DiPisa racing continues with Izzo behind the wheel

 

During the past 25 years, only the best of the best have driven cars owned by Doug DiPisa of Norwalk.

The list reads like a Hall of Fame — the late Ted Christopher, Doug Coby, Bobby Santos, Woody Pitkat, Kerry Malone and Chuck Docherty are some of the drivers who have wheeled a DiPisa SK Modified.

In 2018, DiPisa is turning the ride over to a 22-year old from Monroe with just a few seasons of SK experience. What Dylan Izzo lacks in seat time, however, he makes up for in enthusiasm.

“To say I’m excited about this year would be a huge understatement,” Izzo said. “I have been racing for almost 20 years and I’ve always been under funded. So this is a dream come true. I couldn’t be in a better spot driving for a better person.”

Because of the tragic 2017 death of Christopher, who ran the DiPisa car at the Speedbowl for the past four seasons, the team needed a driver for 2018.

“I watched a lot of guys in the lower divisions and I saw Dylan compete in the Legends cars,” DiPisa said. “I was impressed with his talent. He has a lot going for him. He was in my car a few times last year when Ted was competing on the Modified Tour and finished third, third and fifth. And he had to come from the back because of the handicap start. That was impressive. And he lives near me, which would make it easier. So I decided to give him the opportunity.”

Izzo is glad he did.

“When I filled in for Ted last year, I got along well with the team,” Izzo said. “They liked me. After the tragedy, the team had to regroup, and Doug said we want you to be the guy. I think it’s a good fit. We’re going to win a lot of races. I can’t wait to show him why I think I deserve to be in that car.””

Izzo started racing at the Norwalk and Nutmeg Kart Clubs when he was 5. He graduated to Legends cars at the Speedbowl and enjoyed success. Izzo won a championship in 2013 and racked up 10 career Legend victories.

Following his title win, he moved up to Modifieds, driving his family-owned car. Izzo has one career SK win at New London-Waterford.

“I’ve never had a full season in a Modified, so I’m itching for a great year,” Izzo said. “This is a great fit for me, Doug and I have a good rapport. When I tell him what I think is wrong with the car, he knows how to fix it. He’s a great guy to drive for and it’s an honor that he picked me.”

DiPisa says he plans on giving him a good piece.

“It’s the same car as last year, but it’s been totally redone,” DiPisa said. “I think we’re going to have a little giddy-up.”

Sponsors include Smedley Crane and Rigging, Auto Glass Specialists, CSB Communications, Fedor Auto Body and Jerry & Jerry. 

The team consists of Chris DiPisa, Dave Willis, Keith Cyr, Michael Bruenig, Adriene Paradis and Robin and Frank Tomkak.

Both DiPisa and Izzo have the same goal for 2018.

“Obviously we want to win races, but the big picture is to win a championship,” Izzo said. “I won a Legends title, but a Modified title would top it off. I really want to get Doug a title. He deserves it.”

After all, what Izzo might not have a great deal of experience, but he does have a great deal of confidence.

Izzo will be making his 2018 debut May 4-6 at Blastoff 2018. The SK Modifieds will be one of the feature divisions in action, along with the other weekly Speedbowl divisions — the SK Lites, Late Models, Sportsman, Mini-Stocks, Legends, the Trucks, the Super X-Cars, the X-Cars and the Bandoleros. Touring divisions on hand that weekend will be the Valenti Modified Racing Series, NEMA Midgets, NEMA Lites, TQ Midgets and CT Pro-4 Modifieds. For more information, contact the Speedbowl at www.speedbowlct.com.