From Wreck To Respectable
Last week’s race day started with one simple goal: just get back on track and finish 🏁. After all, we had just pieced the car back together from our first wreck 🔧 and didn’t even sneak in a practice session before Saturday.
Practice actually went better than expected—though it helps when you remember to hook up the sway bar (pro tip: cars turn better that way 🤷♂️😂). Things took a turn—literally—in the heat race when we got spun 🔄. But with so many hands helping us 🙌, we gave the car a few quick tweaks, put it on the pad for some last-minute dialing in, and headed back out.
Now here’s the fun part: the feature went green to checkered 🟢🏁, only the second time all year that’s happened. Earlier in the year, we saw another quick green-to-checkered race where he hung on to the end but got lapped along the way. Last week, though, he wasn’t just hanging on — he was racing 💨.
Sure, he spent a few laps figuring out how to pass the car in front, but when the opening came—he flew right by and didn’t look back 🚀.
Did the clock run out before he could catch the next group? Yep. And that stung 💔 — it mattered to him a lot. He knew he had more speed left and more passes in him. But while he was focused on what could have been, we were focused on what was: clean driving ✅, growing confidence 💪, and clear progress every single week.
We’re proud of his clean driving, perseverance, and the confidence he’s building every week 🙏. It’s not about what could have been—it’s about what was: strong, smart, and clean racing 🏆.
We also want to take a moment to thank our sponsors who make all of this possible 🙏. A special shoutout goes to Toyota of Wallingford, our longest supporter, who has been with us since our quarter midget days. They’ve followed our racing journey every step of the way — even coming out to Silver City to cheer us on back when we were still running those little cars. Their continued support, along with all of our amazing sponsors, keeps us moving forward both on and off the track.
The season goal has been to finish races, and he’s amazed us with his progress week after week 🌟. Now we just need to stay as positive off the track as we do on it. Here’s to 9/6 and the next step forward! 🔜🏎️
#RaccioRacing #SKLight #FromWreckToRespectable #SeatTime #Perseverance #Teamwork #CleanRacing
Safety, Friendship, and the Rebuild
We came into the weekend confident after a strong practice on 8/21, with the car dialed in and ready to go 🏎️. Anthony started 9th in a competitive 18-car field.
The format was a little different this week, with no heat race and just two short practices before the feature. Right from the green flag 🟢, the race turned into a survival contest. Multiple crashes quickly thinned the field, and by the end, only 7 cars were left running.
Unfortunately, Anthony was one of the 11 drivers who didn’t make it to the checkered flag 🏁. Midway through the race, a car spun in traffic and came to a stop in the middle of the turn. Despite his spotter’s call — “Crash, go high!” — there was nowhere to go. Anthony clipped the stopped car, which sent him sliding up the track toward another competitor who had already crashed into the wall 🚧. With the track blocked, there was simply no way out.
Crashing in racing sucks 💥. Unlike your street car, you can’t call your insurance agent and file a claim 📞. Instead, you pay the deductible in the form of bent tie rods, broken suspension parts, and a lot of late nights in the garage 🔧. (If only Progressive offered a “Race Car Policy” with pit crew roadside assistance! 🛠️😂)
But as frustrating as the wreck was, the weekend still left us with two important takeaways:
1️⃣ Safety – All 11 drivers who didn’t finish walked away without injury 🙏. Anthony’s safety equipment did its job, and while he was sore on Monday, he’s already focused on the next race 💪. That’s what matters most.
2️⃣ Friendship – Racing brings people together ❤️, and sometimes, those same people get caught up in the same wrecks. Anthony ended up tangled with a driver he’s been friends with since his very first year of quarter midget racing 🏁. She’s a respectful, clean driver, and everyone knew this was just one of those “racing deals.” No hard feelings — just mutual respect 🤝.
We rebuilt, regrouped, and are coming back stronger 🔥. After all, that’s racing.
The car is back together and ready for the 8/30 race. Bring it on! 🚀
#RaccioRacing #SKLite #ThatsRacing #SafetyFirst #FriendshipInRacing #BackStronger
🏁 50 Lap Race Recap 🏁
Grateful for all the support.
On August 9th, the 50-lap feature was the biggest race of the season so far, with a full field of 19 cars. 🚗💨 Starting 15th, Anthony stayed focused, worked well with his spotter 🎧, and managed to avoid multiple wrecks happening all around him.
The scariest moment came when he was spun from behind and ended up facing the wrong way in the grass. 🌱😳 Thankfully, the other drivers avoided his car, and Anthony was able to get back on track. (Meanwhile, Mom’s heart rate monitor would have been off the charts — pretty sure the Fitbit thinks she ran a 5K just from watching! 🏃♀️⌚️😂)
Through perseverance and determination 💪, Anthony drove his way to a hard-earned 7th-place finish in a very competitive race.
This race also included an autograph session ✍️📸 where Anthony had the chance to meet fans and sign hero cards — a great experience that made the night even more special.
We’re so grateful for our sponsors 🙌, our pit crew 🔧 (with Matt always being reliable 👊), and all the friends who stop by to see us and cheer Anthony on. Special thank you to the Bourgeois family for their support. ❤️
We’re proud of the progress so far, and even more excited for what’s still to come. Thank you to everyone who supports Anthony and Raccio Racing week after week — see you at the next race! 🏁💙
#RaccioRacing #TeamAnthony #PerseverancePaysOff #GrassrootsRacing #SKLight
Finding Our Groove 🏁🔧🔥
Saturday’s race brought some fresh changes: a new carburetor, new spark plugs, and better stagger than the week before. 💪 The car’s improving, but we’re still working through a few handling quirks—loose in some turns, tight in others. 😅 It’s all part of the grind, and we’re determined to get the car and driver clicking just right. 🛠️🚗💨
The best part? Sharing the day with family and friends. Their support in the pits and stands keeps us fueled and focused. ❤️🏟️
#RaccioRacing #SKLight #RaceRecap #TracksideSupport #NeverLift #FamilyAndFastLaps
Setup, Speed & Stagger
A fresh setup brought a new fast speed of 15.318, but the sticker tires threw our stagger off just enough to keep us on our toes.
A week full of learning, adjusting, and chasing the perfect balance.
Legend Jerry Pearl with Anthony
A rare moment for Dad to take a break
We’re learning that in racing, the more you figure out, the more you realize just how much there is left to learn. Every lap teaches you something — especially when things don’t go as planned.
This week, we made a different call: rather than starting tail in the feature, we chose to line up #10, at the end of the handicap—right where Anthony qualified. Starting mid-pack in a 17-car field wasn’t even on our radar back in May, and now, it’s a testament to how much confidence he’s gained in just a few short months.
We weren’t racing the previous week, but that didn’t mean we were resting. The car went to the Pearl family, who went through it bumper to bumper and gave us invaluable feedback—what we need to start doing, keep doing, and watch for in the future. Jeff put in countless hours working on the car, and on race day, Jerry was at the track offering Anthony guidance from the moment we unloaded. The knowledge this racing family has—and shares—is incredible. We’re beyond grateful for the baseline they’ve helped us establish. It’s a gift.
As Anthony continues adjusting to the car, he’s gaining a sharper sense of what he wants it to do on track. He’s still learning how to make those adjustments a reality, and while that can be frustrating at times, he knows the car has serious power. He proved it this week with his fastest lap yet: 15.318.
Patience, perseverance, and setup tweaks—it’s all part of the ride. Watching Anthony battle side by side with seasoned racers is a sight we’ll never get tired of. This first-year journey has been wild, and we’re so thankful to our sponsors for making it possible. We’re not just building speed—we’re building memories, as a family.
#RaccioRacing 🏁 #SKLight 🚗 #RaceRecap 📋
#NeverLift 💪 #RacingCommunity 🤝 #GratefulHeart ❤️
#ThankYouSponsors 🙌 #PearlPower 🔧
Focus, Growth & Forward Momentum
The video thumbnail for week six’s recap features members of the Bahre Motorsports team — and for good reason. Last year, Anthony was lucky to drive for Bahre Motorsports in the Junior Half class at Silver City Quarter Midget Club. That experience gave him his first real taste of speed behind the wheel and sparked the drive that led us to Waterford Speedbowl and the SK Light division. We’re incredibly grateful for that opportunity and the role it played in his racing journey. 🙌
On July 12, we hit the track with focus and determination — and it showed! Every lap was an opportunity to learn, grow, and fine‑tune our performance. 🚗💨
Starting 15th in the field, Anthony drove a steady and confident race, working his way up to finish 12th. He stayed composed even as the action heated up around him, making smart moves and showing continued progress in a competitive field.
🎥 Check out the highlights, including in‑car footage, 360‑degree views, and key moments from the night:
👉 Watch the video on YouTube
Of course, none of this behind-the-scenes content would be possible without our growing media crew — which proudly includes Mom, confidently pressing buttons on the 360‑degree GoPro and somehow capturing magic (even if she’s not totally sure how). 🔴🟢 Go Mom!
We’re proud of the strides we’re making and so thankful for the support of our incredible sponsors, fans, and crew. Your encouragement keeps us moving forward — one lap at a time.
📆 More racing ahead — stay tuned!
#RaccioRacing #SKLight #RaceRecap #NeverLift #GrassrootsRacing #ThankfulForOurRoots #GoProMom
Not Last, Not First, But One Heck of a Finish
Taking 7th place by 0.0286 seconds!
Week 5 Recap: 7th never looked so good.
There are wins, there are losses—and then there are the races that remind you why we love this sport.
This week’s race wasn’t about the trophy. It was about heart, hustle, and a finish line showdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats. After battling through every lap, every corner, and every restart, our driver nosed ahead in the final stretch — securing 7th place by just .0286 seconds.
Taking 7th place by 0.0286 seconds!
Let that sink in. 0.0286 seconds. That’s less than a blink. Less than the time it takes to cheer. But it was just enough to take that spot and prove that every inch, every moment, every bit of effort matters.
It’s easy to focus on podium finishes, but it’s moments like this that show a racer’s grit—the never-lift mentality, the drive to fight for every position no matter where you are in the pack.
Adding to the excitement, Anthony had his framiglia at the track—friends who feel like family—watching him race, some for the first time. Their support, cheers, and big smiles made the day even more special.
Thanks to the Torres and Sandt families for joining us!
We’re proud of the push, the finish, and the fire. 🔥
🎥 Catch the action here: https://youtu.be/NTozkaphUE0
On to the next one. 💪🏁 Stay tuned as we hightlight more of our amazing sponsors next week. We couldn’t do this without you and are very grateful for you every week.
#RaccioRacing #SKLight #Thankyousponsors #.0286seconds #RaceRecap #Teamwork
The Wait Is Over: Race Day Returns!
A moment worth more than any trophy — Anthony and Dad after a night of hard work, fast laps, and racing with heart.
Week 4 Recap: Back on Track and Gaining Ground
After what felt like forever off the track thanks to a string of rainouts, the skies finally cut us a break — and we were back in action for Week 4!
New to the car this week but already part of the team — proud to have Pat Munger Construction on board for the ride!
This race was extra special for the Raccio Racing crew — it marked the first time Pat Munger Construction’s logo hit the track with us! Munger Construction isn’t just a sponsor; they’re like family. The values they bring to their work — craftsmanship, integrity, and pride — are the same ones Anthony carries every time he gets behind the wheel. We’re honored to represent them.
Off the track, the Raccio Racing crew had been hard at work reworking the setup — and that effort wouldn’t have been possible without Eric and Evan Bourgeois, the Waterford 2024 SK Light Champions. They aren’t just winners — they’re a powerhouse father-son team who generously shared their time, experience, and (most of) their setup secrets to help us fix a few key things. The difference was huge. As Anthony said: the car feels “100% better.” (Technical term. 😉)
With the new setup, Anthony made his first real passes of the season, driving with more confidence and control than ever. Starting from 13th, he battled up through the field to finish 7th, clocking his fastest lap time to date. The car was dialed in, and Anthony looked sharp behind the wheel all night.
🎥 Catch the action here: https://youtu.be/eQnAWfNvk6k
Huge thanks to Pat Munger Construction and the Bourgeois family for their support and belief in our team. On to Week 5 — we’re just getting started!
#RaccioRacing #SKLight #PatMungerConstruction #RaceRecap #Teamwork
Finding Speed and Staying Sharp: Week 3 Recap
Week three of the season brought some exciting milestones for the Raccio Racing team. We were especially proud to welcome one of our amazing sponsors, HAR/MAC LLC, to the track. It was a full-circle moment as Anthony's Uncle, Aunt, and cousins cheered him on from the stands—thank you for being part of our journey!
Family in the stands and in the seat! Thank you to HAR/MAC LLC for supporting Anthony both on and off the track. 💚🚗
On the track, Anthony hit his fastest lap time yet, a clear sign that he’s not just driving—he’s starting to feel what the car is doing. With growing confidence, we’re beginning to explore adjustments and fine-tune the setup based on his feedback. It’s a learning curve every week, and we continue to leave the track with new insights and a to-do list for the garage.
Anthony started in 10th position and brought the car home in 11th, but the real victory came in his quick thinking and composure. Two incidents happened in close proximity to his car—before the yellow flag even came out—and he skillfully avoided both. That kind of awareness and calm under pressure shows just how far he’s come in a short time.
We’ll enjoy a well-earned break over Memorial Day weekend, but we’ll be back and ready to go on May 31st when the SK Lights return to the track. Thanks for following along—see you soon!
Make sure to follow our journey throughout the 2025 season—there’ll be plenty of updates, photos, and shoutouts to the amazing sponsors who help make this possible.
👉 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/raccioracing
👉 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@raccioracing
Stay tuned — we’re just getting started.
#RaccioRacing #TracksideTogether #LearningEveryRace #SupportOurSponsors
More Laps, More Confidence: Anthony’s Solid Second Week
Week Two at the Speedbowl brought a clean, caution-free race from green to checkered — and another step forward for the Raccio Racing team. Anthony started 15th in the feature and held his own in a competitive field, working his way up to finish 13th.
Despite some low sun glare and no breaks to regroup, Anthony ran a consistent race, staying focused and hitting his marks. The seat time is paying off, and the gains are starting to show on track.
It’s been an exciting start to the season, and the team is proud of the steady progress. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum as the season unfolds.
Make sure to follow our journey throughout the 2025 season—there’ll be plenty of updates, photos, and shoutouts to the amazing sponsors who help make this possible.
👉 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/raccioracing
👉 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@raccioracing
Stay tuned — we’re just getting started.
#RaccioRacing #SKLite #WaterfordSpeedbowl #WeekTwoRecap #SeatTimeCounts #CheckeredChasing
The Power of a Pit Crew and Family: Anthony’s First Race Highlights
Pit Crew Blast Off Weekend New London Waterford Speedbowl
Fueled by Family, Driven to Succeed
This past weekend marked an exciting milestone for Anthony as he completed his first race in an SK Light at New London Waterford Speedbowl, surrounded by a strong team of family and friends. Their support fueled not just his spirit, but his performance on the track.
Anthony’s practice and qualifying sessions went smoothly, setting the tone for the race. He qualified 11th and, crossed the finish line 10th — a strong result for his first race at the Speedbowl!
More important than positions, though, was the overwhelming support Anthony felt every step of the way. From the pit crew to friends in the stands, the encouragement was constant and made the whole weekend even more memorable. 📸 Here’s a recap of the weekend in photos!
With the first race under his belt and momentum building, Anthony is ready to keep pushing forward. Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer him on — the journey is just getting started!
Stay tuned for more updates as we hit the track again next weekend. 🏁
Make sure to follow our journey throughout the 2025 season—there’ll be plenty of updates, photos, and shoutouts to the amazing sponsors who help make this possible.
👉 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/raccioracing
👉 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@raccioracing
📸 Here’s a recap of the weekend in photos!
It was worth the wait!
Thanks, Joe! We couldn't have done this without you. Your support has been vital to our journey at Waterford Speedbowl. Here’s to more track time ahead!
Anthony Raccio hit the track at the Waterford Speedbowl for his first SK Lite practice on April 17, 2025. It was an exciting and successful night, filled with great progress and positive momentum. We’re incredibly thankful for the friends and family who came out to show their support—it meant the world to us. We’re already looking forward to getting back at it for another strong practice on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Here’s video highlights from this memorable first run!
Make sure to follow our journey throughout the 2025 season—there’ll be plenty of updates, photos, and shoutouts to the amazing sponsors who help make this possible.
👉 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/raccioracing
👉 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@raccioracing
📸 And stay tuned for photos from the next practice!
First Laps of 2025: Raccio Racing Hits the Track!
First Laps of 2025: Raccio Racing Hits the Track
