ZTO Motorsports Drivers Enjoy Fun Night at Hamlin Speedway
by Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media

West Park, NY- With the Slingshot Tour race schedule pulling some of the regulars off to compete at other racing haunts, the Hamlin Speedway management offered a non-points night of racing at the popular 1/5 mile speedplant. The racing was exciting and well received as it gave some drivers the rare opportunity to experiment with a different class and in some instances rejeuvenate someone who never raced one of the cars he maintains on a weekly basis.

ZTO Motorsports drivers Zach "Z-Man" O'Connell and his father Paul O'Connell took advantage of the non-point night and had the time of their lives as Zach stepped up to race with the regular Slingshot division and Paul donned his racing suit to race the team car in the Super Slingshot division for the drivers 35 and over. This was a golden opportunity for young Zach as the 13 year old is contemplating on what division of racing to compete in next year.

For Paul O'Connell, it was the first time he ever had the opportunity to drive a car in a competitive race, although years ago he did compete in various motorcycle classes.

Paul O'Connell was the first to take to the speedway and while he drove cautiously, he was able to keep pace with the action and recorded a sixth place finish in his heat. The "Z-Man" then took to the track for his heat event and although starting eighth in the field, moved around the track, made some passes and recorded a fine fifth place finish in his first outing.

The feature event in the Super Slingers saw the veteran New Jersey campaigner Dale Kober wire the field on his way to victory. Back in mid-pack things were heating up as the racing was fairly close for position. Paul O'Connell took his time and although was bumped back a few times during the course of the race, rallied for a fine ninth place finish when the checkered flag fell. The remainder of the top five in the Super Slingers were Joey Funk, Roger Collins, Carl Bittenbender, and Bob Clark.

The Regular Slingshots closed out the evening's racing events. Once again it was Kober wiring the field in his S&S Speedways sponsored machine. Adam Brown, a rookie in the Regular Slingshots, raced Kober as hard as he could but fell a bit short and took home second place honors. Billy Clark raced to third place with Jill Long and Paul Ennes completing the top five.

For the "Z-Man," he began the feature in 14th-place and had worked his way steadily through the field to as high as seventh place. Getting caught up in some late race activities had the "Z-Man" starting from the back and he worked his way back to a respectable 12th-place when the race was complete.

All in all it was a great fun-filled night for the O'Connell family. The "Z-Man" liked the faster speeds the Regular Slingers attain and may compete again in the division later on in the season. For Paul O'Connell, he just went out to have fun and try not to be embarrassed by going too slow. He did a great job, and never had to worry about the slow part as he was throwing the car into the turns like he had been doing it his entire life. It is so refreshing for the fans to see people enjoying what they do. For the O'Connell's, it was just another night at the races.

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 25th, 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