By Lee Elder
MECHANICSBURG, Pa, (September 28, 2018) – Gio Scelzi climbed out of his sprint car and howled with delight.
The 16-year-old Scelzi won his first career World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series victory on one of the biggest stages the sport has, winning on opening night of the Champion Racing Oil National Open at Williams Grove.
Scelzi grabbed the lead with 16 laps down and held on to win by .732 of a second.
“I don’t think I’ll ever believe this one,” the jubilant Scelzi said.
David Gravel, who led the first 15 laps of the race, was second, followed by Lucas Wolfe, Freddie Rahmer and Tim Shaffer.
“We were so good at the beginning, I was just worried I’d fade at the end,” Scelzi said. “The track never slowed down that much. David (Gravel) is a great racer, he’s won two National Opens here and he’s hard to beat.”
Scelzi said he looked at the scoreboard with 21 laps complete, then saw slower traffic ahead of his car. “We made some good news and got through it,” he said.
Friday’s win paid $10,000. Saturday’s winner earns $56,000.
