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NASCAR Truck Series driver Stephen Mallozzi sold his car to race in next event at Gateway

DSprofileby:Dustin Schutte•05/29/23•

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stephen mallozzi
(Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)

Not many people would be willing to do what Stephen Mallozzi did to follow their dreams. The 22-year-old NASCAR Truck Series driver made a huge sacrifice in order to participate in next weekend’s Toyota 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park.

Mallozzi took to Twitter to say that he sold his car in order to race next weekend. That’s not something you’ll see too often.

“Hey (NASCAR on FOX), I just sold my car to race Gateway next week,” Mallozzi wrote. “I think that deserves a little coverage on the broadcast.

“No one can ever tell me I didn’t give my all for this dream. I fight for it every god damn day.”

Mallozzi has run in two NASCAR Truck Series events over the last two years — with the Toyota 200 being his third. His lone appearance on the track this year came at the Long John Silver’s 200 at Martinsville Speedway. Mallozzi finished the race in 36th.

That’s the life of a part-time driver trying to pursue a dream. But there are probably not many willing to give up their car in order to race in one event.

It doesn’t even matter where Mallozzi finishes during Friday’s race. The willingness to sell his car in order to participate might be the biggest story of the Toyota 200.

Mallozzi details struggles of part-time NASCAR driver

Mallozzi has never been bashful about his lifestyle as a part-time NASCAR driver and the sacrifices he must make in order to pursue his dream. Last month, he tweeted out what his schedule looked like.

“So if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like being a small-time racing driver … Yesterday I drove myself to (Martinsville Speedway) at 7 AM,” he wrote. “I raced in the (NASCAR Truck Series) for AM Racing. I drove myself back to my apartment, getting back around 3 AM. Now, I’m serving at (Outback).”

It’s hard to imagine going from a NASCAR Truck Series event to waiting tables in such a short time. But it’s a reality for Mallozzi.

Mallozzi’s first race in the NASCAR Truck Series came in 2022, driving for Reaume Brothers Racing at the O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 in Mid-Ohio. He completed that race in 22nd place.

The Toyota 200 from Gateway Motorsports Park is scheduled for Saturday, June 3. Mallozzi is hoping to record his best finish in a Truck Series race.