Zach "Z-Man" O'Connell Captures Heat Race Win at Hamlin
by Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media

West Park, NY - Thirteen year old driving talent Zach O'Connell captured a heat race win at the super fast Hamlin Speedway in racing action on Saurday night at the 1/5 mile oval. O'Connell, known to his legion of fans as the "Z-Man," led the eight car field off of the line to take command of the race early on and mid-race. A caution with two laps to go saw the field bunch up and roll down for the restart. Harleyville's Mark Berkenstock took a slight lead at the waving of the green flag with O'Connell refusing to yield. As the two equallly powered cars raced down the backstretch on the final lap they remained tight. Into turn three O'Connell changed lanes and the two young racers touched coming out of four and giving O'Connell the advantage and the win at the finish line.

In the feature event, Byram, New Jersey standout Brian Gilmore took a commanding lead at the start of the 15-lap race and sped to victory. Meanwhile the racing in the pack was hot and heavy with O'Connell, Katie McArdle and Mark Berkenstock waging a war between themselves. A couple of laps later, a trio of female driving talent, Emily Van Inwegen, Brittany Tresch and Caitlin Chambers joined the battle as they raced together in the tightly bunched pack. Something had to give and it did as O'Connell was sent spinning along with Chambers and Tresch.

The heated battle continued now from the rear of the pack as the leaders established themselves in front and it was up to the recovering drivers to attempt to find their real estate. O'Connell had moved back into seventh position but with two to go another scramble had the "Z-Man" getting turned around for the second time in the feature and with that the time allotment for the event had run out. O'Connell was credited with a 12th-place finish in the final rundown.

O'Connell, who was the 2006 Rookie of the Year at the Hamlin facility, first became interested in racing when his parents, Paul and Brenda, took him to the Accord races. He fell in love with racing in a heartbeat and his parents made the decision to purchase a car for the "Z-Man," even though Mom was a little hesitant at first. Racing at both Hamlin and Accord, the young driver is earning high marks for his racing endeavors.

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, NAPA D&D of Highland, Trailer King, Frozen Rainbow, Jim Young Photography, Gross Graphics, Hig-Fab, Ulster Motorsports, Escopus Sportsman Club, Sabia, Dynamic Impressions Ink and Tri State Studios.

The "Z-Man" will be in action every Wednesday at Accord and Saturdays at Hamlin for the remainder of the 2007 season. For further updates regarding Zach O'Connell and the ZTO Motorsports team log onto their website at: www.zacharyoconnell.com