TJ Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel team treat the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals as more than just another stop on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour. Known as “The Big Go,” the event is the sport’s most prestigious race, and Zizzo Racing is preparing to make the most of the opportunity.

“We are very fortunate to have the support of Rust-Oleum, and they want us to race the U.S. Nationals,” said Zizzo. “This will be our 94th NHRA national event, and while we don’t race a ton, every race matters. Our crew guys are in the shop all the time getting ready to win races. There is pressure for the U.S. Nationals because it is the biggest race of the year, and you will have a full field of Top Fuel dragsters that can win the race.”

This race marks Zizzo’s second start of the 2025 season. His first came in May at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals near Chicago, the team’s home event. That outing served as both a season debut and a tune-up for Indy.

The Zizzo Racing program has shown flashes of top-tier performance despite its part-time schedule. In 2024, the team earned two number one qualifying positions, one in Chicago and another in St. Louis. The team also qualified number three at last year’s U.S. Nationals, Zisso’s career-best at the event. Still, Zizzo remains focused on the goal that has eluded him so far, that first NHRA national event victory.

“I get emotional talking about this race because I visualize hoisting the Wally on Monday afternoon,” said Zizzo. “I think about what the emotions will be like. I think about hugging my dad after we win. You must have that attitude and that passion. We have come close, and I know we have a team capable of winning.”

The challenges of racing part-time are real, but Zizzo says the effort is worth it. As Zizzo and his team prepare for Indy, they’re working on balancing the excitement with the demands of drag racing’s longest and most visible event.

“We prepare the same for every race,” said Zizzo. “There is only so much you can do to get ready, but there is more pressure for the U.S. Nationals. The crowd is bigger. There are more responsibilities from the media and sponsors. It is the longest race of the season, and we are only doing a handful of races, so you want to make the most of the event. I think being able to qualify for the U.S. Nationals is a major accomplishment, and winning rounds on Monday takes it to another level. Getting that first win is always the goal. This Rust-Oleum team will be putting 100% of our effort into putting on a great show for the fans and all the people and companies that support our program.”

TJ Zizzo is a fan favorite who’s put in the work as a part-time racer that can stand toe-to-toe with any full-time team. If Zizzo can pull off the victory at the U.S. Nationals, it would be one of the greatest in the history of the event.