Inside Line Promotions – KNOXVILLE, Iowa (July 27, 2020) – Giovanni Scelzi produced a runner-up result during only his second start behind the wheel of the KCP Racing No. 18.
A partnership between the 18-year-old and the top-notch sprint car organization was created early last week, giving Scelzi an opportunity to race in marquee events throughout the Midwest and East Coast while still prioritizing his prospects on pavement.
“It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” he said. “They know how to win races. You have all of the tools and everything possible to win. It’s up to me to make it happen. Me and Tyler (Swank) worked well together the first two races last week. It’s about talking to each other. Communication is the biggest thing in racing. I think we’re going in the right direction.”
Scelzi made his debut with the team last Tuesday during the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series’ Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup hosted by Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa. He qualified seventh quickest in his group, placed fourth in a heat race and ended the night 20 th in the feature after pulling off early.
“I didn’t know what to think going into the night,” he said. “It’s a first night with a new team, new guys, new everything. It was also my first time at that track. We came in in one piece so that’s positive.”
The team headed to Knoxville Raceway on Saturday and speed was evident from hot laps. Scelzi qualified second quickest and he gained two positions in a heat race to finish fourth.
“Knoxville is a place I’m really comfortable at,” he said. “I felt like I had a car that could win the race. We were the high-point driver going into the main and the inversion was six so we started sixth. In hindsight I needed to run the bottom a little better. Toward the end of the race I started figuring it out. I drove by Ian (Madsen) and passed Austin (McCarl) with two laps to go for second.
“It’s huge. I feel comfortable. I really like Tyler and Adam, who work on the car. We have the tools a driver could want so I’m looking forward to the future.”
Scelzi plans on racing this Thursday at Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., during the Rayce Rudeen Foundation Race; Friday at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa; Saturday at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa; and Sunday at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D., with the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1.