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Local Dragster Goes to London to Break Records

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22, 2008
Contact: Jim Rizzoli, (805) 441-0133 or (805) 541-1082

SLO native, Jim Rizzoli selected as crew chief at European Drag Race

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Two new European drag racing records will likely be set next month and a San Luis Obispo man has been selected to help set them. Thirty-five year drag racing veteran and automotive repair shop owner Jim Rizzoli will travel to England’s SantaPod Raceway north of London during the first week of September. Chosen as crew chief for a custom-built Top Alcohol Dragster (a National Hot Rod Association classification) recently purchased by Englishman Derek Flynn, Rizzoli will direct the crew and help make the crucial decisions that will guide the car and its new driver to victory.

“When you are dealing with tenths, hundredths, even thousandths of a second,” said Rizzoli, “precision is paramount.”

A San Luis Obispo native, Rizzoli’s love affair with hot rods began in the 1970s with a 1967 Camaro that he raced locally. He’s been racing for some 30 years now and in recent years began consulting. Rizzoli has been working on this particular dragster for many years, so when Derek Flynn purchased it, former owner Larry Miersch strongly suggested Rizzoli as crew chief.

A San Luis Obispo native, Rizzoli’s love affair with hot rods began in the 1970s with a 1967 Camaro that he raced locally. He’s been racing for some 30 years now and in recent years began consulting. Rizzoli has been working on this particular dragster for many years, so when Derek Flynn purchased it, former owner Larry Miersch strongly suggested Rizzoli as crew chief.

The two records at stake in this race are Elapsed Time (the time it takes to travel one-quarter of a mile from a standing start); and of course, Miles Per Hour, in this case 264 mph. While this will be Rizzoli’s first European race, he has crewed and been chief on numerous stateside races, winning several.  More information is available about Rizzoli and Flynn on Flynn’s blog. “Jim and Larry and I all believe that if track and weather conditions are with us, a new European record may be on the cards,” said Flynn.

Established in 1976, the family owned and run business is committed to serving the automobile owners of San Luis Obispo County and services all types of vehicles, including hybrids and alternative fuel cars. Rizzoli’s Automotive is located at 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane off Skyway Drive in Santa Maria. For more information or tips on maintaining your vehicle please call (805) 541-1082