Californian dreaming big in Bunbury

American sprintcar driver Dominic Scelzi is not in WA for a Christmas holiday — he wants to drive fast and win.

The Californian arrived in Australia earlier this month and is now preparing to take on the State’s best in the USA vs WA Sprintcar Speedweek series, which returns from a 10-year hiatus, on Boxing Day at the QUIT Bunbury Speedway.

Scelzi is driving for Wormall Motorsports throughout the series and will team with fellow countryman Brian Brown to take on the likes of Jason Kendrick, Jamie and Brad Miaolo and teammate Mitch Wormall in the illustrious series.

Scelzi said racing in WA had been different, but a hit out at the Perth Motorplex earlier this month in the WA Sprintcar Championship had helped him adjust.

“The competition is good, there are a lot of really nice cars,” he said.

“Back home I am used to racing against about 30 to 40 competitors, compared to around 20.

“But these 20 cars are really stout so in some ways it has been similar to home and in other ways different.”

Scelzi said he was prepared ahead of the series.

“In the State title we had a little issue with the brakes and that hampered us a little bit. But we ran a 360 show at Kwinana last week and we were extremely fast,” he said.

“I think we are on pace and I am looking forward to the Speedweek.”

Scelzi said he was excited to team with Brown for the four-night series, which is held at Perth Motorplex and Bunbury.

“He is one of the best in the States,” he said.

“We race against each other all the time back home. But here there are phenomenal facilities and some good drivers. But hopefully we can take the title back to California.”

Scelzi said there was already a bit of banter between him and teammate Mitch Wormall.

“We are good buddies and it is all in good fun,” he said. “We want to see a Wormall car win this thing.

“But if the title stays in WA, we are coming back next year to bring it home.”

QUIT Bunbury Speedway promotions manager Andrew Roberts said the track was ready to host both meets on Boxing Day and December 30. Roberts said the competition was set to be fierce.

“This is the first time it (Speedweek) has been back for a while and the Americans have come over with one thing on their mind,” he said.