At the age of 18, he became IndyCar’s youngest-ever Alberta licensed driver. It probably helped that Stefan Rzadzinski got involved in racing at a very young age.
“My dad says, ever since my morning feedings, when I was just a little kid, watching formula one races at 6 in the morning,” recalls Rzadzinski.
His been around motorsports his entire childhood; starting in go-karts when he was just three years old.
“When I was 16-years-old, I made the jump to Formula cars.”
Rzadzinski’s biggest year to date was in 2011, when he added two Indy Lights starts in his hometown Edmonton Indy to his resume. He jumped into the highest junior open wheel category in North America with only two days of testing prior to the event.
“It was fantastic,” Rzadzinski says of racing in front of a hometown crowd, “really a dream come true.”
Driving for Davey Hamilton Racing, the Indy Lights car was Stefan’s first real opportunity to drive with slicks, downforce, and significant power; however, Rzadzinski impressed with a top-10 finish in his first pro-series start.
“Last year was a big year being at the Edmonton Indy, and I’m looking to do some bigger things this year as well.”
This year, he’s attending the Indy 500 for the first time. While there, Stefan will be providing an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the race for Global Edmonton through a series of video blogs:
Blog 1:
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Blog 2:
Blog 3:
Blog 4:
Blog 5:
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Blog 7:
Several Alberta businesses have come on board; offering their support to the now 19-year-old driver through the Powered by Alberta Race Driver program. (For more information on the program and Rzadzinski, visit RzadRacing).
“Initially, it was support from a number of Alberta businesses that really saw value, and really wanted to see me succeed,” Rzadzinski explains. “They’re the ones that really helped me kick off the season in Saint Petersburg and Alabama.”
In 2012, he’ll be competing in the Star Mazda Championship, which he describes as “the WHL of Indy car racing.” It’s part of the Indy development ladder, which will bring him back to his hometown for the 2012 Edmonton Indy in July.
“I’m really looking forward to getting a chance to come home once again.”
You can also follow him on his Facebook page and Twitter @RzadRacing
Stefan Rzadzinski on the Saturday Morning News April 28, 2012:
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