He dreamed of a chance to race at the famous Glen where such legends as the younger Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittapaldi and the late James Hunt and Gilles Villenueve competed.
That dream came true during the weekend of Oct. 21 as amateur Picelle, driving the Allen Racing Products/Allen Aircraft-backed Porsche 944, finished the season on a high note, taking a fourth- and a first-place finish.
Picelle was entered for the two races in a one-time appearance with the 944 Cup series and the Eastern Motor Racing Association (EMRA).
Prior to that, Picelle and CARVAL Motorsports (operated by he and wife Valarie) cinched the fifteen race GTS series points championship conducted by the Ohio/Indiana Region of NASA (National Auto Sport Association), racing in GTS-2 class.
Picelle had three race wins and twelve podium finishes to complete the successful season, repeating as class champion. GTS, (German Touring Sportscar) is a road racing series, held in a four state area on racetracks such as historic Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Picelle, who operates Franklin Square Deli in Kent, also gained support and sponsorship in 2005from Goodyear Tire Co., Porsche performance tuners Steinels Autowerks in Twinsburg, Action Auto Body in Streetsboro, Kent businesses Advanced Display Systems, Flynns Tire and Service Centers, Campus Camera and Imaging and AGS-Auto Glass Systems.
