The Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster is revving up for the highly anticipated NHRA Nevada Nationals, taking place from October 27 to October 29 at the prestigious The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This race is the team’s final appearance in the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. TJ Zizzo, a skilled second-generation driver, is focused on maintaining the upward momentum his team has carried throughout the season, as he prepares for his seventh appearance at The Strip.
As the penultimate event in the NHRA countdown playoff series, the Nevada Nationals is set to witness the nation’s best talents and teams, all vying for critical playoff points to carry into the final race of the season held in Pomona, California from November 10 to November 12. Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster team, led by crew chief Mike Kern, has consistently showcased their potential and improvement in every race, resulting in consistent improvement in Indianapolis and St. Louis.
“Year after year, the Nevada Nationals have held a special place on our calendar. The tremendous progress we’ve made only heightens our anticipation for this year,” said Zizzo, a six-time NHRA Nevada National event qualifier. “The stakes are undeniably high at the NHRA Nevada Nationals with the looming pressure of the playoffs, but our focus remains firmly fixed on the race at hand.”
The Rust-Oleum Top Fuel team’s last run at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway track was in 2017 when they posted their second-best qualifying performance as the No. 9 qualifier. Their strongest qualifying position occurred during their debut race in Las Vegas in 2010 when they secured the No. 7 position.
“As the saying goes, ‘the proof is in the pudding’: we have consistently qualified at the Nevada Nationals each time we’ve entered,” said Zizzo. “If we execute as I know we can, I have full confidence that we can win rounds on Sunday, capping off our triumphant return to action this year.”
Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel team will make their first two qualifying runs Friday at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. PST, with two additional qualifying runs slated for Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations for the quickest 16 Top Fuel dragster will begin on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. The NHRA Nevada Nationals will be broadcast nationally on FS1.
This story was originally published on October 24, 2023. 
