BREAKING: Former KCP racing star in Eldora Speedway Giovanni Scelzi now with the Clauson-Marshall Racing, sent a message to Tony Stewart concerning his.. 

In a move that has sent ripples across the dirt racing world, former KCP Racing standout Giovanni Scelzi has officially joined the Clauson-Marshall Racing team—shaking up the sprint car landscape ahead of the 2026 season. The announcement, made early Sunday morning at the Eldora Speedway Fall Nationals, ended weeks of speculation about Scelzi’s future after he departed from the KCP Racing program earlier this year.

But it wasn’t just the team switch that had fans and insiders buzzing. It was what came next.

Shortly after the announcement, Scelzi took to the podium to speak to the media—his tone both respectful and assertive—as he sent what many are interpreting as a direct message to NASCAR Hall of Famer and Eldora Speedway owner, Tony Stewart.

“I’ve always respected Tony’s legacy in motorsports. But this sport is evolving, and it’s time for new voices, new energy, and new rivalries to rise,” Scelzi said, staring directly into the camera before stepping down from the stage.

“We’re coming for everything.”

The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again

Giovanni Scelzi, 23, has been a rising star in the sprint car scene since his teenage years, carrying the weight of a famous racing name—his father, Gary Scelzi, is a legendary NHRA drag racer. Giovanni made headlines as the youngest driver to win a World of Outlaws feature at just 16, but his path to sustained dominance has been far from smooth.

After a promising stint with KCP Racing, where he collected a string of podium finishes and several marquee wins—including a dramatic photo-finish at the Knoxville Nationals Prelim Night in 2023—Scelzi’s 2024 season was plagued by inconsistency, internal team changes, and sponsorship uncertainty. While publicly he remained tight-lipped, rumors swirled that Scelzi and KCP management were at odds over equipment development and race scheduling.

Then, in mid-2025, Scelzi stunned fans when he quietly parted ways with KCP after a disappointing 13th-place finish at the Kings Royal in Eldora. Many speculated a break from full-time racing or even a move to NASCAR’s feeder system. Instead, he chose to double down on his dirt legacy.

Why Clauson-Marshall Racing?

Scelzi’s decision to align with Clauson-Marshall Racing (CMR) was seen by many as a calculated and symbolic choice. CMR, originally founded in memory of the late Bryan Clauson, has built a reputation not only for fielding competitive sprint and midget cars but for promoting a driver-first culture focused on long-term success.

CMR team principal Tim Clauson issued a statement shortly after the announcement:

“Gio brings not only elite talent but the kind of fire that defines champions. We’re honored to have him and are fully committed to giving him a platform to write his next chapter—his way.”

Sources close to the deal suggest that the multi-year contract includes expanded support across both the All Star Circuit of Champions and select World of Outlaws dates, with an emphasis on building a team around Scelzi’s aggressive driving style.

The Message to Tony Stewart: More Than Just Words?

While Scelzi’s brief comment about Stewart may seem like a passing remark, insiders believe it reflects deeper tensions within the dirt racing world. Stewart, a vocal figure in the sprint car community and owner of the prestigious Eldora Speedway, has long been seen as both a gatekeeper and a promoter of traditional racing values. His role in shaping modern sprint racing—through both Eldora and the All Star Circuit—gives him immense influence.

However, younger drivers like Scelzi represent a new wave, blending social media savvy with a more assertive, brand-first mindset. According to motorsports analyst Jake Renshaw, the moment was more than personal—it was generational.

“What you saw today was a statement. Gio’s telling Tony—and everyone else—that he’s not just here to race. He’s here to change the sport,” said Renshaw.

When asked to respond to Scelzi’s comment, Tony Stewart appeared unfazed:

“Giovanni’s a hell of a driver. If he’s coming for everything, I hope he’s ready for everything. Because it’s waiting for him,” Stewart said with a grin, before walking off.

Fan Reaction: Divided and Electric

Social media lit up immediately after the announcement and Scelzi’s comments, with hashtags like #ScelziShock, #GioVsSmoke, and #CMRTakeover trending throughout the afternoon. Fans were divided—some applauding Scelzi’s boldness and ambition, while others criticized the perceived disrespect toward Stewart, a motorsports icon.

One fan at Eldora posted a now-viral clip with the caption:

“Scelzi just lit the fuse. Eldora will never be the same.”

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Sprint Car Racing

Giovanni Scelzi’s move to Clauson-Marshall Racing marks more than just a team switch—it could signal the beginning of a new era in sprint car racing. With fresh rivalries, shifting alliances, and a bold new face determined to leave his mark, the dirt scene in 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years.

Whether Scelzi can deliver on his words remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he’s no longer just a young talent with a famous name—he’s a man with a mission.

And Tony Stewart? Well, he’s still the king of Eldora—for now.

Stay tuned to Motorsports Weekly for exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes updates, and full 2026 season coverage.