CONCORD, N.C. -- After competing in the five-race Blizzard Series Super Late Model season at Five Flags Speedway, Jeremy Colangelo and his Mark Martin Performance team are getting set to tap into the knowledge they've gained this year and make their first run at a win in the illustrious Snowball Derby that team owner Mark Martin was never able to capture.

Being a Florida native, Colangelo knows the history of the Snowball Derby and is aware of its impressive list of winners.

"The guys at the shop seem to be pretty confident and ready for the trip," commented Colangelo. "Me, on the other hand, I'm nervous but excited and ready. I have been waiting to see what the derby is all about for a very long time, and in a few short days I'll get my shot at it."

"The history of the Derby is what is making me so nervous," explained Colangelo. "It's the most prestigious race a super late model driver can compete in, and just to have the opportunity to make the trip up there is awesome... I know guys who have raced longer than I have been alive and have never had the opportunity to run in it! I hope we make the best out of it and add our name in the books with some of racing?s biggest names!"

Colangelo is hoping that although they had a few lackluster finishes at the Pensacola, Florida, track this season, that they will be able to tap into their experiences and produce a competitive racing machine.
"Anytime you get to see a track before the race or even better get to race on it without all the pressure, I think it helps tremendously,? said Colangelo. ?We never really had the finishes we are capable of there, but I know we are bringing a good car and it?s up to us to get the thing dialed in and in the race. We should have a pretty good idea as to what we need, and hopefully those trips up for the Blizzard races will help us have an advantage."

Knowing how tough the competition is for the biggest Super Late Model race in the country, Colangelo is planning to stick to his strategy for a solid finish.

"My goals are starting out pretty basic," said Colangelo. "Just make the race and worry about the rest as it comes. Everyone else around is thinking big picture - top-15 or even top-10. I don't know if they have more confidence in me than I do or what, but I'm staying with my strategy. It's my last race with this team, so hopefully we can make it a good one."

For more on Jeremy Colangelo, please contact Elgin Traylor at 51 Sports at (704) 788-2134, or visit www.jeremycolangelo.net.