Revving up: American young guns start their engines for classic

BACK AGAIN: American Gio Scelzi has signalled an intent to return for the South West Conveyancing Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic later this month. Picture: Morgan Hancock

THEY'RE young, fearless and boast resumes even the most esteemed sprintcar royalty would envy.

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Three United States hotshots - Buddy Kofoid, Gio Scelzi and Kalib Henry - have signalled intent to etch their names in Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic history.

Kofoid, who first hit Australian shores in 2018, was confined to C-main action in his last hit-out at the Allansford track.

This time, he's hoping it's a different result.

BACK IN BUSINESS: American driver Buddy Kofoid will return to Warrnambool for the classic.

Kofoid will pilot a new car, owned by South Australian brothers Darryl and Michael Downing, in his second attempt at classic success.

"I didn't really have plans or anything to come back to Australia, but I always wanted to," he told The Standard.

"(Warrnambool driver) James McFadden helped me out a bit. I got a message from him on Twitter and he said Darryl and Michael were looking for a driver.

"We started talking a couple of days later and went over some stuff and here we are."

Kofoid, still only 18, is embracing a jam-packed racing schedule.

The California native is currently plying his trade in New Zealand and will fly back to Los Angeles for a short break before jetting out to Australia in time for the classic.

A couple years have gone by since I was last in Australia and I'm a better driver, and my equipment, car and engine will be even better again.
- Buddy Kofoid

He will also race the Chili Bowl Nationals in Oklahoma before boarding his flight down under.

"I haven't really thought about myself as being better prepared this time out," Kofoid revealed.

"A couple years have gone by since I was last in Australia and I'm a better driver, and my equipment, car and engine will be even better again.

"I'm not really worried about anything. Maybe the nerves will come up a little bit more as (the classic) gets closer but I'm just looking forward to getting over to Australia.

Gio Scelzi drives during heats. Picture: Morgan Hancock

"It's such a cool place and I enjoyed it thoroughly the last time I was there. I'll get to run with the guys I race with in America and some Australia's best."

Kofoid described the classic as "Australia's Knoxville Nationals".

"It means a lot to race there," he said.

"It's very prestigious and the biggest race in Australia. It's one of the biggest and the amount of cars they get there is huge.

"There are some great cars and I'm just lucky to be a part of it."

Buddy Kofoid hits a pivot in the road and crashes during the opening night of the Grand Annual Sprint Car Classic in 2018. Picture: Morgan Hancock

Scelzi has unfinished business at Premier Speedway after he was disqualified from his 2019 classic heat for opting to race without arm restraints.

The incident sent the then 17-year-old to the second row as the fourth qualifier of the second C-main.

Henry, meanwhile, will drive for 1997 classic champion and now car owner Trevor Green.

Henry arrives at Premier Speedway with strong credentials.

The 20-year-old has raced for six American-based car owners.

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