"Z-Man" Flawless in Clean Sweep Win at Hamlin
by Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media

West Park, NY- Thirteen year old driving talent Zach "Z-Man" O'Connell capped off his Saturday night with another solid performance at the Hamlin Speedway as he wired the field in the 15-lap feature event for the Junior Slingshot Division. The win was the "Z-Man's" first at the 1/5 mile speedplant and proved to be a popular victory for the eighth grade Highland Middle School student as the victory lane celebration carried on for more than an hour after the races were completed.

O'Connell began the evening with a wire to wire win in his heat race after drawing pole position for the event. The red-hot Mark Berkenstock finished second behind O'Connell in the first heat. A stout field of competitors were on hand for the Saturday night racing, necessitating two heats to determine the feature event starting lineup. The "Hot Rod" Kyle Rhode triumphed in the second heat with Goshen, New York's Joseph Kata in for the runnerup spot.

The feature event began with O'Connell and Rhode starting side by side. The "Z-Man" moved into the lead at the initial start and attempted to distance himself from the remainder of the 15-car starting field. Berkenstock would not allow it to happen as he slipped by Rhode and began his assault on O'Connell. Lap after lap the "Z-Man" fought off the advances of Berkenstock by maintaining his racing line and keeping his foot in the throttle of the Apple Greens Golf Course/Lowes of Kingston/ZTO Motorsports mount. On lap-13, O'Connell slid up the racetrack off of turn four and allowed Berkenstock, driving his White Oak Custom Furniture mount, one last opportunity to ruin his night. O'Connell, feeling the heat, raced hard down the frontstretch and maintained the lead into turn-one. O'Connell continued on for the final two laps to register his first win of the season at the Hamlin oval. Berkenstock finished second with Rhode in for third place. Honeybrook's Katie McCardle and Kata completed the top five running order.

With his win, The "Z-Man" was a guest on the very popular CARQUEST Gasoline Alley TV/Internet Show on Monday night. He shared interviews with first time Accord winner Tom Dakake, 13 year old Sprint Car ace Coleman Gulick and the "Modern Day Cowboy" USAC driving star Daron Clayton. O'Connell handled himself brilliantly during his 20-minute interview segment.

O'Connell, who earned the 2006 Rookie of the Year honors 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.

The "Z-Man" has maintained Honor Roll status for every semester and will enter the 8th grade this coming year at the Highland Middle School, situated in Highland, New York. The Honor Roll status is 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.

Racing isn't the only sport the "Z-Man is involved with. Competing in the Port Ewan Athletic Basketball Association, Zach's team, the Nets, won the league title in 2006 and were the runner-ups last year.

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, Trailer King, Frozen Rainbow, Jim Young Photography, Gross Graphics, Hig-Fab, Ulster Motorsports, Escopus Sportsman Club, Big Hick Wood, Dynamic Impressions Ink, GA Motorsports Media, and Tri State Studios.

The "Z-Man" will be in action this Thursday evening July, 26th, at the Orange County Fair Speedway for a Special Fair Week event. He will be in action every Saturday 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