| Stefan Rzadzinski |
Edmonton - He’s just 19-years-old, but Stefan Rzadzinski has big racing dreams.
The Edmonton Indy is one month away, and thousands of spectators are expected to come out to watch dozens of racers take to the track. In a few years, Rzadzinski hopes to be among those drivers. But until that time comes, he’ll continue to train.
Rzadzinksi practices on a $60,000 custom-made race car simulator.
“The good part is in these,” he says with a smile, “no real crash damage; no real money spent.”
Rzadzinski (aka Razzle Dazzle) made his racing debut last year at Edmonton’s Firestone Indy Lights doubleheader. He finished 10th and 13th; not bad considering he has little experience in cars with that kind of power.
“The only thing I've ever wanted to be was a racing driver,” he says.
Another accomplishment also keeps him smiling.
“It was very cool and very special to be the youngest Albertan to ever get an Indy Car license, which was very unique."
Now, the young driver is looking forward to this year’s Edmonton Indy. He’ll be competing in two Star Mazda Championship races.
“It’s the WHL of Indy Car racing,” he explains. “It’s where all the young guys who are working their way up into the Indy Car series come to compete.”
“I’m kind of on that middle rung of the ladder, and hopefully to move up the next couple steps into Indy Car over the next few years.”
Rzadzinski doesn’t mind working his way up in the world of racing.
"It's cool because we're kind of the underdog and I like to play that role where we kind of come out of nowhere and I think we can really succeed that way. With the right support and the right angles we can get there."
Support is crucial. Racing at Rzadzinski’s level costs up to $500,000 a year. He relies on sponsors, like Cantorque, and other businesses offering support through his Powered by Alberta campaign.
“At this point,” he admits of his financing, “it’s 80 or 90% businessmen, and 10 or 20% driver… to be able to put together the funding at that level is something that’s somewhat of a challenge at 19 years old.”
"They know I have the potential to be an Indy Car driver, I am working towards that, and I do believe I can get there...it's just a matter of these businesses supporting me to help me get there.”
Working towards that goal is something Rzadzinski is used to. It’s something he’s wanted since he was a very little boy.
“Now it's 19 years later and I'm still going for it… It's really just been a lifelong passion and something I want to pursue for the rest of my life.”
To learn more about Stefan Rzadzinski or to find out how to support him, visit his website.
Rzadzinksi practices on a $60,000 custom-made race car simulator.
“The good part is in these,” he says with a smile, “no real crash damage; no real money spent.”
Rzadzinski (aka Razzle Dazzle) made his racing debut last year at Edmonton’s Firestone Indy Lights doubleheader. He finished 10th and 13th; not bad considering he has little experience in cars with that kind of power.
“The only thing I've ever wanted to be was a racing driver,” he says.
Another accomplishment also keeps him smiling.
“It was very cool and very special to be the youngest Albertan to ever get an Indy Car license, which was very unique."
Now, the young driver is looking forward to this year’s Edmonton Indy. He’ll be competing in two Star Mazda Championship races.
“It’s the WHL of Indy Car racing,” he explains. “It’s where all the young guys who are working their way up into the Indy Car series come to compete.”
“I’m kind of on that middle rung of the ladder, and hopefully to move up the next couple steps into Indy Car over the next few years.”
Rzadzinski doesn’t mind working his way up in the world of racing.
"It's cool because we're kind of the underdog and I like to play that role where we kind of come out of nowhere and I think we can really succeed that way. With the right support and the right angles we can get there."
Support is crucial. Racing at Rzadzinski’s level costs up to $500,000 a year. He relies on sponsors, like Cantorque, and other businesses offering support through his Powered by Alberta campaign.
“At this point,” he admits of his financing, “it’s 80 or 90% businessmen, and 10 or 20% driver… to be able to put together the funding at that level is something that’s somewhat of a challenge at 19 years old.”
"They know I have the potential to be an Indy Car driver, I am working towards that, and I do believe I can get there...it's just a matter of these businesses supporting me to help me get there.”
Working towards that goal is something Rzadzinski is used to. It’s something he’s wanted since he was a very little boy.
“Now it's 19 years later and I'm still going for it… It's really just been a lifelong passion and something I want to pursue for the rest of my life.”
To learn more about Stefan Rzadzinski or to find out how to support him, visit his website.
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