TJ ZIZZO LOOKING FOR MONUMENTAL WIN AT U.S. NATIONALS

By: Zizzo Racing

CHICAGO (August 27, 2024) — For TJ Zizzo and his Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster, the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, August 27-September 1, is more than just another race. It’s the biggest stage in drag racing, and the Zizzo Racing team is aiming to make “The Big Go” their breakthrough moment.
 
“We are very fortunate to have the support of Rust-Oleum and they want us to race the U.S. Nationals,” said Zizzo. “This will be our 94^th NHRA national event and while we don’t race a ton, every race matters. Our crew guys are in the shop all the time getting ready to win races. There is pressure for the U.S. Nationals because it is the biggest race of the year, and you will have a full field of Top Fuel dragsters that can win the race.”
 
This year’s U.S. Nationals marks Zizzo’s second Top Fuel appearance of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. The team last competed in May at their hometown event, the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals outside of Chicago. That race served as both a debut for the 2025 campaign and a valuable warmup for Indy, where Zizzo and his Chicago-based crew are eager to make history.

“I talked to Terry McMillen who, like me, had a family owned and operated single Top Fuel operation,” said Zizzo. “I asked him after he won the U.S. Nationals in 2018 was it worth it when he considered all the time, the money and the struggles. Without missing a beat, he said yes. That is the dream we are all chasing. Winning the U.S. Nationals is like no other race on the series.”
 
The 2024 season showcased Zizzo Racing’s potential, highlighted by earning the No. 1 qualifying spot twice, first at their home track in Chicago, then again in St. Louis. At last year’s U.S. Nationals, Zizzo’s No. 3 starting position was his career-best at the event and a reminder that his part-time but dedicated team can run with the best in the category. Those top qualifying positions are to be celebrated, but Zizzo is still only focused on one thing: winning a Wally.
 
“I get emotional talking about this race because I visualize hoisting the Wally on Monday afternoon,” said Zizzo. “I think about what the emotions will be like. I think about hugging my dad after we win. You must have that attitude and that passion. We have come close, and I know we have a team capable of winning.”
 
Now, as they prepare for drag racing’s most prestigious event, Zizzo Racing is chasing what has eluded them so far, their first NHRA national event win.
“We prepare the same for every race,” said Zizzo. “There is only so much you can do to get ready but there is more pressure for the U.S. Nationals. The crowd is bigger. There are more responsibilities from the media and sponsors. It is the longest race of the season, and we only are doing a handful of races, so you want to make the most of the event. I think being able to qualify for the U.S. Nationals is a major accomplishment and winning rounds on Monday takes it to another level. Getting that first win is always the goal. This Rust-Oleum team will be putting 100% of our effort into putting on a great show for the fans and all the people and companies that support our program.”
 
Zizzo and the Zizzo Racing team will have one qualifying run on Friday, August 29, two qualifying runs on Saturday, August 30 and two more on Sunday, August 31 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The 16 Top Fuel dragsters with the quickest elapsed times after five rounds of qualifying will compete on race day on Monday, September 1 at 10 a.m. ET. Fans can watch the race on FS1 and FOX. For tickets or more information on the NHRA U.S. Nationals visit nhra.com.