Determined Richie Pallai, Jr. Seeking Improvement in 2012
2011 was a difficult season for Richie Pallai, Jr.. The season opener at Thompson was an example of the advertisty the team encountered. “We came out of the box at Thompson, blew a motor in practice, missed qualifying and had to put our short track motor in the car for the race with 0 laps on it,” said Pallai. “We were running in the top 3 when we unfortunately got caught up in a wreck late in the race. From that point on we just felt like we were struggling with our new car.”
Highlights from last season were Riverhead and Lime Rock Park. “At Riverhead we came from last to the top-5 and felt like we had a winning car until we had a flat and had to pit,” said Pallai. “We fought back for a top 10 and that was a moral victory in itself.” At Lime Rock, “We were fast all weekend and thought we had a good shot at the win. A top 5 that day was great, too bad we are not going back there this year.”
“I like to call our core of our team the "big three", almost like the Miami Heat,” said Pallai. “My Dad (Rich Sr.), Denis (Crew Chief) and Chuck (Spotter) are the reason why we show up every week so prepared. Without those three we wouldn't be anywhere and they always make sure we have a shot at winning. We also have a young guy in Alex Grab who is learning the ropes quickly and someone we will rely on very much this season to lend a helping hand in all aspects of the team, from the shop to the track.”
“For sponsors, we have so many that help us out,” said Pallai. “Without all of them, we would never be running on the Modified Tour. Every cent helps. We are not a team that brings money out of our pocket like we see some teams on the tour. All the money we put forward is from sponsors and they all help tremendously.”
The biggest change for this season is a new engine builder in Bob Bruneau. Pallai is scheduled to run most NASCAR WMT races, depending on point standings. “We expect to be a front runner this year with the experience we have now,” said Pallai. Among the goals for 2012 are his first career pole and a victory. “My biggest weakness is qualifying,” said Pallai. Pallai’s best career start was a 2nd in his debut at Stafford. Pallai saw improvement throughout last season in qualifying. “I started racing at 16. I don't have much experience time trialing, so hopefully this year that will all change.”
“The NWMT tour has been the hardest adjustment for me,” said Pallai. “I got in an SK Light and finished 2nd my first start and won my 5th race. The SK took some more time but we could have had a dozen wins if things had fallen into place. I was fast every week and a car to reckon with. The Tour, however has been a bit tougher, but we have been in spots to snag a win so I can't wait to finally get the first one. I think I am in the generation of young drivers making their move up the ladder. You have seen (Ryan) Preece have success, (Erick) Rudolph, (Justin) Bonsignore, (Eric) Goodale and others. I hope we can carry the name of the next young guys who make up our sport.”
The schedule for the 22-year-old, Yorktown Heights, NY native will also include 5-8 Stafford races in an SK Modified for Ted Christopher. “Teddy and I have been friends since 2007 when I started racing SK's. We always joked that one day I would drive for him. “We sat down at his shop in January … and we put the deal together. Teddy had two cars and two motors sitting there and he said I could choose whatever I wanted, which meant a lot.” “Most people only know Teddy at the track and the way he drives. If you see his shop (M & T Transmissions) and all the toys he has, you will see another side of him. The guy does everything the right way, his equipment is top notch.” … “The main goal is to win races. There are no excuses not too.” “I am a bit nervous, I hope I do not let him down, but at the same time he knows my main goal is to beat him, it’s gonna be a ton of fun!”
“I think my first win in a race car (2006 at Stafford) will always be the most memorable but my first SK win was the greatest. To win it on Spring Sizzler weekend in 2009 was the best. Jimmy Blewett and Ted Christopher finished 2-3 that day and it was great to beat two of the best. I always watch the video before the season and seeing Teddy and Jimmy come up to me to congratulate me means a ton.”
On June 30th, Pallai will return to Stafford’s mini mile to race a go-kart. “The CARQUEST Champions for Charities event is awesome,” said Pallai. “I had a blast last year and I think we put on a good show for the fans. To race against the best guys in the Northeast was great and I made some new friends.” Pallai befriended 3-time NEMA champion Randy Cabral. “I always watched Randy Cabral dominate midgets but never got the chance to meet him. Now we talk a lot and have become good friends. I almost wrecked him in that race, so we joke he owes me one!” “Danbury Animal Welfare Society is a great organization and does so much for dogs and cats. I hope to raise more money this year for them and get them the win. They deserve it. I am an avid animal lover and we have to do all we can for our 4 legged friends.”
NASCAR recently announced that the NASCAR Whelen Modifieds will be running at Daytona in 2012. “I already called my Dad the minute I heard and told him we were going,” said Pallai. “He joked by saying, 'we'll see what happens', but we have 365 days to convince him to go. I know we will be there, he's a racer, I'm a racer, we will be there. I know its $20,000 to win, but if second through last only pays a total of $20,000 it’s gonna be tough for guys to go. I hope NASCAR pays out through the whole field; we need to be able to cover our travel costs in order to go. Not to call out NASCAR, but Florida is a long ways from home; we need to be able to not go broke the first race of the year in order to go. If everything looks right, we will be there! Maybe everyone will notice how good modifieds are, and it will turn into something bigger.”
Pallai, a Junior at New York University, is the captain of the Violets hockey team. “I went to Europe this winter break to represent USA Hockey," said Pallai. “We played in Germany, Slovenia and also traveled to Austria during the trip. The hockey there is different for sure, more skill then physical play. They treated us great while there. I graduate in 2013 and I want to stay and play over here. Maybe the Eastern Coast Hockey League (ECHL) or other pro leagues. If not, I may go to England, Germany, Sweden and try to play in their top leagues.”
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com