Zizzo headed aggressively towards Memphis
<img src="http://www.nitromater.com/gallery/files/4/7/t_zizzo.jpg" alt="t_zizzo" align="left"borders="0"/>LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. (September 23, 2008) -- T.J. Zizzo will sport a new look during the O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals contested this weekend (September 26-28) at the Memphis Motorsports Park. Fans trying to detect the difference will have to look under the helmet. Zizzo, driver of the PEAK / HERCULINER / O'Reilly Auto Parts Top Fuel Dragster grew Elvis style sideburns for the occasion.
"I grew some 'chops'," Zizzo chuckled. "Memphis is about Blues, bar-b-que, Elvis and NHRA Drag Racing. So, I just want to fit in and maybe hang around and race awhile on Sunday."
Memphis is a place that holds fond memories for Zizzo who last raced there during the 1999 season in his Top Alcohol Dragster. "We made our first five second pass there in that car," he said. "Maybe we can have another first this year."
Earlier this month, team Zizzo had a strong qualifying effort end short when they failed to qualify at the Indianapolis event. The team is determined not to let that happen again.
"Mike [Kern] and Tony [Smith] want to be more aggressive. I agree," Zizzo said. "We're going to take some chances. We can't let the competition come to us. We have to be more aggressive this weekend. It's the last race of the year for us. We can't go out there like a bunch of timid little girls. We're going to be aggressive and let it rip."
Memphis will also mark the second time that two lucky O'Reilly store managers from around the country will become 'crew members for a day' on the Zizzo team.
"This was a very successful promotion that began in Indy to introduce PEAK Motor Oil at O'Reilly Auto Parts," Brian Bohlander, HERCULINER Brand Manager explained. "We're excited about having these store managers as honorary crew members on T.J.'s team in Memphis. I know they're excited about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of a professional race team. It's a great promotion to lead into the fall car care and antifreeze season."
Zizzo will also participate in the NHRA Fan Fest at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday September 25. He will join other professional drivers at Coyote Ugly on Beale Street to kick off race week on one of the most famous streets in the world.
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 the automotive product markets, energy exploration, and chemical manufacturing in more than 50 countries worldwide. Old World's other brands include HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; PEAK® Windshield Wash and Wiper Blades; PEAK® Motor Oil; a full line of PEAK® Electronics; SIERRA®, the safer antifreeze; and SplitFire® Spark Plugs. For more information, please visit Old World Industries, Inc. Home Page.
The Zizzo Racing Team proudly represents PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil, O'Reilly Auto Parts, HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liners, HTP America and Champion Packaging.
To learn more about Zizzo Racing visit: Zizzo Racing
