New Challenge, Track for Crystal Serydynski

By admin June 6, 2014 New London-Waterford, Seekonk

Crystal Serydynski of Johnston, RI has new surroundings for this season, open wheels. The Hollywood Racing team did not decide until late April to pursue a full season in the SK Light Modifieds at Waterford Speedbowl.

“The plan for this season is to focus all energy at the Speedbowl,” Serydynski said. “Depending on finances, we should be able to get there every week.  … My goals are to have a successful first season by finishing every race. If Rookie of the Year happens in the process, that’s just an added bonus.”

Serydynski has seven years of experience at Seekonk Speedway. Last season was the best of her career; she won three times and missed the Street Stock championship by eight points.

“Even though I didn’t win, that’s an accomplishment in itself,” Serydynski said. “I am nothing but grateful for the season I had last year. We all race for the ultimate goal of a championship and for me to come so close is a success in itself for me. No one likes to lose, but I’m glad I even got a taste of it. I feel like the champion and I’m looking forward to a new year.”

“We have always wanted to be in a Modified,” Serydynski said. “… I’ve learned a lot and I’ve come a long way in my abilities. I feel ready and (there is) no better time than the present to make a jump into something myself and my entire crew have always been interesting in doing. The Lights are a fantastic division to start in a Modified. I’m ready to learn and put the pedal down with no fenders.”

Serydynski is eighth in points three top 10s in four starts.

 “Waterford is a great facility,” Serydynski said. “I loved the track. The SK Light division is competitive, just the way I like it!”

Serydynski called trying different tracks and divisions “half the fun of racing.” She has competed at Lee USA and Thompson.

Serydynski will race her Street Stock at Lee USA and the World Series at Thompson in October. She may run Seekonk or Thompson on an off weekend. If an SK Light Modified race is added to Oktoberfest at Lee, she will be there.

“Sponsorship is always a desire from any race team and we are no exception. I wouldn’t be on the track at all if it wasn’t for my father, who is self-employed at Elmwood Auto Service, and the help of my sponsors. NAPA is a huge help to me this year to get me at the track as well.

“My crew is my father Joe Serydynski, my crew chief and spotter Michael Mazzatto, my uncle Scott Serydynski, Scott Cestodio, and Justin Rioux. My sponsors are NAPA Auto Parts Woonsocket Cranston Johnston, Lemyers Collision, G&G Racing, Gerry’s General Maintenance, Harvie Enterprises, Willow Tree Landscaping, Craig and Sandy Moore and Ricky Saulisbury.”

Joe Serydynski started as a mechanic at Seekonk Speedway. He joined a new team for 1988, when his brother Scott started driving. Scott is the division’s all-time win leader with 23 victories and the 1992 championship. Joe would later work as a track official as well.

“I’ve always been around it, spent every Saturday at the race track,” Serydynski said. She began driving at 19 after begging “for my dad to put me in it. He threw me to the wolves and put me in a Street Stock, taught me how to drive a stick real fast.”

Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com