BRAMPTON, ON- Despite having logged just two starts thus far, third-generation driver Billy ‘Z3’ Zardo is already searching for a way to re-route his 2014 season.
“It’s felt as though whatever can go wrong has gone wrong”, offered Billy, as he worked to install a new engine in his family-owned Limited Late Model. “After a great season in 2013, we came into this year with some pretty big goals. So far, it’s been an uphill battle”
The team opened their season at Sunset’s inaugural Spring Derby 100 on May 3rd, but retired early from the event after combating handling and brake issues for the entirety of the day.
“The Spring Derby was hugely disappointing”, said Zardo. “We had practiced the week before and really felt as though we’d have a competitive car. But, by the time raceday rolled around, it felt like we could do no right. We chased the setup all through practice and qualifying, and by the time the feature started the brakes started fading on us”
The Zardo team worked to rectify the setup issues, and returned to action at the opening of Sunset’s ‘Super Series’ on May 17th. However, after laying down noticeably better lap times in practice, Zardo experienced terminal engine failure less than a handful of laps into his qualifying heat race.
“As soon as I heard the engine going, I couldn’t help but think ‘Really?! Now this?!?’, recapped Zardo with a wry grin. “That gave us another couple of nights worth of work in the shop”
Even when asked the gory details of his recent streak of bad luck, Zardo is devoted to positive thinking.
“Of course we would sooner have opened our year with a couple of wins, but at the end of the day our whole team is just happy to be at the speedway. I’m sure there are 1000 guys sitting at home that would love to have the opportunity I do, so how could I complain?”
“When we’re sitting in the shop working for the eighth or ninth straight hour, the thought of putting the wrench down and going to sleep definitely crosses your mind”, continues Zardo. “But then I look over and see my guys slaving away and it perks me right up. My crew is willing to dedicate hours and hours of their time – for free – to make sure I’m ready for raceday. I don’t need much more than that to inspire me”
Billy ‘Z3’ Zardo will be back in action, with a fresh engine, this Saturday at Sunset Speedway for the 50-lap ‘Super Series’ event. Gate times and ticket prices can be found at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca
The entire ‘Z Team’ would like to thank Holmes On Homes, National Exhaust, Better Contracting and Hassell Automotive for their continued support.
Be sure to follow Billy on Twitter @Z3Zardo4846.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
Discussion about this post