BRAMPTON, ON- Fresh off of a 4th place finish in Sunset Speedway weekly competition on June 13th, Billy ‘Z3’ Zardo is ready for Friday’s 75-lap Garry Reynolds Memorial invitational.
“We’ve been sitting on the sidelines for so long, it felt amazing just to get back on track,” beams Zardo in reference to his return to action last weekend. “From the moment we rolled this car off the trailer on Saturday– we knew we were going to be fast. Starting off with an 8th place run [in Feature No. 1] was awesome – but the guys made some adjustments before the second feature and the car really came to life”
The performance marked Zardo’s best in weekly competition this season, and provided the third-generation wheelman with some much-needed momentum entering June 19th’s event.
“I can’t begin to explain how proud I am to finish in the top-5 in this field,” says Zardo. “These guys are some absolute killers, man. This is the best of the best on a weekly level. You can’t find another division in this country that’s tougher to beat on any given Saturday”
“Now that we’re back moving again, we want to keep our foot on the gas. We were happy with a top-5 on Saturday, but I know that we can be a lot better. We get to go 75-laps on Friday – and that’s where I think we’ll really have a chance to shine”
When asked his comfort level entering an extended distance event, ‘Z3’ is quick to note that, stylistically, longer events are tailor made for his laid back approach to competition.
“I like to identify as a ‘long run’ guy,” says Zardo. “We had a fantastic car at the Spring Velocity – and I expect the Garry Reynolds Memorial to work out very similar”
“I prefer to have some time to get a feel for the track and my car. It’s tough to do that in a 35-lap sprint. 75-laps will give us a better chance to implement our game plan and find where our car works the best”
“Equipment preservation plays a pretty big role in these longer races,” continues the multi-time feature winner. “I feel like that’s been one of our strengths in the past. I’m able to keep my tires under me and keep my brakes cool once we get into those deep waters, and that’s something that could make a huge difference on Friday”
“This is the first Crown Jewel of the season. These are the races that you think about winning when you’re freezing your butt off in the shop over the Winter. I’m sure it’s going to bring out the best in everyone – but we plan on having a car that can absolutely contend at the front of the field.”
Details, including gate times and ticket prices, for Friday’s event can be found at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Zardo’s 2015 campaign is made possible thanks to Holmes On Homes, National Exhaust, Better Contracting and Hassell Automotive.
Follow Billy on Twitter @Z3Zardo4846.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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