"Z-Man" and the "Hot Rod" Help Raise Money For Charity at Genetti's Car Show
by Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media

West Park, NY- West Park, New York's Zachary "Z-Man" O'Connell and Marshall Creek, Pennsylvania's Kyle "Hot Rod" Rode took part in the Genetti's Car Show held on Monday, May 5th at Genetti's Golf Fun Center just outside of Kutztown, Pennsylvania. The two Slingshot stars participated in the day-long inaugural show at Genetti's and were rewarded with cash donations from Genetti's to be put to charity with the perspective organizations they support. The "Z-Man" is supporting the Jimmy Johnson Foundation this year and the "Hot Rod" is once again supporting the St Jude's Children's Research Hospital as he did last year. Last year the enterprising Rode collected more than $2,000.00 to assist the Memphis based organization. Both of the young driving talents are hoping for support from the entire racing community to assist in their crusades and will be collecting donations at the speedways they compete as well as the various shows and appearances they will be making throughout the racing season. During the show, the Genetti's also gave a cash donation to the Checkered Flag Fan Club based out of the Kutztown area. The day long show proved to be a hit for those in attendance as the CARQUEST Gasoline Alley Gang was on hand to do their live show and more than 40 interviews were conducted during the three hour show. Joining host's Ed and Steve Pados and Randy Kane were guest announcers Bobby Stull and Ted Grow. Drivers from the glory days of racing as well as the current stars of today made for a tremendous day for the racing community. Plans are in the works already for next years edition of the show.

With the team seeking additional tracks to have the "Z-Man" compete, the racing schedule over the past weekend proved to be a challenge for the ZTO Motorsports Team. The team had made plans to go racing in upstate New York only to be thwarted in their efforts by the heavy amounts of rain falling in the area. Returning to home base, the team checked the weather alert at Hamlin Speedway and found racing was still on at the Poconos facility. With the Mid-Atlantic tour in town for the Saturday night show, everyone knew they had to be on their a-game to qualify for the main event. A decision was then made to race all 32-cars that towed in for the event and the starting field took off at the drop of the green flag. Billy Van Inwegen Jr, the 2007 National Slingshot Champion, wired the field from his pole starting position. While the racing up front was the Inwegen Show with both Emily and Father Bill Sr racing in the top five, the close racing in mid-pack took it's toll on the starting field as one by one problems began to dwindle the starting field down in a hurry. The "Z-Man" was one of those less fortunate to escape as with nowhere to go on the backstretch while just outside the top ten, he made contact with a stalled car and when it was a couple of more cars made their way into the incident. The immaculately prepared machine was rendered helpless in the mishap and was assisted off the track by way of the wrecker service. O'Connell was credited with a 28th place finish.

Again the ZTO Motorsports Team had to change their plans. The team had made arrangements to stay overnight in Pennsylvania because of the impending car show, but with the car not in pristine condition, the team decided to make the tow home and get a fresh start on Sunday morning in hopes of repairing the damaged racer. Led by Crew Chief Paul O'Connell, the team made the necessary repairs by the end of the day to bring the car to the show. Another long tow back to Pennsylvania made for quite a long weekend, but the ZTO Team truly enjoyed their time at the Car Show with all of the guests and new friendships and the great interview the "Z-Man" did with Steve Pados.

The ZTO Motorsports Team has completed the 305 Sprint Car the team has been preparing for the "Z-Man" and the car has been sent out to top graphics man Chip Gross who will perform his magic on the new ZTO Motorsports entry. Plans call for the "Z-Man" to take part in a test and tune session at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park on May 17th from Noon until 4. In recent weeks, some valuable assistance was given to the team by veteran World of Outlaws Crew Chief Ray Brooks. Brooks, who met the O'Connells at Orange County last year, provided some great advice to the fledgling sprint car team and helped with some valuable set-up tips to begin the season. The original "Lady Outlaw" Mares Stellfox had offered to shake the new racer down for the ZTO Team but will be in action on the 17th for a URC event and will be unavailable. Plans are underway to find a replacement to test the car prior to the "Z-Man" taking the car out for his maiden voyage and introduction to Sprint Car Racing.

Plans for the ZTO Motorsports Team include a regular Wednesday night stop at the newly configured Accord Speedway when the Midweek Madness action commences during the first week in June. Additional Slingshot action will take place at the Hamlin Speedway on non-conflicting dates with the 305 CRSA Sprint Car schedule. The team has geared up for the new division they will be racing and look forward to the many new faces and fans who follow the CRSA Tour Schedule.

The "Z-Man" continues to excel in the classroom to go along with increasing on track skills. He has maintained Honor Roll status for every semester and will soon be completing 8th grade at the Highland Middle School, situated in Highland, New York. The Honor Roll status is part of an agreement worked out by his parents for the capacity to drive the race car. Zach will start his 5th year in the school band this year as he plays the jazz trumpet. Zach is heavily involved with the school newspaper, "The Blue Review" as an at-large reporter. He is also a member of the Ski Club and the Mile Club. Zach also competes in the Port Ewen Athletic Basketball Association. When not playing sports or completing his homework, the "Z-Man" likes to take the drive down to the S&S Speedways to continuously hone his skills at racing, as he finds the more laps he runs indoors, the more adept he is becoming on the racetrack during the summer.

ZTO Motorsports would like to thank the great supporting cast of sponsors who have come on board with the relatively new racing team. The list includes, Apple Greens Golf Course, Lowes Home Improvement of Kingston, D&D NAPA of Highland, Stock Car Fantasy, John J Pezzo, CPA, P&Z Rental Management Inc, Northern Dutchess Archery, Hig-Fab, Fast Dirt Racing Promotions, Port Ewen Athletic Association, and GA Motorsports Media.

For more information and further updates regarding the "Z-Man" Zach O'Connell and the ZTO Motorsports team, log onto their website at: www.zacharyoconnell.com