Zizzo Racing

Dream season ends short for Zizzo

2007-10-25T02:53:22Z

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - In the team's first full season of chasing points for a championship, Zizzo Racing and the PEAK Antifreeze / O'Reilly Auto Parts Top Fuel Dragster made a valiant effort. The season long, back and forth battle with veteran racer Bruce Litton didn't end until the first round of eliminations during the IHRA World Finals when Zizzo smoked the tires at the hit of the throttle. Zizzo would finish in the second spot, just 41 points behind Litton.

"We fell a touch short, but just a little bit," an emotional Zizzo said shortly after the loss. "Hats off to Bruce. His team has done well."

"The car is in the box and all four tires are on it, so that's good," Zizzo continued. "There are a lot of good competitors out here that would like to be in our position. So, it's been a successful year."

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Minutes later, Zizzo recalled his last pass of the 2007 season with Fayetteville Observer Motorsports reporter Thomas Pope. “I got up today feeling confident - feeling good. We just didn’t perform. We went out there expecting to go from point A to point B, shake the tires a little maybe, but not smoke the tires. We haven’t done that for years. I tried to get the car to recover maybe three or four times but I couldn’t. It just wasn’t our day.”

As Zizzo Racing heads back to their Lincolnshire, Illinois race shop, Zizzo reflects about his team. “Our whole team did an excellent job. I hope that we can try and do it again next year.”

“We’ve met a lot of good people, a lot of great fans. I can’t thank Brian Bohlander, PEAK Antifreeze and the folks at O’Reilly Auto Parts enough for stepping in down the stretch and giving us a chance to win. I really can’t thank my dad enough either. He put everything on the line for us to have this chance.”

About Old World Industries
PEAK® Antifreeze is marketed and distributed by Old World Industries, which is among the largest privately-held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company enjoys a presence in various consumer product markets, energy exploration, and chemical manufacturing in more than 50 countries worldwide. Old World’s other brands include HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; Mr. Clean Windshield Wash and Wiper Blades*; a full line of PEAK® Performance Products; SIERRA®, the safer antifreeze; Fleet Charge® Fully Formulated Coolant; Final Charge® Heavy Duty Global Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant; SmartBLADE™ Premium Wiper Blades; and SplitFire® Spark Plugs. For more information, please visit www.oldworldind.com.

The Zizzo Racing Team proudly represents PEAK Antifreeze, O’Reilly Auto Parts, HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liners, HTP America and Champion Packaging.

Zizzo is living the dream

2007-10-17T08:35:32Z

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.
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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.

Season starts now for Zizzo's PEAK Antifreeze team

2007-09-24T15:36:49Z

MILAN, Mich. - In March of 2007, Zizzo Racing started their quest for the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Top Fuel Championship. After traveling thousands of miles criss crossing the country from San Antonio, Texas to Edmonton, Alberta, TJ Zizzo and his PEAK Antifreeze / O'Reilly Auto Parts Top Fuel team find themselves right where they started, all even.

After nine of 11 events, Zizzo maintains a four point advantage, the narrowest of margins, over veteran Bruce Litton. Scotty Cannon adds his team to the hunt (48 point deficit), with Lagana and McMillen facing long odds for their first championship.

"We've come this far and the season really starts today," Zizzo commented. "As close as the points are, it's really a two race shoot-out. No one can afford to make a mistake."

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Bruce Litton would go on to a runner-up finish and draw even closer to Zizzo. Along the way, Litton would defeat teammate Jeff O'Neill in a heads-up race during semi-final action. Zizzo commended Litton for the call. "My hats off to Bruce for racing Jeff heads-up," Zizzo said. "This wasn't some up in smoke easy win either. Jeff left Bruce and Bruce had to run him down. With the championship on the line that had to be a tough call."

The team has a short week as they head towards Maryland for the Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals. The race will be contested at the Maryland International Raceway, September 28-30. "We've been playing leap frog with Bruce all season long on the points lead," Zizzo said. "With PEAK performance down the stretch we'll be able to get this PEAK / O'Reilly / Herculiner Top Fuel Dragster in the championship circle."

About Old World Industries
PEAK® Antifreeze is marketed and distributed by Old World Industries, which is among the largest privately-held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company enjoys a presence in various consumer product markets, energy exploration, and chemical manufacturing in more than 50 countries worldwide. Old World's other brands include HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; Mr. Clean Windshield Wash and Wiper Blades*; a full line of PEAK® Performance Products; SIERRA®, the safer antifreeze; Fleet Charge® Fully Formulated Coolant; Final Charge® Heavy Duty Global Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant; SmartBLADE™ Premium Wiper Blades; and SplitFire® Spark Plugs. For more information, please visit www.oldworldind.com.

The Zizzo Racing Team proudly represents PEAK Antifreeze, O'Reilly Auto Parts, HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liners, Race News Magazine, HTP America and Champion Packaging.

Runner up finish and career best performance highlights PEAK weekend for Zizzo

2007-09-13T08:41:41Z

CAYUGA, Ont. - TJ Zizzo, pilot of the PEAK Antifreeze / O'Reilly Auto Parts Top Fuel dragster and IHRA points leader, made his fourth final round appearance of the year at the Toronto Motorsports Park. It also highlighted the IHRA debut of Zizzo Racing's partnership with PEAK Antifreeze, O'Reilly Auto Parts.

The IHRA Canadian Nationals would also provide the Illinois based team a chance to reset their personal and track elapsed time records on Saturday night when they blistered the Canadian quarter mile (4.576 ET /321.27 mph). That run would not only would assure Zizzo a spot atop the Top Fuel field, but also earn him an additional five points with the Last Man Standing award. Their weekend efforts would expand their points lead over veteran Bruce Litton by another 26 points, bringing their total margin to 54 points with just three races remaining.

"It was a good weekend," Zizzo said. "The rain-delayed elimination rounds made things interesting. When Monday rolled around and every team was missing some guys that had to go back to work, it heightened the intensity a little bit. Our team did a great job getting this car prepped and into the final round."
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Zizzo would defeat Todd Paton and Scotty Cannon enroute to the final round match up with Terry McMillen. In the finals Zizzo would smoke the tires about 100 feet out, pedal the car and still make a competitive run in a losing effort (3.313 ET / 246.03 mph).

The semi final run against Cannon nearly matched TJ's Saturday night performance when the car ran 3.108 ET at 275.22 mph in the eighth mile contest. Saturday night's half track incrementals were just as impressive, 3.106 ET at 271.57 mph. "We're getting more and more consistent with this car," Zizzo added. "While we've got a win this year, we just need to figure out how to turn some of these runner-ups into wins."

Tony Zizzo, team owner, was happy with the team's performance. "We had a few unbelievable runs," he said. "We'll dedicate Saturday's track record run to Tom Baum (long-time friend and competitor).

The next stop for the PEAK Antifreeze / O'Reilly Top Fuel team is the rain delayed Suzuki Motor City Nationals at Milan, Michigan, September 21-23.

PEAK Antifreeze, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Herculiner join Zizzo for championship run

2007-09-06T15:51:18Z

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - PEAK Antifreeze, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Herculiner announced today that an agreement was reached with Zizzo Racing to join Race News Magazine as sponsors. PEAK, O'Reilly and Herculiner will become the primary sponsor on the Zizzo Racing Top Fuel Dragster for the remainder of the IHRA season. The announcement comes on the heals of a career best performance for Zizzo at the 53rd annual Mac Tool U.S. Nationals. Zizzo remains the points leader in a tightly contested battle with veteran Bruce Litton for the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series Championship.

Brian Bohlander, Brand Manager for SplitFire and Herculiner looks forward to the partnership. "After TJ's success at the U.S. Nationals we couldn't think of a better way to continue the PEAK Antifreeze 60th anniversary celebration than by becoming a partner with TJ as he competes for the IHRA Championship," he said.

PEAK and Zizzo renew a partnership that began in 2004. "We're excited to be involved with PEAK and O'Reilly," Zizzo said. "They've been a friend to our team and a great marketing partner. As the Fall season approaches we want drag racing fans to think about replacing their antifreeze with PEAK from O'Reilly Auto Parts."

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Tony Zizzo team owner is also excited. "Our car has been running very consistent and we're looking forward to representing PEAK and O'Reilly's. We've got a great chance to make a run at this championship and this partnership gives us the best opportunity to do that."

Fans should stay tuned as the PEAK Antifreeze / O'Reilly Auto Parts Top Fuel Dragster appearance schedule is being developed. "We'd like to encourage everyone to drop by O'Reilly's or our pits and say hi," TJ said. "We're having a dream season and we want to share it with everyone."

One down and four to go for Zizzo at U.S. Nationals

2007-08-31T07:50:15Z

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals is under way and TJ Zizzo and his Peak Antifreeze / O'Reilly Auto Parts Top Fuel dragster made their first NHRA appearance of the 2007 season. On the first of five qualifying attempts, the Illinois based team didn't make a full pass, overpowering the track early in the run.

"It's the first time we've run 85% (Nitro methane percentage) in two years," Zizzo said while loading up the dragster for the evening. "We rolled the dice and made an educated guess. It wasn't educated enough. That's one down and four to go (qualifying attempts). We'll have it figure out tomorrow."
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"Bob's always been a friend to our team," TJ commented after learning of Frey's comments. "Our guys take a lot of pride in their appearance."

"It's really nice to be out here with Peak, O'Reilly and Herculiner," said TJ. "It's Labor Day weekend, we're celebrating the 60th anniversary of Peak and everyone on the team enjoys being out here. We can't thank everyone enough."

Celebration planned for Zizzo Racing and PEAK Antifreeze at U.S. Nationals

2007-08-28T15:44:14Z

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - TJ Zizzo and the PEAK Antifreeze Top Fuel Dragster will be doing a little work this Labor Day weekend and TJ is not hearing any complaints from his crew. In fact they are all looking forward to it.

Labor Day will mark the return of Zizzo Racing to the NHRA POWERade schedule for the Aug. 29-Sept. 3 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park. The Indianapolis event is considered to be one of the most prestigious drag races in the world and Zizzo and his crew are looking forward to being a part of the action.

"We're going there to have some fun," said Zizzo who currently leads the points standings in the Knoll-Gas Motorsports Nitro Jam Drag Series. "There's a lot of pressure on those teams in the Countdown to the Championship. We just want to come over here and mix it up a little. The only pressure we have is to help PEAK Antifreeze celebrate their 60th anniversary."

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On Wednesday August 29, fans will be able to join in the PEAK celebration when Zizzo and the dragster make Indianapolis area appearances. TJ will be signing autographs and available for photos from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the O'Reilly Auto Parts located at 33 Declaration Drive in Greenwood, Indiana. Later that same day, Zizzo and the PEAK Dragster will be at the O'Reilly Auto Parts from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the location is at 7250 Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Zizzo's first professional round win was during the 2004 running of the U.S. Nationals, a feat that he hopes to repeat in 2007. "We'd love to get another round win under our belts during the U.S. Nationals," Zizzo said. "We've had a pretty consistent car all season long. If we can keep that consistency and just take it one step at a time we'll be OK. The first step is to make the field."

Nothing but love drives Zizzo Racing

2007-08-21T08:46:40Z

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - In the midst of a great IHRA Top Fuel points battle that is shaping up to be one of the closest in recent history, T.J. Zizzo, driver of the Race News Magazine Top Fuel Dragster doesn't really want to talk about points or wins or even races. Zizzo wants to talk about the team. It's not that racing isn't important, after all, it is what brought this team together.

As Zizzo Racing competes for its first championship, T.J. reflects on the team that makes it happen. "This entire team is made up of men and women with full-time jobs," T.J. said. "Normally they're all here on Tuesday and Saturday night getting this car ready for a race. In August we had three races in row, they were all here every day of the week, yes, including Sunday. It's not like these guys live in the neighborhood, some have to fight 30 to 40 miles of Chicago traffic just to get here."

"It would be hard to find 14 people to do what these guys do for money, much less just for the love of drag racing," Zizzo added. "This team is something special. I may never get to experience this again in my career, a chance to be a part of something special."
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One of the tougher jobs on a top fuel team is the bottom end. Those duties are handled by a Union Iron Worker, Dave Wikell, who's been with the team for 10 seasons. The cylinder heads are in good hands. The right side is handled by Paul Hicks (machine assembler at Miller) and left side by Ray Elbe (owner Ray's Auto) with four and 10 season respectively on the team. Brett Konken has worked on the cylinder heads for two seasons, he's also the Steam Plant Manager for Abbott Labs.

A top fuel team relies on their clutch guy. He's got one of the hottest, dirtiest jobs, yet everything is measured in grams and checked with a micrometer for accuracy. Zizzo has relied on Joe Cluts for the past three seasons. Lincoln-Mercury relies on him as a technician during the week. Rick Messmore is a utility guy for the team and is responsible for the fuel. He's a manager at McDonalds and has been with the team for three seasons. Bob Szelag pulls double duty for the team as a utility guy and the is responsible for the team photographs. This is Bob's first season.

Beauty is added to the Zizzo Racing team with Sita Konken and Cathie Gallo. Sita prepares team meals, making sure the proper nutrition fuels them for the high energy thrashing needed to turn the car between rounds. She also handles hospitality and has been with the team for two seasons and is a Curves employee during the week.

The smile in the pits that sponsors and guests see first is that of Cathie Gallo (owner of Universal Concepts). She has been with the team for seven seasons. She's in charge of team marketing and is credited with putting together the Race News Magazine relationship.

As Zizzo reflects on his team, the 14 men and women that make up Zizzo Racing are preparing for the Suzuki Motor City Nationals this August 24-26 at the Milan Dragway near Detroit, Michigan.

The Zizzo Racing Team proudly represents Peak Antifreeze and HTP America.

Dog Days of Summer perfect fit for Zizzo Racing

2007-08-08T15:32:09Z

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.

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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.

Zizzo Maintains Points Lead

2007-07-24T15:41:09Z

GRAND BEND, Ont. - For three out of four races, Zizzo Racing has remained atop the point standings at the Knoll Gas Motorsports Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Now, make it four out of five.

Despite the fact that the competition continues to get tougher and a bullseye has been placed on the Race News Magazine team, TJ Zizzo manages to out pace the field.

The MOPAR Canadian Nationals were no different. Zizzo's Friday night qualifying attempt would earn him the Last Man standing honors and five additional points when he posted an elapsed time of 4.662 seconds at 314.83 mph.

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"We were pretty happy with the weekend," said Zizzo. "The car's in the trailer, everything's fine, but that last pedaling round cost us an engine and a blower. We've got a couple of engines to put together. I guess we'll just have to set up a lemonade stand outside of our shop so we can get enough money for a supercharger."

Tony Zizzo agrees with a smile, "We might be financially embarrassed for the rest of our lives, but we'll be racing."

The next stop for the Race New Magazine team is the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals, August 3-5.

It's all in the family for Zizzo

2007-07-19T15:25:07Z

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - Somewhere between tucking the kids into bed and keeping customers happy at the family owned body shop, TJ Zizzo finds time to race his 300mph Top Fuel Dragster. Chase Zizzo down in mid-week and he'll remind you, he's a part time racer and a full time family guy. TJ Zizzo is not unlike most other racers, splitting time between what matters and what he's passionate about.

For Zizzo, taking care of his family and the family business is something that matters and something that he strives to be better at. "It's a fine line and something that always requires a balance," Zizzo said.

Finding passion at the race track is something the pilot of the Race News Magazine Top Fuel Dragster thrives on. While he leads the pack of his Top Fuel companions into the MOPAR Canadian Nationals this weekend in Grand Bend, Ontario, Zizzo reflects on the his second family.

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While Zizzo enjoys being part of the Top Fuel fraternity, he also enjoys the time spent with his team. "Most of our guys have been with us from the beginning," Zizzo said. "If you look at our team, it's a tight knit group. They're a great bunch to go into battle with."

Zizzo will head to Grand Bend to hold onto the number one spot in Top Fuel and when the weekend is over he'll head back to Illinois, make a few customers happier, play with his children and start planning for his next drag racing showdown.

Zizzo sets track speed record at Castrol Raceway

2007-07-11T15:18:41Z

EDMONTON, Alberta - The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels marked a weekend full of mixed emotions for the Race News Magazine Top Fuel team driven by TJ Zizzo. The first qualifying attempt on Friday gave Zizzo’s team great expectations for the weekend when their dragster rocketed to 326.16 mph run, setting the Castrol Raceway speed record and earning them a provisional number one qualifying position along with five additional championship points with the Friday "Last Man Standing" bonus.

"We were all pretty happy Friday about setting the track speed record and the extra "Last Man Standing" bonus points." said Zizzo. "It certainly felt like things were going our way early."

The Race News Magazine team would go on to qualify in the number two position and fall to Jeff O,Neill during the first round of Sunday eliminations. "We would have loved to gone a few more rounds in Edmonton," said Zizzo. "But it was good to see a couple of new guys in the finals with Jeff [O'Neill] and Terry [McMillen]. Congratulations to Terry and his team for getting their first win."

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"The track and the fans were as advertised," said TJ. "It was a great event, we'll be here next year."

The next stop for Zizzo and his Race News Magazine Top Fuel Dragster is the MOPAR Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol beginning July 20 with eliminations on July 22. The Grand Bend Ontario event marks the fifth stop on the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.

Canadian race fans motivate team Zizzo

2007-07-02T15:13:47Z

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - TJ Zizzo and the Race News Magazine Top Fuel Dragster head north of the border this week for the July 6-8 CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Race Fuels at the Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. The event marks the first trip to Canada for the Race News Magazine team.

While Zizzo concentrates on qualifying and holding on to his number one position, he's looking forward to seeing the Edmonton area. "I've heard so much about Edmonton and the fans in the area, I can't wait to experience it first hand," TJ Zizzo said.

As the first quarter of the 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing series heads into Edmonton, Zizzo and his team will attempt to further establish itself as one of the main contenders for the title. "There's a lot of racing left to do this year," Zizzo added. "We're in a good spot. If we just stay consistent and concentrate on the round we are about to run, things will be fine."

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"There's no doubt when your sitting in the number one spot it puts a target on your back," Zizzo said. "That's OK. NEED A GOOD ANTE DOTE...

The Zizzo Racing Team proudly represents Race News Magazine, Peak Antifreeze and HTP America.

Tulsa too hot for Zizzo Racing

2007-06-26T15:04:09Z

TULSA, Okla. - Two out of three in baseball will win pennants and make a hitter a hall of famer. The Race News Magazine Top Fuel Team, driven by TJ Zizzo, had the good fortune of racing in two of the first three final rounds during 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam events. Unfortunately for Zizzo, the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park wasn't one of the events.

In the first round showdown with Scott Palmer, Zizzo would find himself behind from the start. "I probably should have pedaled the car a little sooner," Zizzo said. "I felt the tires start to shake and I thought I could just drive through it. I tried to pedal it, but when I did I just smoked the 'hoops' all three times."

"We're going to work on our warm weather set up," Tony Zizzo, team owner added. "We've got a little work to do to get used to these tires in the heat."

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The next stop for TJ and the Zizzo Racing - Race News Magazine team will be July 6-8 for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Race Fuels at the Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

The Zizzo Racing Team proudly represents Race News Magazine, Peak Antifreeze and HTP America.

Sooner better than later for Zizzo in Tulsa

2007-06-20T15:23:13Z

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - Race News Magazine Top Fuel pilot TJ Zizzo is ready to get down to business this weekend at the rain delayed and rescheduled Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors. Zizzo is the current Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam points leader and sits in the number three spot for the showdown in Tulsa.

For Zizzo, the time between qualifying and racing (nearly a month) has heightened the anticipation level. "It's crazy," Zizzo explained from the Illinois race shop. "It reminds me of some guy at his first prom dancing every slow dance with his girlfriend before her dad picks her up for an early curfew. Expect for me, it's worse! All I can think about is Bobby Lagana Jr."

While TJ and Bobby won't be doing any slow dances, the do have a date for a first round showdown in Tulsa where the dancing is done in Top Fuel Dragsters at speeds in excess of 300MPH. "Of course there's a little extra pressure," said Zizzo. The competition in Top Fuel is getting tougher every week. Making the trip back to Tulsa and facing Bobby in the first round is going to be tough. He's capable of putting anyone on the trailer early."

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Zizzo Racing announced this week that HTP America, Inc. renewed their minor associate sponsor relationship with the team (http://www.htpweld.com/). "HTP is the one source for everything welding," said TJ. We're very proud of our association with Jeff Noland and all the partners at HTP America."

Racing for the action packed Saturday event will begin at 12 noon with a round of time trials for the professional categories, followed by eliminations at 4:30 p.m., 6, 8 and finals at 10.