New York's "Z-Man" Zach O'Connell Heading To Fort Wayne Rumble
by Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media

West Park, NY- A last minute change of plans finds the ZTO Motorsports Team working non-stop re-assembling and readying their signature numbered 327 Slingshot to do battle at the upcoming Fort Wayne Rumble scheduled for the 28th and 29th of December at the Fort Wayne, Indiana Coliseum. The immaculate racing machine had been stripped down after the season was completed and was in the process of being completely gone over by Owner/Crew Chief Paul O/Connell for the upcoming 2008 racing season, but an opportunity with transportation plans became available with the Billy Van Inwegen/Len & Jo's Racing team heading to the Hoosier State and expedited the all out effort to have the car locked and loaded for the event, which will be the first time for the Slingshot race cars to stut their stuff in Fort Wayne.

For thirteen year old New York State driving talent Zach "Z-Man" O'Connell, the opportunity to take part in the event is something he is looking forward to. The young speedster has never raced indoors before and the recent change of plans is a welcome addition to his racing endeavors. The Junior Slingshot driving star, who captured the Accord Speedway title last year along with a solid fifth in the Hamlin Speedway points chase, will only be making his second start in the Regular Slingshot ranks with his appearance in Fort Wayne. In his only start in 2007, he finished a creditable 12th at Hamlin in a non-points race. The "Z-Man" raced at a number of tracks last year for the first time in his budding career and adapted quite well to the various tracks he competed at. O'Connell is hoping for the same kind of success as he tackles the tight confines of the tricky Rumble course. The scheduled practice set for December 27th from 5:30 to 9 will be critical for the team to find the "sweet spot" in their set-up to find the quick way around the oval.

O'Connell, whose ZTO Motorsports Team is in the running for the best appearing car on the National circuit at the Speedway Entertainment Banquet in February, also ran a limited schedule of events on the Junior National Singshot Tour in 2007, finishing eighth in the final rundown of the National points. The "Z-Man" recently took part in the NASCAR festivities held in New York as he remains a huge Jimmie Johnson fan and had Lowe's Car Chief Ron Malec drive the ZTO Motorsports entry to victory this past summer at the Nextel Crew Challenge held at the Hamlin Speedway.

The "Z-Man" continues to excel in the classroom to go along with increasing on track skills. He has maintained Honor Roll status for every semester and has entered the 8th grade this year at the Highland Middle School, situated in Highland, New York. The Honor Roll status is part of 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. He has moved into the 13-18 year-old division this year in the basketball league. When not playing sports or doing his homework, the "Z-Man" likes to take the drive to the S&S Speedways to continuously hone his skills at racing, as he finds the more laps run indoors, the more adept he is becoming on the track during the summer.

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.

For further updates regarding Zach O'Connell and the ZTO Motorsports team, log onto their website at: www.zacharyoconnell.com