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FRESNO, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2013) – There is one moment that stands out among several highlights last season for Dominic Scelzi.
“I’d have to say winning my first 410ci race,” he said. “That really meant a lot to me. That’s something that I’ll have and be able to remember the rest of my life. I’ll never forget that and all the hard work that went into getting that win and how difficult it was to win that race. I feel that was the highest moment of the season.”
Scelzi captured the impressive victory with the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series at Stockton 99 Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif., on Aug. 3.
“There was never any room to breathe,” he said. “I had led the first lap and then Jonathan Allard got around me and then I think I led the fourth lap. It was a constant battle with him. I was close enough to race him, but I wasn’t close enough the dirty air was affecting me. I was kinda a couple of car lengths back on Lap 20 or so and I was trying to stay calm and figure where my car would work best the last couple of laps.”
Before Scelzi was able to maneuver into the lead, Allard had a mechanical issue. After inheriting the top spot, Scelzi charged to the prestigious win.
He also was victorious during a 360ci race at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif., on April 20 as well as at Plaza Park Raceway in Visalia, Calif., on May 17 at a micro sprint event.
“The race in Tulare it was really cool because I had been so close to winning the Trophy Cup the year before,” he said. “I had led 41 of 50 laps and lost my brakes. It’s upsetting knowing that I was so close to winning such a prestigious race. I came back really strong. We got the lead and Carson Macedo tried to slide me in the first corner and we powered around him. We were just really, really dominant.”
Scelzi also noted the 53rd annual Johnny Key Classic at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, Calif., on Aug. 24 as a unique moment.
“We really struggled in qualifying,” he said. “It put me starting eighth in the qualifier. I was able to drive up to third and challenge the first and second drivers. In the main event I had to start 22nd and I drove all the way up to an eighth-place finish.”
Scelzi earned the Hard Charger Award for passing the most cars in the main event, which was one of the high races during an up-and-down season.
“If I had to give a grade on the season I’d give it a C minus,” he said. “We learned a lot and were able to be fast a lot. There were also a lot of times where I struggled. If I would have had a little more experience and could have got a couple of breaks we could have won five or six races. I feel the biggest reason for the low grade is the luck and the slumps. It seemed like it was a big learning year.”
While Scelzi doesn’t have anything officially lined up for next season, he has talked with multiple teams about rides and he is open for other opportunities.
“I’d love to go for a King of the West championship as well as a Civil War championship, but I’d have no problem just racing for wins,” he said. “I want to have seven wins. I feel like it’s a lucky number and it’s a realistic one.
“However, I wouldn’t be able to shoot for that goal or accomplish the wins I earned this season without the support of all the great partners with my team as well as my family. I want everyone to know how appreciative I am and how ready I am for next season.”
SEASON STATS –
42 races, 3 wins, 15 top fives, 23 top 10s, 29 top 15s, 34 top 20s
UP NEXT –
Jan. 14-18 at the Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Okla., for the 28th annual Chili Bowl Nationals
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
VIDEO –
Here is a link to Scelzi’s first career King of the West victory at Stockton 99 Dirt Track on Aug. 3: http://youtu.be/9qvlWdZuDJ8
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“K&N Filters gives our motors the maximum performance they can possibly have,” Scelzi said. “They are the nicest product on the market and I enjoy being able to work with them.”
Scelzi would also like to thank Whipple Superchargers, Red Rose Transportation, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Fowler Packing, Sparco and Fuel Delivery Service for their continued support.