ZTO Motorsports Driver "Z-Man" in Dead Heat Finish at Hamlin
by Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media

West Park, NY- ZTO Motorsports driving talent Zach "Z-Man" O'Connell was involved in a rarity on Saturday night at the Hamlin Speedway as he raced to a "dead heat" finish for fourth position in his heat race with Harleysville driving star Mark Berkenstock. The two young driving stars locked horns for four laps, and neither gave an inch nor asked for one as they raced side by side around the 1/5 mile Hamlin Speedway.

The large crowd on hand for the Junior Slingshot National Tour event stood on their feet and cheered as the two drivers raced into one turn after the other without ever touching wheels. When the checkered flag finally dropped on the event, the fans roared their approval when it was announced the race ended in a dead heat between the two combatants.

With 18-cars signing in for the Junior tour event, the feature event line-up was a true indication of how much good racing racing talent exists across the country today. While the feature event had some bumps and bruises throughout the course of the 20 lap excursion, the race was exciting from start to finish. The first 16-laps went caution free and but things then went out of control as a five car jam session in turn two damaged some equipment and sent the cars of Joseph Kata and Caitlin Chambers pitside with heavy damage.

On the restart the "Z-Man" was sent spinning off-course and necessitated another restart. After another lap was scored, another restarted was needed for small skirmish bringing out the caution. . Finally, the race was completed with Emily Van Inwegen crossing the line first with Jason West in hot pursuit. Kaitie McCardle, in a fine drive, was third and New Jersey invader and tour points leader Nick Snyder was fourth. The Schott Hardwood Floors entry from the State of Minnesota, with driver Lucas Schott at the controls, rounded out the top five. O'Connell, recovering from the spin, ran out of laps to become a factor and was credited with an 11th-place in the final rundown.

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 back in action this Saturday evening August 18th, at the Hamlin Speedway for a regular show. For further updates regarding Zach O'Connell and the ZTO Motorsports team log onto their website at: www.zacharyoconnell.com