Teenager Tazio Torregiani Wins his First Car Race

Stamford, CT, USA- On Sunday June 26th, Stamford High School student Tazio Torregiani secured his first victory in a racecar, at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. Tazio drove a Formula 2000 to 1^st place in only his second round of the 2016 Skip Barber Racing Championship. Saturday saw Tazio finish race 1 in 3^rd place on the podium, which gave him a starting position in third on the 2^nd row of the grid for race 2. The weather was perfect and Torregiani took off with a great start, immediately passing for second place and pulling away behind the leader, leaving the rest of the field behind. A great battle would unfold between the two drivers for several laps, until Tazio jumped out of the slipstream and passed for the lead at the end of the front straight. On the next lap, driving down the long back straight, Tazio saw in his mirrors the other driver coming pretty hot. “I knew he was right behind me, I knew he would try to pass me, so I braked kind of early and he just completely overshot it and went straight off” commented Tazio after the race. The other driver misjudged the turn and locked up the brakes on the inside, flying right off the track and on to the grass, leaving Tazio alone in the lead cruising to his maiden win. Tazio returned in the pits to a cold ice shower, when the Skip Barber mechanics overturned a large cooler over his head to commemorate his first win. They then sent him off with checkered flag in hand for his victory lap. You can view this race on youtube at the following link: https://youtu.be/eB5U0YFyM4k .

The Pittsburgh complex, formerly known as Beaver Run, was very special to Tazio, as this is where he won his first National go-kart race in 2013.

Tazio has been racing karts since he was 6 years old, reaching the highest levels in Europe. This year he moved up to single seater open wheel cars, and is currently competing in the 2016 Skip Barber Championship Series. The first round was in May at Road Atlanta, where Tazio climbed the podium in 3^rd place in a stellar debut weekend. Torregiani is also a Safe Teen Driver Advocate, and is using his racing to raise awareness with his peers. Tazio is already proving to be competitive in a race car, and definitely deserves the right opportunity to climb the racing ladder. 

To support Tazio follow him on https://www.facebook.com/TazioRacingcom-248819618492981/ or at www.TazioRacing.com

CONTACT: ptorregiani@newcountry.com,

1 203 561 2759.

                                                                               

Kart Racer Tazio Torregiani to support Safe Teen Driving at the Supernationals in Las Vegas

Stamford, CT- National race winner Tazio Torregiani is once again entered to race in Las Vegas, on November 18-22 2015, in the SKUSA Supernationals, the largest and most popular kart race in North America. This time Torregiani will drive in the ultra-competitive Tag Senior class, with the best drivers in the sport. For a second year, Tazio will use the spotlight of this prestigious race with international recognition to raise awareness towards safe teen driving. Torregiani endorses the “5 to Drive” campaign, to encourage other teen drivers to always set the rules before they hit the road.

Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are still the leading cause of death for U.S. teens? The “5 to Drive” campaign was launched during Teen Driver Safety Week in 2013, and it addresses the five most dangerous and deadly behaviors for teen drivers.

The “5 to Drive” rules for teen drivers are:

1. No Phones.

2. No Alcohol.

3. No Speeding.

4. No extra passengers.

5. Buckle Up.

“When I race, I know how important it is to keep both eyes on the track and concentrate on what’s ahead. On the street we are surrounded with dangerous obstacles and distractions, so it’s very important for us teens to understand how dangerous driving can be. In the blink of an eye we could lose everything! We are hoping that the ‘5 to Drive’ campaign will get the attention of many teen drivers and passengers alike, and reduce the fatal crashes” commented Tazio, who now holds a driver’s license.

The Stamford High School junior has been racing karts since he was six years old, from Las Vegas to Daytona, and from Portugal to Bahrain. Growing up, Tazio accumulated many victories at the club, regional and National level. He is also a Skip Barber Racing School graduate in a formula 2000 race car.

To support Tazio follow him on https://www.facebook.com/TazioRacingcom-248819618492981/

NHTSA’s website www.safercar.gov/parents/teendriving has detailed information and statistics about the five rules designed to help save the lives of teen drivers.

CONTACT: ptorregiani@newcountry.com, www.TazioRacing.com

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Teen Karter Tazio Torregiani to Promote Safe Driving Among Teens Through His Racing

15-year-old International kart racer Tazio Torregiani is endorsing the “5 to Drive” campaign, to encourage teen drivers to always set the rules before they hit the road.
Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens? The “5 to Drive” campaign was launched during Teen Driver Safety Week in 2013, and it addresses the five most dangerous and deadly behaviors for teen drivers.

The “5 to Drive” rules for teen drivers are:

• No Phones.
• No Alcohol.
• No Speeding.
• No extra passengers.
• Buckle Up.

“When I race, I know how important it is to focus, and have both hands on the wheel. On the street you don’t have a helmet, there are many trees, and you are surrounded with distractions, so it’s very important for us teens to take driving very seriously. We are hoping that the ‘5 to Drive’ campaign will get the word out to all teen drivers and passengers alike, and reduce the fatal crashes” commented Tazio, who looks forward to getting his driver’s license soon.
The Stamford High School sophomore has been racing karts since he was six years old, from Las Vegas to Bahrain, and has won many times, including several times at the National level. He is also a recent Skip Barber Racing School graduate in a formula 2000 race car. Thanks to many of his supporters, on November 23rd, Tazio will be racing at the Supernationals in Las Vegas, the largest kart race in North America, with International recognition.
To support Tazio go to: www.gofundme.com/taziokarting
NHTSA’s website www.safercar.gov/parents/teendriving has detailed information and statistics about the five rules designed to help save the lives of teen drivers.

Torregiani Wins National WKA Man Cup Race in South Carolina

Kershaw, SC, USA, April 15, 2014: The weekend of April 4/6 2014, saw Connecticut teen racer Tazio Torregiani take his first National win of the year, in the second round of the WKA Manufacturer Cup National sprint kart series, on the fast Carolina Motorsports Park, in Kershaw SC (USA). Tazio scored two class podiums including a third place on Saturday.

The Fairfield County up and coming race driver is eager to climb the racing latter, and with the right support, partner, and opportunity, he knows he can do it!

The Stamford High freshman was entered to race in the very popular and ultra-competitive Parilla Junior class, with some of the best racers in North America. His Woltjer/Iame powered Haase kart was prepared by Chris Rock, and the Mike Doty Racing team.
The 2012/13 USA CIK FIA Academy Trophy driver didn't seem to have lost his edge, even after being out of a kart for three months since Daytona. On Sunday Tazio qualified third, and won the pre-final race. He started the feature race on pole. “I was fast all weekend from the get go, and finishing 3rd on Saturday made me even more determined to win on Sunday. After battling for the lead for around 3 laps, and dropping a tire that almost took me out of the race, I knew that I needed to focus, get in the lead and make no mistakes, and I did just that! It was a great win and I'd like thank Chris Rock, Mike Doty, and Danny Woltjer for giving me a fast kart. I'd like to dedicate this win to all the safe teen drivers out there on the road, that help save lives”, commented Tazio after the race. Torregiani also secured fastest lap of the race weekend.

 Last February, Torregiani also graduated from the Skip Barber Formula Racing School, in Sebring, FL, with a very impressive showing, in his very first drive in a race car.

He was also recently honored in his hometown, by the Stamford Board of Ed and the Mayor, for his racing achievements.

 You can follow Tazio Torregiani on facebook, youtube, and www.TazioRacing.com.

Tazio Racing is brought to you by www.PorscheofGreenwich.com, official website of New Country Porsche of Greenwich.

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Young Kart-Racer Continues to Excel

Young Go-Kart Driver Races to the Top

Check out Tazio on It's Relevant TV:

Tazio Torregiani Wins National WKA Man Cup Race in Pittsburgh

The weekend of August 16/18 2013, saw the fifth round of the WKA Manufacturer Cup National sprint kart series, at Pittsburgh International Race Complex, in PA (USA).
14 year old Connecticut driver Tazio Torregiani was entered to race in Komet Junior and Yamaha Junior classes. His Woltjer powered Haase karts were prepared with the help of Tazio’s 13 year old brother Dario, and under the supervision of Mike DotyRacing. Torregiani was happy with his karts, and it showed, he was among the fastest drivers all weekend.
On Saturday, in his first final race, Tazio was pushed off the track during a side to side battle, but still managed to get a top ten finish, crossing the line 9^th in Yamaha Junior class. In his second and third final races, Tazio was to fall victim of two separate incidents, with no fault of his own, that saw him out of both races on the first lap.
Torregiani’s last feature race of the weekend was next, in the faster Komet Junior class. Finally he ran out of bad luck, and starting in third, nothing was going to stop the determined High School freshman from Victory. At the green flag, with a good start, Tazio managed to avoid an accident, and was 2^nd out of turn one. By turn two he dove on the inside and grabbed the lead of the race. It was not going to be easy for Tazio, as two Top Kart teammates passed him and tried to leave him behind. Torregiani was able to muscle his Mike Doty Haase kart past both top karts, and by the end of the last lap he opened a three kart gap, and crossed the finish line with both arms in the air, taking his first National win.

“Highlight of the race was me retaking the lead over the last Top Kart. A race I’ll remember forever. I would like to thank my parents and brother, Mike Doty Racing, Woltjer Racing Engines, WKA, and my competitors for the exciting racing” Said Torregiani after the race.
Tazio’s next big race will be in France, on September 22, as the only American driver in the International CIK FIA Academy Trophy, where Tazio will continue to race with some of the best drivers in the sport.
You can follow Tazio Torregiani on facebook, youtube, and www.TazioRacing.com.
Tazio Racing is brought to you by www.PorscheofGreenwich.com, official website of New Country Porsche of Greenwich.

TAZIO TORREGIANI TO RACE IN EUROPE IN THE 2013 CIK FIA KARTING ACADEMY TROPHY

14 year old junior kart racer Tazio Torregiani, from Stamford CT, was entered in the International 2013 CIK FIA Karting Academy Trophy for a second year, as official USA driver. The Academy Trophy is a CIK FIA sanctioned International competition, where several countries are invited each to enter one 13 to 15 year old junior kart driver. The academy drivers receive by drawing lots equal Parolin/Fim KFJ karts, free of charge. The competition will be the supporting series for the CIK FIA Karting European and World Championships, and is divided in three rounds: June 28-30 Genk, Belgium, July 19-21 Ortona Italy, and September 20-22 Varennes France. “I am very thankful for a second opportunity to compete in the Academy Trophy, Thanks to the ACCUS and WKA for entering me as the American

Academy driver, this being my second year, I will be much more confident going into the first round in Genk, and will be looking for strong results all throughout the season” commented Tazio.

Torregiani renewed his FIA International racing license, and will leave for Belgium on Tuesday June 25 for round one. The last races for the young Pilot resulted in two National podiums in the WKA Manufacturer Cup Series, in New Castle Indiana last May. Tazio in 2012 raced with some of the best drivers in the sport, in the CIK FIA Academy Trophy, in the SKUSA Supernationals in Las Vegas, and in the World Karting Association’s Man Cup Series.

Tazio just graduated from middle school and will start High school later this year, and is supported by http://www.NewCountryPorsche.com

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You can follow Tazio on Facebook and on http://www.TazioRacing.com

Tazio Torregiani Scores two National podiums in WKA Man Cup 3rd round

Torregiani leading Komet Junior Final 1

On the weekend of May 18 and 19 2013, the World KartingAssociation Manufacturer Cup was at New Castle Motorsport Park, just outside Indianapolis, for the third round of the sprint kart National Championship. While Indy 500 qualifying was going on at the famed brickyard, the best kart racers in the country were doing battle for National glory. 14 year old junior driver Tazio Torregiani, from Stamford CT, raced his two Woltjer powered Haase karts in Komet Junior, and Yamaha junior classes with the Mike Doty Racingteam. In the Yamaha class Tazio finished with a DNF in the first final and a 10^th place in the second final, but it was in the faster komet junior class that the CT driver would achieve his best results. In the first komet final Torregiani started from third, and after leading at the start he ended up finishing second in his first National podium. “Our mindset was good all weekend, I was feeling comfortable with my karts all day Friday, and was confident going into the races” Said Tazio after the race. In the second komet final Tazio leaped with an amazing start from 13^th place to reach a remarkable 5^th place before the end of the first lap, and with 4 laps to go the Haase driver caught and passed the fourth place kart, pulling away to finish on the podium again. The NewCountryPorsche.com race driver wrapped up the weekend with three top ten national finishes, including two podiums with a second and a fourth place finish. “I’d like to thank the whole Mike Doty crew and my Dad for the support and for tuning my karts” said Tazio at the end of the weekend.

Haase/Woltjer Komet Junior

Torregiani last November concluded his 2012 CIK FIA Academy Trophy in Bahrain after qualifying 11^th overall making both finals. A week later he was at the Supernationals in Las Vegas finishing his Tag junior final in 12th from a 25^th starting position out of 84 entered drivers.

Up next for Tazio will see him visit Europe once again in June for his first 2013 CIK FIA race in Belgium.

You can follow Tazio Racing on facebook and at www.TazioRacing.com.

Tazio on issue 13 of TKart Web Magazine

Driver News: Tazio Torregiani - CIK-FIA Academy Trophy France Report

Round 2 of the 2012 CIK FIA U18 World Championship and Academy trophy (U15), just came to an end on Sunday August 26, under sunny skies on the Circuit Gabriel Thirouin, in Angerville, France. The CIK FIA was back home to celebrate their 50 years anniversary. It took American driver Tazio Torregiani no time to learn the track. Each practice session on Friday he progressively kept getting better and faster.On Saturday morning, the day started with a wet track, but by the time it was the academy drivers turn to go out, the track was dry. Torregiani went out for morning warm up practice, and was able to put it all together. He was the fastest driver for most of the session and finished 7th fastest at the flag. In qualifying Tazio was on a charge, and his times were dropping lap after lap, but with just two to go, his Fim KF3 motor started cutting out coming out of the turns, so by the end he qualified 17th. The Parolin mechanics checked the motor and changed Tazio's carburetor. Just when the problem seemed to be solved, Tazio's worst nightmare became real. In the warm up lap of his first of three heat races, his engine would dye before the start with what seemed an electrical problem. In the second and third heat races, Tazio drove better than ever and finished 13th and 14th respectively. All he needed was to finish his first heat race in 14th place to make the final A races, but his engine let him down. This meant he would race in the Final B race. "With a fly by of the French Air Force and a running of historic karts before the finals, It was finally time for my final B. I started 9th, made my way up to 4th with an aggressive start, gained speed, lost a bit, and eventually finished 6th in the race. Overall it was a great learning experience" Said 13 year old Torregiani after his Final race.

He started 9th out of 15 drivers and took off, attacking immediately and climbing up to 4th. Just as he was catching third place, he went a little two wide coming out of turn 2 leaving his door open, which allowed two drivers behind to dive in. Tazio finished his final in 6th place. His fastest lap in the race of 53.6 was fast enough to put him among the fastest in Final A, and it was clear that's where he belonged. Not only was Tazio fast on the track, but he was also fast in the Edukart test, where he answered all 25 questions correct, and finished 4th fastest out of all Academy drivers, missing out on the Edukart podium by one position. After two rounds of the Academy Trophy, the young Connecticut driver is making the best of his experience, and it really shows in his pace and his confidence on the track. The third and final round of the 2012 CIK FIA U18 World Championship and Academy trophy will be in November 10 in Bahrain. The young American driver will be looking to take his performance to the next level. To follow Tazio Torregiani you can be a fan on his facebook page at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TazioRacingcom/248819618492981

Tazio Shines in the 2nd round of the 2012 CIK FIA Academy Trophy

The second round of the 2012 CIK FIA Karting Academy trophy, in Angerville France, just came to an end this past weekend. It was an incredible experience. The track was beautiful and in great conditions. It took Tazio no time to learn the circuit. Each practice session on Friday he progressively kept getting better and faster.
On Saturday morning the day started with a wet track, but by the time it was the academy drivers turn to go out, the track was dry. Tazio went out for morning warm up practice, and was able to put it all together. He was the fastest driver for most of the session and was driving great, his pace fell off a bit in the final laps but was still 7th fastest in the morning warm up. In qualifying Tazio was on a charge, and his times were dropping lap after lap, but with just two to go, his Fim KF3 motor started cutting out coming out of the turns, so by the end he qualified 17th in his group. The Parolin mechanics checked their motor and changed Tazio's carburetor. Just when we thought we had the problem solved, Tazio's worst nightmare became real. In the warm up lap of his first of three heat races, his engine would dye before the start with what seemed an electrical problem. This pretty much decided our weekend. In the second and third heat races, Tazio drove better than ever and finished 13th and 14th respectively.

All he needed was to finish his first heat race in 14th place to make the final A races, but his engine let him down. This meant he would race in the Final B race. He started 9th out of 15 drivers and got a great start, started attacking and climbed up to 4th. Just as he was catching third place, he went a little two wide coming out of turn 2 leaving his door open, which allowed two drivers to dive in. Tazio finished his final in 6th place. The best part was that his fastest lap in the race of 53.6 was fast enough to finish in the top 10 of the final A races, and it was clear that this is where he belonged.
Not only was Tazio fast on the track, but he was also fast in the Edukart test, where he answered all 25 questions correct, and finished 4th fastest out of all Academy drivers, missing out on the Edukart podium by one position.
After two rounds of the Academy Trophy, you can really tell how much Tazio is learning from it, he is really coming in as a driver and you can notice his confidence growing on the track.

 

 

Tazio Wins at OVRP, NY, in the WKA NJ Sprint Series

Fresh from his first CIK-FIA International race in Portugal, 13 year old Academy driver Tazio Torregiani came back home to show what he had learned, and that he did in the 3rd round of the 2012 WKA Divisional NJ Sprint Series, on the weekend of July 21. The race took place at Oakland Valley Race Park, NY, where Tazio started racing when he was 6. Torregiani went out for qualifying in his Mike Doty prepared Haase Junior Yamaha, and was almost half second faster then anyone else clinching the pole position. In the prefinal race Tazio was unchallenged and won with a dominant lead. In the feature Race it wasn't as easy for the CT racer, he lost his lead mid race, but was able to make a great charge to come back,
" I was able to stay with the leader, and several laps later, coming onto the straight he made the smallest of mistakes which gave me just a good enough run to make the move and pull away" Tazio said later after the race.
Never putting a foot wrong he regained first place and took the win. Tazio drove a memorable race, but couldn't have done it without his younger 12 year old brother Dario, who is the mechanic apprentice. Dario for the first time was alone without his dad who had to work, but still managed to look after Tazio's kart all the way to first place. On Sunday Tazio won the prefinal race and finished second in the final, coming home with two podium Regional results including a win. 
Next race is the fourth round of the WKA Man Cup National in Norway IL. Tazio has never seen this track before, but he's hoping to learn it quickly on the first round of practice, in the first weekend of August. Tazio and his team would like to thank everyone that helped him over the weekend. For more info go to www.TazioRacing.com, brought to you by www.NewCountryPorsche.com.

Tazio's impressions from his first International race in Portugal

Recently last weekend I completed the first round FIA Academy Trophy. It was such an experience to drive with and on such a different track, kart, drivers, conditions and rules. The tracks in Europe I've noticed have no elevation or very long straights just sweeping turns followed  by corners or a heavy braking hairpin, unlike in the US where the turns are flat out followed by a straight and there's elevation on every single track you go too. 
The motors and chassis they have in the under 18 world championship are all very unseen in the US like the Art Kart, MS chassis or even a Zanardi surprisingly, there were no big teams or chassis manufacturers like Tony Kart, Birel or CRG in that series. Everybody uses the same up to specs KF3 motor in the Academy and U18 championships. The drivers aren't just some local racers going to a big time race just to see what's it like. They are the best in the world from each country, no one makes mistakes they drive clean, professionally and aggressive, they aren't reckless. Weather is about the same but track conditions are much different, the track gets extremely sticky within 4 practice sessions and is difficult for lots of people if you don't know what your doing with the setup. When I say rules I mean procedures, how things run, standards.  There's a driver's presentation where all the driver's come to the front stretch represent their country take photos and shake hands with some of the steward's and marshals which was very cool.  Each and every qualifying session is 8 minutes. There are 3 heats just like the SKUSA Supernational' they add up your finishes and decide whether you made it to the final or not. Only 28 drivers make it to the main "A" Final.  Starting lights as the green flag and you must stay in your racing line until the lights go off or you get a penalty of 3 to 10 seconds depending on how much of your kart was out of the lane. If you don't make it to the "A" final there's a "B" final which gives less points though. After qualifying and each heat race you must take off the wheels you have used and your race fuel to a holding station then before the race starts  again you put them back on, and the cycle starts all over again till Sunday.
Sunday one warm up session takes place then the Finals and the day is over with a massive podium presentation, which goes on with sparkling water, spectacular trophies and national anthems. Followed by press conferences and media.

Recap of first round of 2012 CIK FIA Academy Trophy

Sunday July 8, the first round of the 2012 CIK FIA Academy Trophy in Braga Portugal came to an end. We had a clean weekend free of accidents and spin outs. The only small incident was a broken chain which costed us a free practice session. Tazio had three practice sessions on Friday to learn the track and find the speed. We didn't do bad, considering Tazio's lack of experience with the environment. Saturday morning the rain came and the track was soaked. We had our only free morning practice on wet tires. When it was time to go out for our 8 minutes qualifying the track was almost totally dry and everyone went out with dry new LeCont tires. These changing conditions didn't agree with us as we were still in learning mode, so we couldn't post a fast enough lap time. The format works just like the SKUSA Supernationals, with three qualifying heats in each group, with 24 drivers each heat race. Tazio started 21st in his three heat races. In his first heat race Tazio had a brilliant start avoiding a first turn accident and making several passes, finishing 10th out of 24, Giving Tazio his first top ten finish in an International heat race. see this result at the following link: 
http://www.cikfia.com/competitions/cik-calendar/2012/braga/academy/results/result/seventh/day/second/article/academy-1.html. 
The second and third heats were not as good and Tazio couldn't manage better than 17th and 19th, which meant that after all the results were added, Tazio was outside the top 28, and outside the Final A (the main final). This meant that he would race in Final B. He started in 8th out of 19, had a bad start and dropped to 11th, but came back to finish 8th. The drivers that were really on top form were mostly European drivers that are currently competing in all major KF3 European championship. There is no questions that this crop of drivers are among the best 13 to 15 year old drivers in the world. They were all very fast and made no mistakes. To race among them was an incredible experience. The next race is in France next month we are hoping for a better result. 
To see more photos from this event click the following link to our Facebook page: 
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.417887511586190.87375.248819618492981&type=3

Tazio Torregiani to race for USA in International CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy

photo by OnTrackPromotions.com

13 year old American driver, Tazio Torregiani, from Stamford CT, is entered to race in the 2012 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. Torregiani will be the only driver to represent USA in this prestigious and multicultural competition. " I'm very excited to be racing with some of the best drivers all over the world, it's a great opportunity for me to continue my racing dreams" said Tazio.
The Academy Trophy is the supporting series to the CIK-FIA U18 World Championship. It resembles very much a Nations Cup, and is for 50 karters between 13 and 15 years of age, each from a different country. Equal Parolin Fim-KF3 karts will be granted by drawing lots to the Drivers and placed at their disposal free of charge. The competition will be divided in three rounds; Portugal July 8-10, France August 24-26, and a night race in Bahrain November 8-10. Each adopting the usual format of practice, qualifying and two finals, and integrating the educational program "EduKart" focused on safety, the knowledge of the regulations, the anti-doping rules and the code of conduct on circuits.
Torregiani is set to leave for Friuli-Venezia in Italy on Wednesday May 30 for official testing before the first round in Portugal.
Young Tazio has been racing since age 6 under the wing of Mike Doty Racing, and is the 2007 OVRP Novice Cadet Champion. The CT karter has been racing with the best drivers in North America in the WKA Manufacturers Cup Nationals, and the SKUSA Supernationals in Las Vegas, where in 2011, he was one of the fastest cadets. In 2011 Torregiani won 9 times, including 6 WKA divisional races, and finished second overall in the WKA NJ Sprint Series. For 2012 Tazio moved up to the junior class and is already lapping as fast as the best, running at the front in the Raceway Park Karting Series, already with one win on his name.
For more info please visit www.TazioRacing.com.

Tazio Makes the Paper again

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

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  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

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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."