Meet DSM: Gio Scelzi
Gio Scelzi’s connection to Iowa started with racing. While he had been familiar with Knoxville Raceway, it wasn’t until 2020 that Greater Des Moines (DSM) became a place he would call home.
Gio was first introduced to Iowa when he was a teenager with his first trip centered around working on a race car in Knoxville. "I always came here for Knoxville," Gio explained. "We would stay for the three weeks of Knoxville racing and spend some time in DSM. There was always more to see here."
Originally from Fresno, California, Gio’s decision to move to Iowa wasn’t easy. At just 16 years old, he moved to Indianapolis to pursue racing full time. In 2020, the global pandemic shifted everything. Gio was already signed to a team when an opportunity came from KCP Racing, a team based in Granger. After a lot of consideration and some back-and-forth phone calls, Gio made the decision to move to DSM.
“Iowa was a complete change of pace,” he said. "I didn't have any connection to the area except racing, but when I started to settle in, I realized I really loved it here."
Despite having family connections in California, Gio found a sense of peace and stability in DSM. He lived at the team house for a while, but it wasn’t until 2022 that he purchased his own house in Altoona.
"I like the slower pace," Gio admitted. "The people here are so much more willing to approach you, help you out. It's a totally different world from California."
What really appealed to Gio about DSM was the racing community in Knoxville, just an hour away.
"Winning at Knoxville is everything to a sprint car driver," Scelzi said, reflecting on the intensity of the Knoxville Nationals. "The atmosphere, the fans, the history — it’s the biggest race of the year for us. To win there, it would mean the world to me."
Gio has come close — he's finished in the top five and led laps — but the ultimate victory still eludes him.
"Being in the hunt for a win at Knoxville is a feeling I’ve never experienced before," he said. "It’s one thing to make the show, but being in the mix for a win is a whole other feeling."
Though Gio is still young at 23, he’s already made a name for himself in sprint car racing. He credits much of his success to the support he’s found in DSM.
“The people here are so welcoming,” Gio said. “Even though racing isn’t huge here, the people that are into it are so passionate. They’ve made me feel like I belong."
As for the future, Gio isn't sure where it will take him, but he knows one thing for sure: Des Moines and Knoxville will always be a part of his journey. "I don't know where I’ll end up, but for now, I’m happy here," he said. "Whether I’m racing or just living life, this city has become home."
Life in DSM
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