The Crittenden Automotive Library

Zizzo Pedals the PEAK Rail Into the Show in Dallas

Topics: AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals

Zizzo Pedals the PEAK Rail Into the Show in Dallas

Brandon Mudd
High Side Media
Zizzo Racing
September 21, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Brandon W. Mudd
PR@HighSideMedia.com

ENNIS, Texas – After missing the US Nationals earlier this month, TJ Zizzo and the PEAK Motor Oil Top Fuel team couldn't wait to get back to the track for some redemption. After missing both rounds of NHRA Mello Yello Series qualifying Friday here at the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, the team knew they had their work cut out for them. After a freak incident in the first round of qualifying Saturday involving a burst panel on their super charger, the team kept their heads up and went to work.

In Q2, Zizzo started the run by hazing the tires early, but pulled out of it masterfully to run down the track for a pass of 3.949 seconds, putting them in the show in the 16th and final spot. Nothing has come easy in the Top Fuel class this season and the action at the Texas Motorplex was no different. Khalid al Balooshi, one of the top contenders in the field all season, missed the show and will be going home early. His teammate, Shawn Langdon, had the exact opposite weekend and qualified first with an ET of 3.819 seconds. Zizzo will face Langdon in E1 Sunday.

"We ran very well and qualified in a tough field as it's been all season," Zizzo said. "Every race, a few great don't make the field and this time, it was al Balooshi. We face his teammate in the first round tomorrow. We'll kick some butt tonight getting the car ready.

"The first round was a total fluke. We had a great pass going until, out of nowhere, the burst panel on the super charger failed. It was an easy fix, though. We had great weather and the run we had wasn't the best, but it was good enough to race on Sunday."

Zizzo and the PEAK Motor Oil team haven't raced here since 2009 when they fell to Tony Schumacher in the opening frame. The Chicago native said he thinks this would be a great time to get his first-ever Top Fuel win, a win that would make him the 100th-different Top Fuel winner in the NHRA Mello Yello Series history. "Bob Vandergriff got his first win here a couple years ago and it was so cool to see him run back up the track. I would love to be another first-time winner here in Dallas."

The AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals kick off at 11 a.m. local time Sunday.

Fans of TJ Zizzo and Zizzo Racing can find updates and photos of the PEAK Motor Oil Top Fuel team by checking out ZizzoRacing.com, Instagram.com/ZizzoPEAK, Twitter.com/TJZizzo, and Facebook.com/TJZizzo.

-ZR-

About Zizzo Racing:
Zizzo Racing has been involved in drag racing at the top levels for more than 30 years. Based in Lincolnshire, Ill. and owned by Tony Zizzo, the team started racing in 1980 in the Top Alcohol Dragster class, moving to nitro with TJ in 2004 after earning his class license. In 2007, TJ Zizzo finished second in the final IHRA standings and now competes on a part-time basis in the NHRA Full Throttle Series.

About PEAK/Old World Industries:
PEAK® Performance Products are 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 the automotive product markets, energy exploration, and chemical manufacturing in more than 50 countries worldwide. Old World's Product offering includes PEAK® Antifreeze; PEAK® Windshield Wash and Wiper Blades; PEAK® Performance Motor Oil; a full line of PEAK® Electronics; HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; and SIERRA®, the safer antifreeze. For more information, please visit www.peakauto.com.