If anything, Top Fuel racer T.J. Zizzo has proven that one doesn’t need full-time status to be able to run with the big dogs.
Last year at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill., Zizzo, labeled as a “super” part-timer, thundered to the No. 1 qualifying position and reached the quarter-finals in Sunday’s eliminations.
Zizzo had proven his team doesn’t race for the sake of racing; they are there to win in qualifying and eliminations.
“We have worked throughout the off-season, making our race car better. This Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster has been so close, and I think we can get there. Last year, we were consistently one of the quickest race cars in qualifying,” said Zizzo, from his Chicago-based shop. “Everything about drag racing is evaluating your progress and adjusting. I think we have all the parts and experience to turn on more win lights on race day.”
Zizzo Racing has honed its program for over two decades, successfully fine-tuning its new car from the previous season. Crew chief Mike Kern has led extensive off-season preparations to ensure they are set for success.
“I can’t say enough great things about Mike and our Rust-Oleum Zizzo Racing crew,” Zizzo noted. “For years, we would go to every race with the mindset of winning. Now I truly feel like we are a team that can run low ET and turn on win lights.”
Before last year’s standout performance at Route 66 Raceway, Zizzo’s best qualifying effort was a No. 5 spot in 2018. He has reached the semifinals twice in Chicago in 2017 and 2023, and has made at least the quarterfinals in four of his last five appearances at the Route 66 Nationals.
“Last year was huge for our team, but we want to make more memorable moments,” Zizzo said. “We love racing in Chicago. It is our hometown track.”
