Part 3 of 3
As most people know, racing is a huge financial drain on those at the grass-roots level. As such, Dion works a regular “day job” in addition to his work at Dover Downs. Dion has found ways to minimize the financial impact—his team operates in a small garage behind his house in suburban Severn, Maryland. Furthermore, the garage was literally built by Dion from the ground up, using supplies from his various sponsors. Regardless, his career is not a profitable enterprise, and instead the team aims to “almost break even”. Hurting matters even more are the constant rule changes Nascar imposes—a $2400 carburetor Dion had bought recently was to become obsolete in only 6-12 months.
Despite all of these obstacles, Dion has remained upbeat and extraordinarily positive—one of the true “good guys” in racing. He still views racing as his full time job, and more importantly as his long-term goal. While sponsors, volunteers, and equipment are always in demand, Dion has continued to push ahead towards the future.

Dion Ciccarelli is not living the glamorous lifestyle of a Nextel Cup superstar. His life is one planted firmly in reality. However, he is one of the very few special people who get to live his dream every day of his life. Who wouldn’t want that?

Back to low-brow humor tomorrow