young gun of saito motorsports: marcello paniccia

As a young boy I grew up with a large set of box cars and hot wheels. Creating a track on the floor of the living room, or basement, having races while races played on the television. It turns out Marcello Paniccia did the very same thing. The family didn't have races on the television, but he had a fascination with race cars. Over a small period of time that grew, his father explained to me. He didn't know where it came from, but he knew it was there. I had the chance to sponsor and spend time with them at Road Atlanta during Petit LeMan weekend. I have to say the entire time; I was impressed at the calm and focus Marcelo had.

As I got to know him, I heard his father talk about signing him up for karting and thinking it would be a onetime thing. Here we are years later, and it wasn't. Marcello has a drive that I see in many drivers, and as he showed that weekend, he is very fast. That weekend he ran near the top and in race two lead for some of the race. The Mazda MX5 Cup series has a lot of young talented drivers. He was hanging in the top ten with the best of them, and in my opinion showed people what he can do in a race car. That weekend I learned he has developed the nickname PacMan, which is fitting because he chases down who is in front of him and gobbles him up looking for the next. He told me it started as a kid where he viewed the power pellets in the corner and then he goes.

He isn't just a fast driver; he has personality and creativity. A focus and willingness to be better and be the best. In race two he went for the win and it didn't go the way he hoped. He could have stuck in second and been on the podium, but he went for the win. He told me after the race when I asked him about going for it or staying in second. "There's no glory in that." He went for it, and I didn't fault him for it. It reminded me of something Formula1 Champion Nikki Lauda once said. "Winning is one thing, but out of losing I always learned for the future. So, one grows stronger in losing." After that race Marcello grabbed food and sat and talked with me and team members. I was impressed with his resolve and taking in the feedback. It reminded me of that quote, and the reality is, he was already processing how to do it different.

Next week is the race week for the 24 hours of Daytona. Marcello, Saito Motorsports and I will be there. I had no hesitation stepping up and supporting him, because I see the talent, character and temperament that it takes to be a successful race car driver. He is fast, that is for sure, but he also has a willingness to learn, and I could see that immediately. It is the first race weekend of the season, and I'll do what I can to see him put together a full season. I think fans are going to love him and pull for him the more they see him race. If you are going to Daytona for the 24 Hours, go show your support for Marcello. Come by Saito Motorsports and say hi, grab an autograph or take a picture. You can also see him at the driver autograph session, because PacMan will be there.