race.
It started in Martin, Michigan in a region that needed rain water. Water not only played a roll in the delay of the race but also TJ Zizzo's last qualifying attempt. The earth shaking top fuel dragster had rattled a drain plug loose from a cooler in the starters box, sending a stream of water into TJ's lane. The water would cause the team to shut off the Race News Magazine dragster, delaying their final qualifying run. "That made for an interesting evening," Zizzo said. "My team had to really work hard to service our car an additional time and they did a great job." But the extra effort wouldn't help Zizzo's uneventful final qualifying attempt. "Unfourtenly we had to run a little bit later in the evening. It could have affected the outcome, you never know. That's just how it goes sometimes."
Zizzo would end the Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals earlier than he had hoped for with a first round loss to J.R. Todd. Todd would go on to a runner-up finish to Bruce Litton's victory. Litton would take a over the top spot in points from Zizzo for the second time this season. Litton will have a 21 point advantage going into the next race.
"I kind of like being in the chase position," Zizzo explained. "It gets
the target off of our back. There's a lot of racing left to do before
this season is finished."
If water played a negative roll for Zizzo in Michigan, he hopes that the outcome can be different if he heads east.
Next up for Zizzo and the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series is the Amalie Oil North American Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire. Zizzo hopes the nearby beach will provide the difference needed to get back into the winner's circle. "We've never had a chance to race at the New England Dragway," said Zizzo. "I've heard a lot of good things about the track and the sea level conditions. Who knows, maybe I'll get a chance to walk on the beach on show off these 'pipes' at one of those muscle beaches," Zizzo joked. His teammates are hoping that TJ keeps his shirt on. "The only 'pipes' I hope TJ is showing off in Epping are the ones that have header flames lit for 1320 feet," said team owner Tony Zizzo.
If water played a negative roll for Zizzo in Michigan, he hopes that the outcome can be different if he heads east.
Next up for Zizzo and the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series is the Amalie Oil North American Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire. Zizzo hopes the nearby beach will provide the difference needed to get back into the winner's circle. "We've never had a chance to race at the New England Dragway," said Zizzo. "I've heard a lot of good things about the track and the sea level conditions. Who knows, maybe I'll get a chance to walk on the beach on show off these 'pipes' at one of those muscle beaches," Zizzo joked. His teammates are hoping that TJ keeps his shirt on. "The only 'pipes' I hope TJ is showing off in Epping are the ones that have header flames lit for 1320 feet," said team owner Tony Zizzo.
