TazioRacing.com

Tazio Makes the Paper again

2012-02-09T22:13:00.000-05:00

13 Year old Tazio Torregiani makes the paper again, this time in the Stamford Advocate. Following you'll see the article as it appeared on the first page of the Sports section of Sunday's paper of January 29th. The article was also on their website. Special thanks to Sports writer Rich DePreta and the Stamford Advocate.
You can also click HERE to see the actual article on the web.

Tazio Torregiani pursues his car racing dream

Rich DePreta, Staff Writer

Updated 10:27 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 2012

Tazio Torregiani, a 13-year old Stamford resident, is competeing in the Junior Class on the National Go_kart racing circuit. Photo: Contributed Photo / CT

STAMFORD -- One of the wonders of youth is having dreams of the future.

Tazio Torregiani is well on his way of turning his dream into reality.

The 13-year-old 7th grade student at Dolan Middle School in Stamford has been Go-Kart racing since age 6 and has graduated from Cadet class to Junior Class on the National racing circuit.

"It's fun. But I love the competition and challenge of racing," Tazio Torregiani said. "When I'm on the track, I love the speed and I love the feeling behind the wheel. When I hit the gas, the whole world goes away."

And when Torregiani jumps back into his Sprint Go-Kart (Junior Class, ages 13-15, speeds of 70-75 mph) this spring, he will be driving at Englishtown, N.J., Daytona (Fla.) Speedway and even the street track circuit in Las Vegas.

"The Junior Class Regional Championship is a five-race series. The World Karting Association Manufacturers National Cup is a six-race series," said Tazio's Dad, Patrizio Torregiani. "The Super Nationals are in November in Las Vegas. Tazio could race as much as three weekends out of every month once the warm weather returns to the Northeast."

Torregiani closed out his Cadet Class (age 8-12) racing career in grand style with impressive outings in Las Vegas last November and Daytona last December facing drivers from across the country and across the globe.

Torregiani is quickly becoming a brand.

He has a website (visit www.NewCountryPorsche.com to access TazioRacing.com). Torregiani is on Facebook. Torregiani has product sponsors. He has Doug Fleming in charge of his racing engines.

But most important of all, there is his father, Patrizio Torregiani. Patrizio Torregiani has been a Porsche Certified Sales Specialist at New Country Porsche of Greenwich for 13 years.

"When I was growing up in Italy, my dad was a big Formula One racing fan. I had the dream to race. But not the opportunity," Patrizio Torregiani said. "My wife (Lucia) and I named Tazio after Tazio Nuvolari. He was a great Grand Prix race driver in Italy in the 1930s. When Tazio showed interest in Go-Kart driving, I wanted to give him the opportunity."

Tazio Torregiani remembers his first brush with racing like it was yesterday.

"I was age 6 and our family was in Portugal on vacation. We all went to the local go-kart driving place and everybody rode," Torregiani recounted. "I was thrilled with how fast the laps were. The track owner said to my dad after we finished `You should get your son a cart.' "

It was in Cuddybackville, N.Y. near Middletown and Wappinger Falls that Torregiani began racing and eventually came under the tutelage of Mike Doty, a multiple National Karting Champion.

Doty remains Torregiani's coach today with Torregiani driving under the banner of Mike Doty Racing.

As one might expect, Tazio Torregiani's racing dream/career has become a family affair.

His father is the marketing specialist. Lucia, his mother, is the logistics expert for the weekend trips to Englishtown, N.J. and beyond as well as the long adventures to Las Vegas and Daytona.

Younger brother Dario (age 11) is a mechanic who works with the pit crew during races.

"We're fortunate that Mom is on board 100 percent with this," Patrizio Torregiani said. "We can't do this without the whole family taking part."

The first priority for 2012 is to find some national sponsors. The second priority is to keep racing and draw the attention of the young driver academys that Ferrari and Porsche among others run with an eye toward developing the next Formula One star.

Toward that end, Torregiani might compete in Italy or Portugal in 2012.

"The sport of racing is huge in Europe. All of the best engines come from Italy," Patrizio Torregiani said. "We'd love to do one or two races in Italy. The level of competition makes everybody a better driver."

Only time will tell how far Tazio Torregiani will take his dream.

"My ultimate goal is to get to professional car racing," Tazio said. "Right now, I know I have time on my side. I'll keep working hard and see what will happen."

Tazio Grabs both Cadet Wins in NJSS Last Round

2011-10-30T23:13:00.000-04:00

On October 15th and 16th, 12 year old Tazio Torregiani entered in the final round of the 2011 WKA Divisional New Jersey Sprint Series. This was to be Tazio's last race weekend in a Comer 80 powered cadet, as next year he will move up to the Junior class. The race took place at Raceway Park, in Englishtown NJ, only this time in backwards configuration. Tazio also raced in Yamaha Sportsman class, clutch problems kept him from finishing better than third. But it was to be in cadet class that Tazio was unstoppable. In the first cadet final race on Saturday, Tazio passed for the lead with three turns to go on the last lap, and managed to lap a driver with two rivals on his tail. One of the other drivers got alongside of him, but Tazio stayed on the gas and dove in the last turn on the inside keeping the lead all the way to the checkered flag. "I passed for first.. I got it.. and going into the last turn I held my line and got the turn..and than I got the win" said a very happy Tazio right after the race. You can see a video of this race at the following link: http://youtu.be/QSa8qBcbFQU?hd=1.

In the second cadet final on Sunday, Tazio passed for the lead with two laps to go and defended hard all the way to a wheel to wheel drag race to grab back to back wins in cadet. The Fairfield county racer has been driving in the comer/cadet class since he was 8, and this was the best way to end it. The TazioRacing.com team would like to thank Doug Fleming for his help and support with Tazio's comer motors. Torregiani in November will join Mike Doty Racing in his biggest race yet, the Supernationals at Las Vegas. This is one of the biggest kart races in the world, and it will be Tazio's last race in cadet class, with a mini rock motor.

Tazio Torregiani would like to thank his sponsors NewCountryPorsche.com, GoPro, Leatt and Fuel Clothing.

To follow Tazio and his team like his fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TazioRacingcom/248819618492981.

Tazio's Summer Race Recap

2011-09-10T21:16:00.003-04:00

12 year old racer Tazio Torregiani has had a busy summer burning up the track in his race karts.

Tazio Torregiani on his way to 1st place in the Beaverun series.

He started his July by traveling to the fast kart track at Beaverun Motorsports complex in PA, for the Beaverun Championship Karting Series. It was Tazio's first time at the track, and It took him no time to learn it and go fast. It was a great turn out from the regulars. Tazio, running at the front in Junior Sportsman class, engaged in a nice last lap battle and won the race.
The following weekend at the same track, the WKA Man Cup National circus came, with some of the best drivers in North America. Tazio was very fast, but with his share of bad luck. In both Cadet races, Tazio was taken out by other drivers at the start of the pre finals which meant he had to start last in the finals, but still out of 30 National drivers he managed to finish 12th.

Tazio Torregiani after winning at OVRP in August

In early August, after a few years, Tazio returned to the OVRP kart track up state NY, with the WKA Divisional NJ Sprint Series. This is the track where Tazio began racing in a kid kart when he was six. Tazio finished on the podium in nearly all the final races over the weekend, including one third place, three second places and one well deserved win in RP Junior Sportsman class, making his move from third to first with one turn to go. "I loved every second of it when I was catching them up, last turn I passed them..... I was so happy" Said Tazio after the race.
At Raceway Park, in Englishtown NJ, Tazio has been finishing every race on the podium. But the highlight has been on September 4th, when Tazio entered his first ever race in Junior class with the bigger and much faster kart. National Champion Mike Doty, from Mike Doty Racing gave Tazio the opportunity in a Haase Junior chassis. The Fairfield County driver made the best of it, scoring a great second place against regular Junior drivers. Tazio will move up into this Junior class in Regional and National competition next year.
The www.TazioRacing.com team would like to thank Mike Doty, and their sponsors; www.NewCountryPorsche.com, Leatt neck Brace, GoPro, Fuel Clothing and Steel MX/SMX Optics.

Tazio Torregiani Wins at NJF1 in 2nd Round of WKA NJ Sprint Series

2011-06-13T21:42:00.000-04:00

On the first weekend of June 2011, the WKA Divisional New Jersey Sprint Series returned to the very fast and long kart track at NJ Motorsport Park in South Jersey.

12 year old Tazio Torregiani admits this is his favorite track. This is where Torregiani had his worst crash and his best wins, and he came back to win again, in Cadet class. The feature race 1 was very exciting with several lead changes. Bumpdrafting is a big factor here. Your drafting partner at the end also becomes your biggest rival. Tazio grabbed the lead from the pack with only a few turns to go and defended all the way to the finish in first place, with 3 karts right on his tail.
Tazio also did well in the Yamaha Sportsman Light class with a third place podium finish. This result, together with a win in the first round, puts the Fairfield County driver in the points lead in this class.
Tazio Torregiani would like to send special thanks to Frank Storino, Jeremy, and Mike "Chi Chi" Ramirez for their generous help in working on the Merlin karts.

The TazioTorregiani.com Racing Team is brought to you by www.NewCountryPorsche.com, Fuel Clothing, and SteelMX/SMX Optics.

Tazio Wins in First Round of 2011 WKA Regional NJ Sprint Series

2011-05-24T00:43:00.002-04:00

photo Courtesy of www.JoaoCarlosPhoto.com

The 2011 WKA NJ Sprint series kicked off at Raceway Park in Englishtown NJ on May 14th and 15th.

A very confident Tazio Torregiani arrived after his third top ten Man Cup National finish in Southbend IN, and a win on Mother's Day in the Raceway Park Karting Series.

Tazio was very fast out of the box. In cadet class, on Saturday"s Final 1 race, Tazio caught the leader on the last lap at the end of the back straight. It did not look as if he was close enough, but Tazio braked very late and dove in for the pass, he put his kart right alongside but the other driver didn't let him in and closed the door. The two karts made contact and spun off the track allowing a close third place driver to grab the win.

In the Cadet Final 2 race on Sunday, Tazio was even faster on a drying track. He passed for the lead early on and opened a nice gap to the second and third karts who were battling for position.

photo Courtesy of www.JoaoCarlosPhoto.com

On the last lap as Torregiani entered the straight, he took a more defensive middle line and hit a puddle of water half way down the straight which caused him to slide off the track as he braked for the turn, giving away another win to the driver behind.

It would be in Yamaha Sportsman Light class that everything would go Tazio's way. It seemed as every race was his to win or loose. During the final Race he charged from third and passed for second, and than passed for the lead with his Merlin kart. He opened up a sizable gap which allowed him to finish first and grab his first Regional win of the year.

Mike Doty with Tazio Torregiani

The second round of the WKA NJ Sprint Series is at NJ Motorsports Park in Melville NJ on the first weekend of June.
12 year old Tazio Torregiani would like to thank Mike Doty, Mike Ramirez, John Baio and Chris Perez for all their help during the weekend. Tazio would also like to thank his new Sponsors Fuel Clothing and SteelMX / SMX Optics.

To sponsor Tazio or for more info you can go to http://www.hookit.com/members/taziotorregiani.

The TazioTorregiani.com Racing Team is brought to you by NewCountryPorsche.com

Tazio Torregiani Wins at Englishtown NJ

2011-04-17T21:22:00.000-04:00

Torregiani Leads in turn one

Fresh off his second WKA National top ten finish, in South Carolina, CT race driver Tazio Torregiani arrived at Englishtown NJ on April 3rd for his first race in the 2011 Raceway Park Kart Championship, in Junior Sportsman class. Very quickly the 12 year old driver came to grips with the .5 mile track during practice, and after the first two heat races he was able to qualify second in the front row. At the start of the final race Tazio got the jump and slipped in front of the field. His lead only came to threat on the first lap when the pole winner was right behind his bumper going down the main straight. With a very smooth drive, Torregiani was able to open up his lead with one fast lap after another. At the end he was untouchable and crossed the line with his Merlin/Fleming kart in first place. Click here to watch the video of this race. Tazio is getting ready for the third round of the 2011 WKA Man Cup National in Southbend IN, on the last weekend of April.

1st Place

The TazioTorregiani.com Racing Team is brought to you by www.NewCountryPorsche.com

Another Top Ten National Finish for Tazio with 8th place in Kershaw SC

2011-04-07T00:18:00.000-04:00

The weekend of March 12th, marked the second round of the 2011 WKA Man Cup National Championship at Carolina Motorsports Park, in Kershaw SC.

CT race driver Tazio Torregiani arrived at the new track with his team confident, after a top ten finish in December at Daytona. The very fast .7 mile circuit was not easy to figure out. To make it even more challenging, WKA introduced a new Bridgestone tire for this round, to replace the very different and more familiar MG tires. Torregiani was one of the few drivers not to have driven this track or the new tires before. It was a struggle for the TazioTorregiani.com Racing Team to find the right set up. Quick learning and good feedback, together with a great drive still helped Tazio finish 12th in the first cadet final from a 19th qualifying position.

In the 2nd Cadet Final on Sunday Tazio was faster. After moving up through the field, on the last lap he made a wonderful pass for 11th place, just to be taken out by the same driver in the following turn. He was hit on the right rear tire and spun off the track into retirement with two corners to go. The 12 year old driver was not very happy.

He did manage to save his best result for the last race of the weekend in Yamaha Sportsman light class. A driver flipped her kart on front him in the pre final, but no one was injured. In the final Tazio drove his best, making several passes and finishing 8th from 14th to another top ten finish.

The TazioTorregiani.com Racing Team next stop is at the MRP circuit in Southbend IN, last weekend of April, for the third round of the WKA Man Cup Sprint series.

Fairfield County driver Tazio Torregiani and his team would like to thank Engine Wizard Doug Fleming, and Coach/Tuner Mike Doty for their great help and support at the track.

The TazioTorregiani.com Racing Team is brought to you by www.NewCountryPorsche.com.

Tazio Torregiani Featured on the Online Newspaper The Daily

2011-01-31T21:57:00.000-05:00

'Tween Kart-Racer Speeds Through the Fast Lanes
by Julie Curtis Today

Tazio and Patrizio Torregiani

Do not confuse go-karts with those Little Rascals-esque plywood toys on wheels. Tazio Torregiani, an unassuming 12 year-old with race cars in his blood, is way beyond such child's play.

Tazio's professionally manufactured if diminutive racecars, known in racing circles as "karts," are the real thing. Which means they go very fast, something eminently appealing to him. "What I like most about racing," says Tazio, "Is the thrill you get going 60 miles per hour."

His father Patrizio himself has a thirst for speed. Once a racecar driver, he is now a sales specialist and Internet manager at New Country Porsche in Greenwich. Patrizio was captivated at an early age by his father's Porsche 911 in Rome, Italy, where he grew up.

The Torregiani family lives a traditional life in Stamford -- but for the driveway's permanently residing trailer that houses Tazio's two racing karts. Tazio, who has a 10 year-old brother, Dario, plays soccer and does his homework just like any other pre-teen boy. The difference, however, is in his far-from-regular weekends. Tazio trains and races year-round both regionally and nationally on tracks as near as Englishtown, NJ and Mount Kisco, NY, and as far away as Daytona Beach, Fla. But he manages to keep focused on the track while staying ahead of his schoolwork. "Karting is hard physically and mentally," he says.

Tazio began racing at the age of six. His family was vacationing in Portugal (where Tazio's mother grew up) and the family visited an outdoor kart track. Tazio's talent was soon realized. "He just stepped on the gas and took off," Patrizio recalls. "He was a natural. As we were watching him lap the track the owner asked me how long Tazio had been driving. I told him it was his first time, and he told me I should get him a kart."

When they returned home, Patrizio did just that, and Tazio began racing -- and winning -- soon after. He's been successfully doing so ever since, flying along in races with up to 34 other karts, on tracks at upwards of 60 miles per hour. And if that doesn't exactly evoke Formula 1, G-force-pulling speed, remember the open vehicle is just one inch off the ground and only five feet long. But that doesn't seem to bother Tazio. "The most challenging aspect of racing is when you are on the track, thinking of what your next move is and how you are going to execute it," he says. Tazio intends to race at Grand Prix New York this winter at select races on Sundays.

Patrizio says Tazio "doesn't just race casually, he takes it very seriously. He's very fast and very determined." And Tazio is resolute about steering his driving into professional echelons. "I want to be a Formula 1 driver," he states matter of factly.

"It was my wife's idea to name him after the great Tazio Nuvolari," says Patrizio, referring to Italy's "Flying Mantuan," among the greatest Grand Prix drivers of all time.

Tazio has certainly gotten a head start in his race toward racing greatness. But for now, he looks forward to getting his learner's permit in a few years, just like any other 12 year-old kid.

Tazio Wins Indoor at Grand Prix New York

2011-01-27T22:51:00.000-05:00

12 Year old Tazio Torregiani will race at Grand Prix New York this winter at select races on Sundays. Tazio is an outdoor sprint kart National racer, but racing at the local indoor track in Mount Kisco NY gives the CT karter a convenient opportunity to stay active and sharp as he prepares for his next big WKA race in South Carolina in March.

the karts here are different. They are bigger and heavier and are powered by a four stroke engine versus the lighter two stroke power Merlin karts he drives outdoor. The racing here however is no walk in the park for Tazio. Passing is very difficult in the very tight indoor tracks, and he races against the strongest group where the fastest are 15 to 16 year old. To make the racing fair Tazio has to add 50 lbs ballast weight to his kart to match the weight of the heaviest drivers in his group.

The first race of the Junior winter series was Sunday January 9th. In the closing lap of qualifying Tazio secured Pole Position, and in the third and final race Tazio made his move with a last lap pass and won the race.

In the second round on 1/23/11, Tazio went for a difficult pass that didn't work which kept him from winning. He did however secure fastest lap of the race which awards bonus points.

Tazio is currently leading the indoor points standings and will be back at GPNY on 2/6/11.

Top ten National finish for 12 year old CT race driver Tazio Torregiani.

2011-01-16T22:23:00.001-05:00

photo Courtesy of www.ontrackpromotions.com

December 28th-30th 2010.

The TazioTorregiani.com Racing Team returned to the annual Daytona Kartweek in December just after Christmas. The 2011 WKA Manufacturer's Cup National Sprint Series starts here, at the famed Daytona International Speedway. This time the challenge was going to be the strongest for the team with record entries from all over North America.

Sportsman driver Tazio Torregiani arrived on a high, after being one of the fastest national drivers at the closing WKA round in Melville, NJ, and qualifying on the front row.

Tazio entered the Daytona Race with two Merlin/Fleming karts for three different classes: Cadet, Yamaha Sportsman light and heavy. This was the first time for Tazio to race in National Yamaha class.

In open practice Tazio was fast right away, setting some really quick laps especially in Yamaha class.
But it was in Cadet that things were going to look better.
50 National drivers attempted to qualify for only the 34 spots that would take part in the final races.

Tazio qualified 15th overall and made the race as expected. In the pre-final race he fell to 17th at the start, but quickly fought his way back and finished 14th. This would be his starting position on the grid for the Final. In the main race Tazio got a clean start and engaged in one of his best battles including a last lap pass that gave him his tenth place finish. You can see the on board video of this race by clicking here.

On race day 2 Tazio went better in Cadet qualifying to a 12th position, and moved up to 9th in the prefinal race. In the Final 2 race Tazio was very fast out of the box and was able to climb as high as 6th. Unfortunately by that time there was so much rubber on the track, that a tire pressure miscalculation gave Tazio's kart too much grip mid race, which developed a bad under steer. He was still able to finish 11th out of 34.

In the Yamaha Sportsman class Tazio was very impressive as a rookie, qualifying his Merlin/Fleming kart in 8th position out of 52 National entries. To Tazio's disbelief, he was disqualified after not making the minimum 260lbs weight by three pounds.

photo Courtesy of www.ontrackpromotions.com

On the second day, traffic in qualifying and a kart loosing a wheel on front him in the race, kept Tazio from finishing better than 22nd out of 34.

Overall Tazio made it clear that he was part of the top ten fast group in National Man Cup.

Fairfield County race driver Tazio Torregiani plans to stay active, by entering select races at GPNY indoor karting in MountKisko NY, in the junior winter league. In preparation to the next National race in March.

The www.TazioTorregiani.com Racing Team would like to thank his sponsors and supporters including

http://www.newcountryporsche.com/, http://www.vincentgarage.com/ , and http://www.mikedotyracing.com/ .

On Board with Tazio at Daytona to a top ten finish 12 29 10

2011-01-05T21:34:00.006-05:00

National Cadet Kart Race with front and rear view Camera, WKA Daytona Kartweek 2010.

Great Racing video,this one is updated and includes front and rear viem camera shots.

You're on board with Tazio Torregiani as he battles his way through the field to a top ten National Finish at the legendary Daytona Kartweek. This is the WKA Manufacturer Cup Sprint series in Cadet class on December 29th 2010. The fast racer #80 is the son of Indy 500 winner Buddy Lazier. Great action.

Tazio to Start his 2011 Season with his 2nd Daytona Kartweek

2010-12-16T01:49:00.000-05:00

After his first year of National competition, Tazio is ready to return to the famous Daytona Kartweek on 12/28/10, for one of the biggest National Kart Race in the country. What makes it big is not just the venue, but also the competitors who are the best drivers in North America.

Daytona is where, every year, The motor racing starts in the US. First with the WKA National Kart season, and than with the 24 Hours of Daytona, followed by the Daytona 500.
Race driver Tazio Torregiani just turned 12, on the 13th of December. He looks forward returning to the Florida track, where last year his overall pace was very competitive.
In 2010 Tazio competed in just his Cadet kart, Winning races in the Divisional New Jersey Sprint Series, and consistently finishing on the podium in Regional and club competition.

The highlight of his 2010 season was qualifying second on the front row in his last 2010 National WKA Man Cup race in September at NJ Motorsports Park, and posting the overall fastest lap of the weekend in cadet class.

Torregiani is hoping to continue with his fast pace going to Daytona and into the 2011 year.
For the new season Tazio will race in three classes using two different chassis': Cadet and Yamaha Sportsman. Both are Merlin karts, which Tazio finds himself very comfortable in.
The TazioTorregiani.com Racing Team will like to thank his Sponsors and supporters www.NewCountryPorsche.com, www.Bodicures.com, www.VincentGarage.com and www.JoaoCarlosPhoto.com.
For more info, you can contact the team at patrizio@newcountry.com or 203 561 2759.

Tazio Qualifies on Front Row in WKA National Race

2010-09-26T22:22:00.001-04:00

On September 17th 2010, 11 Year old Cadet Driver Tazio Torregiani returned to one of his favorite kart tracks: The reconfigured Tempest track at NJ Motorsports Park.

He arrived full of confidence, Thanks to a fine win the previous weekend at the same track, his second this year in WKA NJ divisional races. This time the street fight was going to be with a different gang: The WKA Man Cup National Series, Cadet Class. Perhaps the most competitive sprint kart racing in the country. This was the last race weekend of the 2010 season.

Thanks to a very productive Friday practice, On Saturday morning Tazio was able to qualify 11th out of 26. After an off in the grass in turn one, Tazio finished Saturday’s final race in 12th.

Sunday was a new day. Tazio returned to the pits after morning practice eager to improve the chassis. So, together with Dad Patrizio and Brother Dario, the Torregiani team was able to find the right setup.

Tazio hit the track for qualifying determined to go faster, and in his second flying lap, he managed to qualify second, in the front row, 1 tenth of a second, from pole. The third lap could have been even faster, but came too close to the driver on front on the straight. This was Tazio’s finest drive yet and he knew it.

Tazio started the pre final and jumped in the lead in turn one. He led the first lap. His luck wasn’t going to last. On the fourth lap his motor (the Hornet) started losing RPM and slowing down. The tip of the spark plug became loose and came off inside the boot loosing spark. Tazio very rapidly lost many positions. He nursed his #07 kart home and barely finished 20th. He did manage to secure fastest lap of the race at 1:15.1 on the third lap, which was to hold fastest lap of the weekend in cadet class.

Tazio started his Sunday final race in 20th position, and again drove great to make several passes and stay out of trouble to finish in 11th position. The results were no indication of the potential. Tazio finished his first National season knowing that he has the speed to race with the best, and can’t wait for next season.

Tazio and the Torregiani team would like to thank all their supporters and sponsors, including http://www.newcountryporsche.com/ and http://www.vincentgarage.com/. For more info visit http://www.taziotorregiani.com/.

Tazio Wins his First WKA Regional Race at NJ Motorsports Park

2010-07-06T22:33:00.002-04:00

The Following is the press release from Ekartingnews.com:

The WKA New Jersey Sprint Series returned to NJ Motorsports Park on June 11th, 12th and 13th for round two of the 2010 Series. The one mile Tempest track is very fast and one of the best kart tracks around. Good enough for the WSK World Kart Series coming in July.

This is also the same track where last year Tazio flew out of his cadet kart in a racing accident, which left him with a minor foot injury for a week.

On Friday, during open practice, Tazio very quickly got into his groove turning very competitive laps. His great feedback enabled his father Patrizio Torregiani find the right chassis set up with the help of Mike Doty, one of the best tuner/coach in the country.

On Saturday, Tazio’s pace kept getting better. After a brilliant drive in the qualifying heat races, he placed his Merlin cadet kart in 2nd place starting position on the grid for the feature Cadet final 1 race.

A great start saw him jump in the lead into turn 1 only to fall in third place shortly after. But Tazio knows races are not won on the first lap, so lap after lap he made sure he didn’t lose sight of the two karts on front. Bump drafting is a big factor at this track because of the long and very fast front straight, especially in cadet class. So when the two front karts started pulling away in their own draft, Tazio alone needed help. He frantically started tapping the back of his helmet signaling the kart behind to step on it and give him a push. Now with a drafting partner they very quickly reeled in the leaders. Time was running out so on the last lap coming out of turn one, Tazio went for the double pass and jumped from third to first, ironically the exact spot where his accident happened last year. Eleven year old Tazio Torregiani managed to hold on to the lead to the checkered flag holding off a last charge from the pole sitter, side by side in a marvelous photo finish. It was Tazio’s first regional win of the year.

On Sunday the weather was much hotter and humid, which didn’t favor Tazio’s kart setup. He finished fourth.

Tazio will race at Road America WI on July 10th and 11th for the third round of the WKA Manufacturer Cup in the Zoom Zoom Grand Nationals.

You can follow Tazio on his website at http://www.TazioTorregiani.com

Our Racing Team on the Papers for the Third Time

2010-02-25T22:27:00.001-05:00

Last month our racing team made the Greenwich Citizen newspaper again. It's the third time now the local tabloids find interest in the 11 year old race driver. Sports writer Rob Kelly did a follow up story on Tazio after his promising Daytona National race debut. You can read the article by clicking on the photo. Our family would like to thank Rob again for his memorable articles on our team.

Tazio Featured on www.EKartingNews.com

2010-01-31T20:23:00.004-05:00

After Tazio's superb National Race debut at Daytona Kartweek last month, On January 15th 2010 he appeared for the first time in the spotlight on EkartingNews.com, Karting's biggest and most popular website in the US. We always go on this site, almost everyday to check on the latest in karting competition around the world. To see our team featured among karting's national stars was just incredible.

Our thanks go to David Cole of EKartingNews.com for publishing our press release.

To see the full article on the web click the following link:

http://ekartingnews.com/news_info.php?n=14240

Tazio Shows his Potential with the Best Drivers in National Kart Racing

2010-01-07T20:14:00.003-05:00

After a great performance at the legendary Daytona International Speedway, Tazio showed the speed necessary to race with the best in the national arena.

Daytona Kartweek each year, just after Christmas, kicks off the WKA National Championship. Our series is called the WKA Manufacturer Cup Series, and Tazio is in Cadet class.

After successful club and Regional competition since Tazio was 6, it was time to taste the next level. Daytona was the perfect opportunity.

Monday 12/28/09 was open practice day. National Champion Mike Doty, from the Mike Doty Racing Team prepared Tazio's kart. A Merlin cadet chassis. The Merlin had been quite dominant in the past couple of seasons. The Comer K80 motor was rebuilt and prepared by Doug Fleming from Fleming Motorsports. Doug has been looking after Tazio's motors since we entered cadet class.

With Mike's help it took Tazio no time to learn the fast .7 mile sprint track. By the afternoon Tazio was flying. His lap times were within 2 tenths of a second of the fastest drivers.

In race day 1, Tazio was able to qualify for the feature race. Only the top 30 drivers make the final race. He started 19th, ran strong, gained some positions and finished a respectable 13th. Not bad for our first National.

As always Dario, my 9 year old, was of great help with working and changing things on the kart. Under Mike Doty's supervision, of course. This guy is unbelievable. He knows exactly what the kart and the driver is doing and knows just how to set up the chassis. We feel very fortunate and proud to be part of his team.

On race day 2 Tazio went even better and placed his Merlin on the sixth row in the 12th position on the grid for the second final. Unfortunately 12th for him was on the outside line of turn one, more dangerous. He got a strong start and dove in the first turn. While he was negotiating the corner with 29 other drivers he was hit in the right rear hard enough to kick the drive chain off the motor. He was forced to retire. Tazio was very upset at first, because he knew he had the pace. He got over it after 20 minutes. Surprisingly my wife Lucia and I were not upset at all. We were rather satisfied that our little athlete had the speed, and just became a National driver. We are definitely planning to enter round 2 of the WKA Man Cup at South Bend, Indiana April 30th. Stay tuned....

Special thanks to Mike Doty, Doug Fleming, Chi Chi, John Baio, all the other dads especially Joe Cullura, my clutch specialist, and Mr. Stecher for the clutch spring.
Since Tazio & Dario were so good we treated our family to our first Disney World visit, not so far from Daytona Beach.

Cadet Sportsman Qualifying for race 2

Pos No. Name Chassis Best Lap Diff

1. 66 Zane Smith Top Kart 45.882 -

2. 28 Grant Quinlan Birel 46.074 0.192

3. 11 Leonardo Stoia PCR 46.093 0.211

4. 21 Austin Osborne Birel 46.099 0.217

5. 12 Matt Solarczyk Birel 46.126 0.244

6. 5 Gresham Wagner Birel 46.141 0.259

7. 0 Collin Campbell Birel 46.161 0.279

8. 15 Ryan Raffa Top Kart 46.211 0.329

9. 88 Emerson Reed Merlin 46.234 0.352

10. 91 Grant Sandberg Bor 46.292 0.410

11. 24 Tyler Moneypenny Arrow 46.325 0.443

12. 3 Michael Womack Birel 46.399 0.517

13. 77 Tazio Torregiani Merlin 46.429 0.547

14. 29 Austin Garrison Gillard 46.438 0.556

15. 17 Ashley Rogero Tony Kart 46.439 0.557

16. 32 Garrett Madison Birel 46.682 0.800

17. 81 Tristan VanWieringen KRT 46.748 0.866

18. 1 Derek Scott Jr. Birel 46.784 0.902

19. 6 Olli Pekka Kinos Birel 46.979 1.097

20. 4 Jacob Symank Corsa 47.068 1.186

21. 43 Levi Centeno Birel 47.427 1.545

22. 48 Brendan Cullura Birel 47.428 1.546

23. 82 William Wolfrom Birel 47.504 1.622

24. 10 Vincenzo Sarracino Maranello 47.544 1.662

25. 84 Philip Varner Tony Kart 47.604 1.722

26. 99 Logan Mitchell Margay 47.771 1.889

27. 2 Max Nikolof Top Kart 47.972 2.090

28. 8 David Malukas Birel 48.008 2.126

29. 22 Simon Sikes Energy 48.322 2.440

30. 72 Camden Donaldson Birel 48.458 2.576

31. 9 Tyler Jordan Kosmic 48.766 2.884

32. 18 John Paul Southern Jr. Tony Kart 49.500 3.618

33. 9 Nathan Pool Kosmic 49.857 3.975

34. 1 Mason Mitchell Margay 50.165 4.283

35. 46 Jared Cordova Birel No time -

DNS 80 Juan David Buitrago CRG No time -

Tazio to Drive in First National Kart Race at Daytona in December

2009-11-19T23:00:00.005-05:00

After a strong overall performance and exceeding our expectations in our first WKA Regional Season, Tazio is set to drive in our first WKA National Race Weekend.
It's the legendary Daytona Kartweek on December 28-30, 2009. The first race of the 2010 WKA Manufacturer Cup National Championship. Tazio at 11 years of age on 12/13/09 will be competing in Cadet class. He will race in a field of 50 + national level drivers expected to be the best in the country. We don't expect to be running at the front on our first National race. We do believe that Driving together with this level of competition will sharpen Tazio's race craft to the next level. We are thrilled to race in the legendary Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500 and the 24 hours of Daytona.
We will join forces with the Mike Doty Racing Team. Mike Doty, a karting champion himself, coached many drivers to victory, including National Championships. Mike Doty will be looking after Tazio and his chassis together with another great tuner/coach, Mike "Chi Chi" Ramirez.
Last Sunday we were at Englishtown NJ for a club race. Doty had Tazio drive one of his Merlin chassis in trying to prepare and figure out the right kart to use for next month. The Merlin is much newer than the worn but fast Nevoso kart we have been using. Setup wasn't easy with a damp drying track during practice. But in no time after making some key changes Tazio's lap times continued to drop. In the final race after a great start from the third row, Tazio pushed the two karts on front of him hard and finished fourth with an unfamiliar Merlin chassis. He was able to gain ground in the club points standings with his two closest rivals. He definitely had the speed to run in the top three. Another trophy for the collection.
This Sunday November 22nd will be our last race of the 2009 Raceway park club season. Chi chi wants Tazio to drive the Merlin again to become more familiar with it. Tazio thought the rear was a little tight, so we need to free it up a bit and hopefully find more speed. Our other half of the team Dario and my wife Lucia couldn't make it as they were both under the weather.
They're better now.

Strong Podium in the Wet locks top Five in Points

2009-11-03T21:33:00.006-05:00

October 24th and 25th was the last race weekend of the 2009 WKA New Jersey Sprint Series. Fortunately for us the forecast for Saturday all day rain was accurate. I had changed the chassis set up for the wet to find grip in a slippery damp track. Tazio's first race teacher Mike Doty pointed out that our old rain tires needed replacement to be competitive. We took his advise and got it done with Dario's help (Tazio's brother).
Tazio was immediately among the fastest in the wet. He was able to win his first WKA regional heat race and two podiums in the finals for Cadet and Junior sportsman classes.
He tangled with another kart at the start of one of the heat races which dropped him to the back of the pack. His fast laps and careful driving enabled him to stay on the track and catch most of the field (click here to see the video).
By the end of the day Tazio was soaked, but also very happy to pick up his two large 2nd and 3rd place trophies.

On Sunday it was sunny and dry. It took us a while to find the right set up. He couldn't finish one of the heat races because of a loose wheel. He was smart to notice and stop before loosing the rim all together. I took the blame. This didn't help his qualifying which resulted in a sixth starting position. He finished his last race of the weekend fifth, however a well earned fifth with a brilliant last lap pass on his rival. Dario was of great help to the team changing the set up between sessions on both days.

After a brilliant drive in his first WKA Regional Series and and a racing accident which forced him to miss two finals, he was able to finish fifth in the points in both Cadet and RP Junior Sportsman classes. This makes Tazio an award recipient at the end of season banquet in December.
We'll be back at Englishtown on November 15th for the next Raceway Park club race.

Strong Comeback with Fourth Place for Tazio

2009-10-20T23:17:00.003-04:00

After our WKA Regional Event at NJ Motorsport Park on September 13, our racing team had a month break, which we very much needed to repair and rebuilt the kart, and for Tazio's foot to heal, which after a couple of soccer games it proved to be perfect.

We came back to track at Englishtown on October 11 for the next Raceway Park Club Race. For the first time the track was run backwards which was like racing at a new venue. On Saturday they had open practice all day for drivers to learn the new track. We couldn't make it.

The time during the break really gave me the chance to take the kart all apart, clean it and put it all back together. When I was done it felt like a new machine. When Tazio hit the track first thing in the morning for the first practice session he was fast out of the box.

The great Mike Doty helped us tune the kart which made our lap times drop each session. Tazio managed to qualify fifth out of fifteen.

In the feature race he had a great start, stayed out of trouble and was able to finish fourth. He wasn't able to catch the top three but was able to open a large gap to everyone else behind him. The three that finished on front of Tazio were among the drivers that practiced on Saturday.

We were happy with the result. Watching Tazio's face pick up his fourth place trouphy showed us that his accident didn't slow him down.

This weekend is our final 09 WKA NJ Sprint Series race weekend, it's at Englishtown NJ. Backwards again.

We'll be there first thing Saturday morning.

Can't wait.

Tazio is doing Fine after minor foot Injury from racing accident

2009-09-16T20:54:00.013-04:00

This past weekend of September 12 & 13 was our team's 4th WKA Regional Race weekend.

The track was the 1.1 mile circuit at NJ Motorsport Park in Millville.

During one of the final heat races on Sunday Tazio had an accident. While he was battling for position the tires on the two karts touched. Tazio's kart went up in the air and he was thrown out of his seat. When he landed on the ground he got up right away just to realize that his foot couldn't hold his weight and went down again. The race was immediately red flagged and stopped. I ran to him right away escorted by the track director. The track ambulance arrived immediately and the response was very professional. While Tazio was being checked His Mom Lucia was brought on the scene by one of the track workers. The ambulance took us at the Track medical center where Tazio was checked by a race doctor. The doc said the foot was either fractured or sprained, and that Tazio was otherwise OK.

When the ambulance brought us back to the kart track pits all his fellow racer kids were clapping and cheering as Tazio came out. It brought a big smile to his face, I think it was special moment he will never forget. Tazio didn't want to leave, he wanted to sit track side and watch his friends race in the two final races. He was very disappointed he couldn't race in the finals.

The next morning after some X-rays, Tazio's doctor said nothing was broken. Fortunately he only sprained the top of his right foot. He already started walking since Tuesday morning and getting better very rapidly. Our next race is not until October 11th which will give him plenty of time to heal 100%. I also need the time with Dario's help to check, fix and prepare the kart. Tazio's said he didn't get scared from racing but definitely learned from it.

Tazio's Best 09 Race....On Board..Click here to see it

2009-08-28T23:54:00.009-04:00

Last Sunday August 23rd 2009, We had our best Heat race this year. The kart was working really well, and Tazio ran one of his best races yet. He was the one to beat. From fourth he managed to come forward and catch the very fast and National #80. Although it was not a feature race, it was one of Tazio's great wins. Get on Board with Tazio and go for a ride as he pushes his kart on the edge.

Click here and HANG ON

The Professional Photography of Joao Carlos

2009-08-28T21:09:00.018-04:00

Our official racing team photographer is Lucia's brother, Joao Carlos.

The quality of his work is second to none.

His ability of catching Tazio at speed is remarkable. It requires experience and patience.

On Sunday August 16th Joao was on track at one of our club races with his camera gear.

His beautiful girlfriend Carly was also on location. Not only is she a model and a make up artist, she is a wonderful photographer as well.

Joao is also one of our team sponsors and his MilkManSudio.com logo is on the helmet and on the race kart.

If you ever need professional photos look no further.

www.TazioTorregiani.com now our Official Domain

2009-08-22T08:24:00.001-04:00

Our official website address has been updated from tazioracing.blogspot.com.
It is now www.TazioTorregiani.com.
Our new domain name will make it easier for us to share our website with everyone while creating a brand at the same time.
We appreciate the support of anyone that visits and shares our site.

Our Latest Newspaper Article now also on the Web

2009-08-22T07:40:00.002-04:00

Our wonderful latest newspaper article now is also available on the web for anyone to see anytime on the archives of the Greenwich Citizen.

You can click this link to view it:

www.greenwichcitizen.com/sports/ci_12741757

A big thank you to Rob Kelly and the Greenwich Citizen for an outstanding job.