Category: auto racing
The Driver Suit Blog-Yet Another Look at Driver Suit Blog Favorite TJ Zizzo
Editor’s Note: I have another project to attend to this week, so I’m going to repost a TJ Zizzo feature from last year.
By David G. Firestone
TJ Zizzo is the driver, he’s based in Lincolnshire Illinois, I’m based in Evanston, I’ve purchased a number of items from him.
One of the things that I got was a visor. When I purchased it back in 2014, I’d been wanting to get an NHRA visor from some time, and I got one that had the modification I’ve been seeing. The visor shows some light use.
I asked TJ why he had this modification, and he said that he wants to focus on the task at hand. He said that drag racing drivers can notice things, birds, scoreboards, women in the crowd, etc in the car in the moments leading up to the race, and this modification helps the driver by giving him tunnel vision. Tunnel vision is seen by the majority of people as a bad thing, but in something like drag racing, where intense focus for a brief period of time is a mandate, tunnel vision is a good thing. Top fuel dragsters have 10,000 horsepower and can go from 0 to 325 mph in less than 3 seconds. When you are behind the wheel of a car with that much power, you need to focus on the race as much as possible. TJ wears this style of visor because, the less he can see out of the helmet, the more he can focus on the race. TJ even said that this visor is much less covered than his current version, which looks something like this…
In 2014, at the U.S. Nationals, TJ suffered a major engine explosion. He still has the blower drive seen flying in the video. I was amazed how heavy it was. He has one shelf in his new shop that has the pieces of the engine, and the damage suffered, from a fan’s stand point. The manifold that blew was made of solid magnesium and was heavy duty. The crankshaft in question was not only broken, but was slightly bent near the break. I wound up getting one of the rear tires from that race. Rear tires from top fuel dragsters are 3 feet tall by 17 inches wide. I’m planning on getting a glass to and making a coffee table at some point. The level of wear on the tires is amazing, with large patches of damage from the explosion. TJ also signed it and personalized it to me!
I also got a front tire, which is 22 inches tall, by 3 inches wide.
I’m not sure when it was raced, but it does show wear and it has ZIZZO written on the tread. To give an idea the size difference between the two, here are the two of them together in my office…
One of my big gets was a TJ Zizzo Peak parachute. Zizzo ran two of these chutes on the back of his dragster from 2010 to 2013., and this example is 12 feet by 12 feet. It shows a decent amount of wear, with stains and holes.
There is a hole in the center that allows the chute to be deployed, and there is an inventory tag placed here as well.
On the cables connecting the chute to the car, there is some extra protection. This is necessary because on top fuel dragsters, the engine is very close to the parachute attachment, and in the event of a fire, the chute will still be able to function. TJ’s example shows some wear on the silver layer.
One thing that a lot of non drag racing fans don’t realize is that many drivers pack their own chutes. Race car drivers are control freaks, and so this makes sense. The logic a few drivers use is that if I mess it up, I don’t have anyone to blame for it except myself.
The pilot chute is attached here as well. Pilot chutes are universally used to deploy parachutes. When the cords are pulled, and the chute is released, the pilot chute deploys, which catches air and pulls the primary chute behind it. The chutes are strapped to a bar at the back of the car, the straps pre-covered in Nomex to prevent fire damage, then packed into a bag, before the race.
I’ve discussed the importance of spark plugs, and their prevalence in the auto racing memorabilia market before, so I won’t go into that again. I will show one of TJ Zizzo’s race-used spark plugs, which he managed to autograph. Given the size of the plug, that isn’t easy to sign.
Next week, I will discuss autographed die casts.
The Driver Suit Blog-Introduction to Sports Memorabilia-Kyle Schutt Race-Worn and Autographed Outlaw Gloves
The Driver Suit Blog-Another Example of a Pit Crew Helmet…
Hailing from Chesapeake, Virginia, Ashton Lewis Jr. was an American driver with a lot of success on road courses. He raced in the Barber Saab Pro Series in 1992, before getting a scholarship in the British Formula Ford Championship. He made his Xfinity Series debut in 1993, and raced until 2006.
In 2004, Ashton raced for Lewis Motorsports, owned by his family. He had a decent season, scoring 3 top 5’s and 8 top 10’s in 34 races. He also finished 6499 of 6684 laps for a lap completed percentage of 97.2%. During that season, one of his crew members wore this Simpson helmet. The helmet is in decent condition, with the radio removed. The left side shows some scratches.
Near the front on the left side is where the microphone was. There are some small holes where it was removed.
The front doesn’t have a face shield, but it does have a visor to keep the sun out of the wearer’s eyes.
The right side does show some scratches as well.
The back has a lot of scratches, and one very large black scuff mark.
The top shows some minor scratches.
The inside has fire resistant padding, and the radio equipment has been removed.
Next week, a Driver Suit Blog favorite returns!
The Driver Suit Blog-Introduction to Sports Memorabilia-Circa 1998-1999 Pagan Racing Pit Crew Suit
The Driver Suit Blog-Fun Collecting Autographs
Getting autographs in person, be it at races, conventions, or other signings is fun. I’ve been doing it for over 30 years. I’ve met a lot of athletes in this fashion. For some, autographs are a hobby, for others, they are a business. I personally love collecting autographs.
It’s not uncommon for people to bring items to sports events to sign. Fans bring baseballs to batting practice to get autographs. I’ve done this myself on several occasions. I’ve also brought items to car shows and conventions to get signed. A few years ago, I brought this motorcycle helmet to the NHRA Route 66 Nationals. It was signed by Robby Gordon when I bought it, I still have it and it’s in great condition.
The left side is signed by Clay Millican,Tony Schumacher, Tommy Johnson Jr, and Ron Capps.
There are no signatures on the front.
The right side is signed by Terry McMillian.
There are no signatures on the back.
It was signed by Robby Gordon when I bought it, and his signature is on the back of the top. At the front of the top is the signature of Shirley Muldowney.
The inside of the helmet doesn’t show wear.
Ok…with that out of the way, let’s move on to…
TAILGATING TIME!
If you want a delicious, filling recipe that will always go with watching racing, you’d be hard pressed to find a better one than…
Lasagna
8 Servings
Instructions:
1 large finely chopped onions
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 lb ground beef
Black pepper
Oregano
1 28 ounce can Italian-style tomatoes
6 ounces salt-free ketchup
1/3 cup water
1 1/4 lb ricotta cheese
1 8 ounce package lasagna noodles, cooked according to directions
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced.
1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Instructions:
1-Cook onion and garlic in oil until soft and yellow.
2-Add meat and continue cooking until meat is thoroughly browned
3-Add seasonings, tomatoes, ketchup, and water, and simmer until thickened, about 2 hours.
4-Arrange 1/3 of the cooked noodles in a 13 by 9 1/2 inch baking pan.
5-Top with 1/3 each, mozzarella, ricotta, and meat sauce.
6-Repeat procedure twice.
7-Sprinkle Romano or Parmesan over top layer.
8-Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, cut into squares, and serve.
We’ll stay with the helmet theme for next week.
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-March 25, 2020
By David G. Firestone
STARCOM RACING #00
Quin Houff #00 Jacob Construction Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2020, White with red stripes, and red and blue curve. A-
Quin Houff #00 Victory Weekend Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, black with red and white stripes. A-
Quin Houff #00 Ashurst American Honey Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, yellow with black and white cutting edge designs. F
Quin Houff #00 Permatex Chevy Camaro–No change. A-
Quin Houff #00 UNITS Moving and Portable Storage Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, slightly different design on sides. A
CHIP GANASSI RACING #1
Kurt Busch #1 Monster Energy Chevy Camaro–No change. A
Kurt Busch #1 Gear Wrench Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, black with green and white cutting edge designs on sides. B
TEAM PENSKE #2
Brad Keselowski #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Brad Keselowski #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang–No change. C
Brad Keselowski #2 Pirtek Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, dark purple with yellow Penske template. F
Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Brad Keselowski #2 Wabash National Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Brad Keselowski #2 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 20 #12. F
Brad Keselowski #2 Money Lion Ford Mustang–No change. C
Brad Keselowski #2 PPG Ford Mustang–No change. A
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3
Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy Camaro–No Change. B+
Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Off Road Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, black top, green stripe around number, silver bottom. A
Austin Dillon #3 Symbicort Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, more side designs have been added. F
Austin Dillon #3 Dow Killz Coatings Chevy Camaro–No change. B+
STEWART HAAS RACING #4
Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang–No change. A
Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A
Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, silver replaces black on hood and roof. A
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Ford Mustang–No change. A
Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmy Johns Ford Mustang–No change. A-
Kevin Harvick #4 #PIT4BUSCH Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, silver with blue and white flames. A
Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza/Fields Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, white with a series of green and grass motif. F
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6
Ryan Newman #6 Oscar Meyer Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, green with white and bacon motif. A
Ryan Newman #6 Castrol Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2019, white, green, red, and black with zig-zag designs. C
Ryan Newman #6 Oscar Meyer Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, black with red and yellow bottles and splatter motif. F
Ryan Newman #6 Koch Industries Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, white front, black middle, blue rear. A
Ross Chastain #6 Wyndham Rewards Ford Mustang–No change. B+
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8
Tyler Reddick #8 Caterpillar Chevy Camaro–No Change. A
Tyler Reddick #8 Tame the Beast Chevy Camaro–No change. B+
Tyler Reddick #8 I Am Second Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, black shattered front, red and blue mid to rear, white stripe between. F
Tyler Reddick #8 Caterpillar MinExpo 2020 Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2020, yellow sides, paint motif, and black roof. A
Tyler Reddick #8 Roland Chevy Camaro–No change. F
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #9
Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–No change. B+
Chase Elliott #9 Mountain Dew Zero Sugar Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2020, black with green Camaro stripes and green stripes on sides. A
Chase Elliott #9 UniFirst Chevy Camaro–No change. B-.
Chase Elliott #9 Hooters Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, black with orange numbers and stripes. A
Chase Elliott #9 Kelly Blue Book Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, blue replaces white, gold replaces blue. C+
STEWART HAAS RACING #10
Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang–No change. A
Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Pure Farmland Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, white with green and blue stripes. A-
Aric Almirola #10 Eckrich Ford Mustang–No change. A
JOE GIBBS RACING #11
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–No Change. B+
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry–No change. B+
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry–No change. B+
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota Camry–No change. B+
TEAM PENSKE #12
Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Jack Links Beef Jerky Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 2020 #21. A
Ryan Blaney #12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, reverse color scheme of Shell/Pennzoil. D
Ryan Blaney #12 Dex Imaging Ford Mustang–No change. A
Ryan Blaney #12 Body Armor Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, the designs on sides have been cleaned up. A
Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Peak Ford Mustang–No change. B+
Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. B-
Ryan Blaney #12 Body Armor Kobe Tribute Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, yellow fade to blue with snake skin motif. A
Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Tarkett Ford Mustang–No change. A
GERMAIN RACING #13
Ty Dillon #13 Geico Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, design has been cleaned up a bit. D
STEWART HAAS RACING #14
Clint Bowyer #14 Rush’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang–No change. A
Clint Bowyer #14 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A
Clint Bowyer #14 Blue Def Ford Mustang–No change. C
PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #15
Brennan Poole #15 Spartan Mosquito Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, White with yellow and blue Camaro stripes. B+
Brennan Poole #15 GOETTL Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, teal top, white stripe, green bottom. A
Brennan Poole #15 CHOC Children’s Hospital Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, white, yellow, and blue with child designs on sides and stripes. A-
KAULIG RACING #16
Justin Haley #16 Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevy Camaro–No change. A
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17
Chris Buescher #17 SunnyD Ford Mustang–No change. F
Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, side stripes have been toned down. B+
JOE GIBBS RACING #18
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–No change. A
Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Dips Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, white has been added. B+
Kyle Busch #18 Snickers White Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2020, white with red and blue stripes. B
Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2020, light green with lightning motif across car. F
Kyle Busch #18 Pedigree Toyota Camry–No change. A
Kyle Busch #18 SportClips Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2020, same as #20. C-
JOE GIBBS RACING #
Martin Truex Jr. # Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–No change. C-
Martin Truex Jr. # Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No change. B+
Martin Truex Jr. #19 Sirius XM Toyota Camry–No change. B-
Martin Truex, Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2020, side cleaned up, more orange added. B
JOE GIBBS RACING #20
Erik Jones #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–No change. A
Erik Jones #20 Stanley Toyota Camry–No change. C
Erik Jones #20 SportClips Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2020, smartphone motif has been removed. C-
Erik Jones #20 Irwin Tools Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, blue with yellow and black stripes. C
Erik Jones #20 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota Camry–No Change. A
Erik Jones #20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2020, same as #18. F
WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21
Matt DiBenedetto #21 Menards/Maytag Ford Mustang–No change. A
Matt DiBenedetto #21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang–No change. A
Matt DiBenedetto #21 Quaker State Ford Mustang–No change. B-
TEAM PENSKE #22
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. D
Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–No change. D
Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang–No change. D
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24
William Byron #24 Hertz Chevy Camaro–No Change. A
William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–No change. A
William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–No change. A
William Byron #24 Axalta Chevy Camaro–No change. A
William Byron #24 Axalta Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2020, Axalta Sea Glass replaces dark blue. C
William Byron #24 Axalta Kobe Tribute Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2020, Lakers blue front, with curves up sides, and Lakers yellow on roof. A
PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #27
Reed Sorenson #27 Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2020, blue. A
GO FAS RACING #32
Corey LaJoie #32 Pala Casino Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, red fade to black. A
Corey LaJoie #32 Schluter Systems Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, orange waffle design remains but black and red flames have been added. B+
Corey LaJoie #32 RagingBull.com Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, blue front, checkered flag motif side, white rear. A
Corey LaJoie #32 MotorTrend Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, black with red slash paint motif. C-
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34
Michael McDowell #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang–No change. A
RICK WARE RACING #36
David Ragan #36 Select Blinds Ford Mustang–No change. B
JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #37
Ryan Preece #37 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, blue, white, yellow with a series of stripes and designs on sides and front. C
Ryan Preece #37 Natural Light Seltzer Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, white with pink, yellow, and red fruit motif across car. F
Chris Buescher #37 Velveeta Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, cheese motif extends to rear. A
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38
John Hunter Nemechek #38 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang–No change. A
John Hunter Nemechek #38 Citgard Ford Mustang–No change. B+
John Hunter Nemechek #38 Fire Alarm Services Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, white with designs on sides, and stripes on hood. A
John Hunter Nemechek #38 Berry’s Bullets Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, white with gray stripes and a black stripe on rear. A
John Hunter Nemechek #38 MDS Ford Mustang–No change. B+
John Hunter Nemechek #38 Mystik Lubricants Ford Mustang–No change. B+
STEWART HAAS RACING #41
Cole Custer #41 Haas Automotion Ford Mustang–No change. F
Cole Custer #41 Production Alliance Group Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, black with white and red designs on sides. B
CHIP GANASSI RACING #42
Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Chevy Camaro–No Change. A
Kyle Larson #42 Advent Health Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2020, green, blue, pink, and silver with cutting edge design on sides. F
Kyle Larson #42 McDonald’s Chevy Camaro–No change. B
RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43
Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Air Force Chevy Camaro–No change. A
Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 World Wide Technology Chevy Camaro–No change. C
Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Coca Cola Energy Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2020, black with a series of tiny red stripes on sides. F
Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Victory Junction Ford Mustang–No change. A-
JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, blue, with a white stripe and white designs on rear. A
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48
Jimmie Johnson #48 Ally Financial Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, black with cutting edge designs on sides. A
MBM MOTORSPORTS #49
Chad Finchum #49 Garrison Homes/Toyota Knoxville Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, blue and white with curves on sides. B+
RICK WARE RACING #51
Joey Gase #51 Page Construction/ASC Agri Services Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, gray with a series of designs on sides. F
Garrett Smithley #51 Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2020, white. A
BJ McCleod #51 Jacob Companies Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, red, blue and silver curve up sides. A
RICK WARE RACING #52
BJ McLeod #52 Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, white sides, black hood and roof, curves on sides. B+
BJ McLeod #52 Christensen Arms Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, carbon fiber motif with red roof. A
JJ Yeley #52 Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, black. A
JJ Yeley #52 Window World Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, white with black roof, and red and black curve. A
JJ Yeley #52 Jacob Companies Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, black. A
RICK WARE RACING #53
Joey Gase #53 Nevada Donor Network Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2020, black with a series of designs on sides. F
Joey Gase #53 One Legacy Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, black with a series of designs on sides. F
RICK WARE RACING #54
JJ Yeley #54 Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, black. A
BEARD MOTORSPORTS #62
Brendan Gaughan #62 Beard Oil/South Point Chevy Camaro–No change. A
MBM MOTORSPORTS #66
Timmy Hill #66 RoofClaim.com Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, green front, brown sides, white rear. F
Timmy Hill #66 Manscaped/Lasvegas.net Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, black front, red stripe, white rear. A-
Timmy Hill #66 Pit Boss Grills Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2020, white fade to flames to black on sides. A
SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #77
Ross Chastain #77 Advent Health Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, same as #42. F
Reed Sorenson #77 Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2020, black. A
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88
Alex Bowman #88 Cincinnati, Inc. Chevy Camaro–No Change. A
Alex Bowman #88 LLumar Window Film Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, vertical rectangle design. A
Alex Bowman #88 Axalta Throwback Chevy Camaro–No change. A
Alex Bowman #88 Adam’s Polishes/Chevy Group Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, black with orange and gold stripe. A
Alex Bowman #88 NOCO/Group Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, same as Adam’s Polishes but with NOCO on hood. A
Alex Bowman #88 Valvoline Chevy Camaro–No change. A
LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95
Christopher Bell #95 Rheem Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, red, white, and black with stripes. B+
Christopher Bell #95 Procore Chevy Toyota Camry–No change. F
GAUNT BROTHERS RACING #96
Daniel Suarez #96 Toyota Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2020, black with red and white curves on sides. B-
Daniel Suarez #96 Commscope Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2020, black with yellow and blue. A
