TJ Zizzo Leaves The Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals With High Hopes For Houston

Online, March 13, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Media contact:
David Grandell - Misix, Inc.
D: 224-717-3701, C: 224-475-7476, [email protected]

TJ Zizzo, Zizzo Racing team and the PEAK Motor Oil dragster had a solid start at this weekend's Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals. In the first round of eliminations, Zizzo raced against Shawn Langdon and gave an impressive run of 3.888 seconds at 315.05 miles per hour, however Langdon edged Zizzo out by .059 seconds.

"You know, we came here with high expectations and made it to the first final elimination round. I'm happy about that," said Zizzo. "My team and I learned a lot about our dragster's performance this weekend and modified it just enough after each run to improve in each round. We will take what we learned and aim higher in Houston."

Weekend Recap:

Sunday Finals - March 11, 2012
R1: 3.888 @ 315.05 MPH - Lost against Sean Langdon

Saturday - March 10, 2012
Q4: 3.904 @ 312.42 MPH - 14th position
Q3: 3.973 @ 303.84 - 16th position

Friday - March 9, 2012
Q2: 3.961 @ 307.86 MPH - 14th position
Q1: 4.170 @ 224.96 MPH - 11th position

"The 2012 NHRA season is going to be competitive and challenging. Fortunately, I am scheduled for nine additional races," said Zizzo. "I think what my fans and competitors will notice is that I am more focused and determined than ever. I want people to know that - when I'm here, I'm aiming to win. We're looking good, feeling good and ready for Houston." Zizzo's next race is at the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals in Houston, Texas which takes place April 27-29th.

Want to stay connected with TJ? Keep up with him on Twitter @TJZIZZO and at Facebook.com/tjzizzo.

About TJ Zizzo:
TJ Zizzo credits his father, a professional Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Fuel Dragster driver, with igniting his passion for racing. By the tender age of five, TJ's exposure to the world of drag racing began. By the early age of 16, TJ received his NHRA license and went on to set the record as the world's fastest teenager. In 2003, TJ earned his NHRA Top Fuel license and ran an amazing 4.742 elapse time at 310.98 mph in his first pass at Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois.

Today, TJ is a top level competitor who consistently focuses on performance and aiming higher. During the 2012 season, TJ will compete in 10 NHRA Top Fuel dragster races with Peak Motor Oil as his title sponsor. TJ and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Madeline (7) and Nicolas (5). While not at the race track, TJ enjoys golf, motorsports, working at Zizzo Enterprises (his family-owned body shop) and spending time with family and friends.

About Zizzo Racing:
Zizzo Racing was established 32 years ago. Team Owner, Tony Zizzo Sr. began his racing career in 1980 competing in the Top Alcohol Dragster division. Zizzo campaigned several dragsters bearing the Avenger name for more than two decades. Zizzo Sr. was the United Drag Racers Association (UDRA) Supercharged Top Alcohol Dragster Champion in 1984, '85, '86, '89 and was the first Top Alcohol dragster driver to run a 6.20 at over 220.70 mph. Zizzo Racing Inc. and its 12-person team operate from a facility in Lincolnshire, Illinois. For more information, please visit www.zizzoracing.com.

About Old World Industries:
Old World Industries, LLC 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 in more than 30 countries worldwide. Old World's brands include a full line of PEAK® Performance Products including Antifreeze, Motor Oil, Washer Fluid, Electronics and Wiper Blades; SIERRA® Antifreeze; Fleet Charge® Fully Formulated Coolant; Final Charge® Heavy Duty Global Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant; SmartBLADE™ Premium Wiper Blades; HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; and BlueDEF® Diesel Exhaust Fluid. PEAK® Automotive Products are sold at over 20,000 retail outlets in the U.S., including mass merchants, hardware, and automotive retailers. For more information, please visit www.peakauto.com.