Column By: RYAN HILL / RPW – NEW PALTZ, NY – Allison Ricci, driver of the Halmar #55 Small Block Modified, straps in for today’s installment of RPW’S “THE TEN.”
Allison comes from a long lineage of drivers, and the New Paltz, NY youngster is eager to move into Small Block Modified competition full time this season. She is surely a driver on the rise in 2017.
1- WHY ARE YOU #55?
Chris Larsen (Halmar International) wanted me to run the #55, but I was actually happy about it because my father ran that number as well.
2- WHAT TYPE OF RACE CAR WOULD YOU LIKE TO DRIVE?
I would like to drive a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series car; to even just take a lap would make me happy.
3. – WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST RACING MOMENT?
That is my first win at Accord Speedway in the Spec Sportsman because it was on the same night that my father won also, not many people can say they won on the same night as their dad.
4- WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT?
That has to be when I hit the yuke tire at Albany-Saratoga Speedway and it ruined the whole night for us.
5- DO YOU HAVE ANY RACE DAY RITUALS/HABITS?
Yes I do, nobody is allowed to wear green, and we say it is bad luck. Actually, a funny story is we stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts and I got a green coolatta shake and that night I wrecked bad, totaling the car.
6- WHAT RACE DO YOU WANT TO WIN THE MOST?
That would probably be The Eastern States 200. I would say Brett Deyo’s Supernationals because I was a bridesmaid two years in a row in the sportsman, but because I am not racing the sportsman anymore maybe I can win in the small block for that race.
7- WHAT TRACK IS A “BUCKET LIST” TRACK FOR YOU TO RACE?
I would love to race at Eldora Speedway.
8- WHAT IS YOUR STRONGEST TRAIT AS A DRIVER?
I have the best teachers showing me how to race… My dad and grandfather.
9- WHAT IS A WEAKNESS A DRIVER?
I get pretty nervous before the race, but once it gets going I forget all about the fear.
10- HOW DID YOU START RACING?
I started racing because of my family, it has been in our family for 61 years.
Allison wants to thank Halmar International for everything they do, and all the support they give her. She also wants to thank her Mon and Dad, Grandmas and Grandfather, and her boyfriend Robert. Without their support and countless hours of help she would not be where she is today.