ZTO Motorsports Produce Big Weekend Results at Hamlin
by Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media

West Park, NY- ZTO Motorsports rolled into the Hamlin Speedway early Saturday morning with high expectations for a great weekend of Slingshot racing. When the final checkered flag fell at the conclusion of the evening's racing, Nextel Cup interim Lowes Crew Chief Ron Malec drove the Lowes of Kingston sponsored ZTO Motorsports entry to victory in Round 2 of the Nextel Crew Challenge race put on by the speedway. Earlier in the evening, thirteen year old driving talent Zach "Z-Man" O'Connell drove the same car (legal to Junior Specs) to a third place in a hotly contested Junior Slingshot feature that saw O'Connell become trapped behind a few cars late in the race before busting loose with some moves that saw him grab a spot 2-laps before the end of the race and then on the final lap, pass two more cars and rally to a great third place run at the end of the feature.

For the youthful O'Connell, the weekend was another step-up in his relatively young racing career as with each race he is gaining more seat time and learning more and more about the workings of the race car. His drive to the front was a superb effort and definitely gained the attention of the fine crowd on hand for the evening's races.

For Malec, he seemingly has taken to the Slingshot cars like he has been around them all of his life. The former Milwaukee native, who spent some six years on the Midwest Late Model circuit before moving to the South, was in the hunt throughout the "special" race and the competition was excellent. Kevin White, who won two prior races in the past, was the early leader and seemingly had the field in check as the race progressed. A couple of cautions slowed the pace a bit, but the green flag action was a real slugfest. A 17th lap restart saw White lose the lead to Aaron Kuehn, but Malec, who hovered between third and fifth throughout the race, seized the opportunity to immediately get by White and then go to the attack on Kuehn and complete the pass before getting into the third turn. Malec led the remainder of the way to secure the win and triggering the big celebration that followed in the Victory Circle after the race.

In Victory Circle after the race, Ron Malec remarked, "This ZTO Motorsports Team gave me a car to win with, but I was trying to be patient throughout the race. When I saw the opportunity to go, I went and was so glad I did. I knew that I had to go for the win as Zach was one up on me and well, there is lot of pride at stake." Malec further stated, " This is a great group of people to work with. Paul O'Connell and his family go out of their way to promote racing, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them."

The Nextel Crew drivers thoroughly enjoyed their evening of racing at Hamlin Speedway and the hospitality shown them by the Smith Family and the Slingshot owners and fans. The drivers were overwhelmed by the hard work and effort of the O'Connell Family in preparing the ZTO Motorsports entry into the Lowes car for the evening. By Sunday, the Lowes body was removed and the familiar ZTO color schemed race car was ready for the Reading Fair races taking place on Monday night.

With 16 Juniors on hand for the Reading event, it gave the drivers the opportunity to race against some of the drivers they had only read about in the past. The "Z-Man" began the feature event in 10th starting place and worked his way to sixth by the end of the race. Less than ideal track conditions created a difficult track to pass on and also contributed into some cars getting together and causing some extensive repairs to some equipment.

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, Fast Dirt Racing Promotions, GA Motorsports Media, and Tri State Studios.

The "Z-Man" will be back in action this Saturday evening August 11th, at the Hamlin Speedway for a Slingshot Tour 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