Venetia Man Captures Two Racing Titles

Ray Santomo, of Venetia, has won both the Sports Car Club of America's (SCCA) Steel Cities Region overall championship and the SCCA KrydeRacing Series, International Touring B championship, for 2011.

Santomo won both of these titles in 2010 and repeats the performance again in 2011. The difference this year is the impressive record of wins and consistency. Santomo participated in 12 races. He finished first in 11 races, and third in one in a field of veteran drivers—at three different tracks.

This is Santomo's fourth year at racing the SCCA series and he has racked up stellar performances, starting with a Steel Cities rookie of the year award and Finger Lakes ITE championship in 2008.

In 2009, he won a Steel Cities fourth place overall and a second place overall in the KrydeRacing series. In 2010, Santomo won both the Steel Cities and KryderRacing championships and rose to the top again this year.

"We had our sights set high all year and never took our eye off the ball," said Santomo. "My crew chief (my father Scott) and sponsor (Pete's European Techniques) gave me a great car to race this year and we prevailed with their dedication and perseverance, along with help from the Hoosier Tire Co. and Volkswagen of America."

“Ray could have possibly won all 12 races this year if I had not missed the set up at Watkins Glen," said his crew chief. "I made the car way to loose and Ray still managed to muscle it home with a third place finish."

Looking forward, Santomo would like to move into the SCCA super touring series or open wheel classes, and said he is looking for a ride and sponsor to achieve that goal.