News Director 
Story By: SHAWN MILLER / GARY SCELZI MOTORSPORTS – LAS VEGAS, NV – Giovanni Scelzi learned a lot during his first career World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series event.
Scelzi soaked up as much as he could during the FVP Outlaw Showdown last Wednesday and Thursday at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas, where he made his debut in the Paul Silva owned and Priority Aviation Services backed No. 57 sprint car.
“The first night it was about getting acclimated to everything,” he said. “The main thing was getting laps and getting used to the speed.”
Scelzi qualified 15th quickest in his group. He advanced from eighth to seventh place in a heat race before ending the night with a ninth-place result in the Last Chance Showdown.
“The next night we made some changes to the car and the engine and we were a lot better,” he said.
Scelzi timed in fifth quickest in his group, which lined him up on the inside of the second row for a heat race.
“I fell to fourth on the start and then I just made a mistake,” he said. “I was behind a car entering turn three. I lost the air on the nose, which pushed me over the cushion and we got upside down.”
Scelzi crashed during the opening lap of his heat race. The incident ended his night early.
“It wasn’t the best way to start the year, but I learned a lot from the time I was able to get on the track,” he said. “Paul was great to work with. I really appreciate his support along with Richard and Jennifer Marshall.”
Saturday’s SoCal Showdown at Perris Auto Speedway in Perris, Calif., rained out.
Scelzi will return to action this Friday and Saturday at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif., with the World of Outlaws. He was victorious at the track last season.
“I’ve been there six or seven times,” he said. “It has been a strong place for me. I’ve had speed there. Hopefully we can time in well and then make the show each night.”
