Zuidema Ready’s For True Value Modified Series Run In 2009
Putting it in perspective, Jeff Zuidema has been racing for a quarter century. 25 years of driving race cars on weekends, spending time with friends of which he has made many.” You gotta do what you love, right.” said the married racer, and 46 year old father of two. And he does, with great consistency.
He’s driven Pro-Stocks, Late Models, Pro-Four Modifieds, and even NEMA Midgets. He’s driven to six championships, and over 150 feature wins. This upcoming season he’ll try to add to that resume with an eye on the Modified Racing Series.
Zuidema, an auto dealership service manager by trade, recently disclosed he and long time car owner-friend Dennis Gagliardi decided to go modified racing in 2009 and have chosen the New England based touring series. It is something they have been considering for awhile.
“Dennis sold the Pro-Four operation to do this. We are going at it slowly, probably five shows with a chance for more, but we are focusing on five to get started,” said the 2008 Thompson Speedway Late Model champion. “With the economy being what it is and this being a new deal for us, we thought it was the best way to go. We could run more shows, but we are saying five is our plan.”
The five races on the Zuidema-Gagliardi radar are at Monadnock, Thompson, Seekonk and Lee. The selected events are to be determined.
The North Brookfield, MA; driver has been with Gagliardi for many years. “I started with Dennis when I was 15 years old, when he was running Hudson and Westboro. We’ve had a lot of fun through the years. Hopefully this effort will be too.”
In addition to the modified attempt, the personable Zuidema could be coming to a speedway near you. He just announced his plans to commit to the ACT tour in 2009, his regular pro-stock-late model gig at Thompson on Thursday nights, selected late model races at Lee on Friday nights, and selected races at Stafford Springs, CT. Last year, Zuidema competed in 53 races cutting back from 89 the year before. The new Zuidema-Gagliardi team will be a welcomed addition to this years MRS schedule.
Sources: True Value Modified Racing Series PR