MOORESVILLE, NC: Reaume Brothers Racing is excited to welcome back former RBR employee and development driver Stephen Mallozzi this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. The Swedesboro, New Jersey native returns to Martinsville after his NASCAR oval debut in 2023, returning with longtime support from Stacking Dennys and Win the Race, as well as first time partner Ozark Rods to the Paper Clip.

Starting his career in go karts, Mallozzi racked up multiple Northeast Karting Challenge championships. Teams took notice, and Stephen Mallozzi traveled to Portugal to represent the United States in the World Karting Championships. His success, however, came to a sudden halt with his father’s terminal cancer diagnosis. This was a huge hit both professionally and personally to Mallozzi, who stepped away from racing to focus on his father’s care.

As the years went on, Stephen expressed frustration to his family regarding his goal of NASCAR never being reached. He took inspiration from his father, who had lived with cancer for the last five years, ultimately working his way back into racing. He found a home at Reaume Brothers Racing, with team owner Josh Reaume taking him under his wing as a development driver for the organization. Strapping into a late model for the first time in 2021, he gained the experience needed to make the jump to NASCAR. Stephen debuted in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2022, driving an RBR entry at Mid-Ohio. Finishing 22nd in his debut, all of the heartache and struggle to make it was worth-while when Mallozzi climbed out of his No. 43 and went straight to his father, who was waiting on pit road.

As 2023 rolled in, Mallozzi wasn’t finished in NASCAR, ultimately making his oval debut at Martinsville with AM Racing. Following his first run at the half mile, he then made the six-hour drive through the night to his job as a part-time server at Outback Steakhouse, working his shift the following morning. After a call on social media for a collaboration, dreams became fruition, and Stephen Mallozzi partnered with his employer at the historic Bristol Motor Speedway. Racing under the AM Racing banner once again, the No. 22 Outback Ford F-150 took to the high banks of Bristol, a viral sensation that was a peak in Mallozzi’s NASCAR career.

Continuing to represent Outback and his other key partners, Stephen Mallozzi is looking forward to his next start at Martinsville, a place where confidence lies in his return to the Paper Clip.

“I am super excited to be back with Reaume Brothers Racing. Everyone at the shop is like a second family to me. Without Josh Reaume and all of the hardworking people at RBR, my career never would’ve happened. I’m grateful for every single opportunity I get behind the wheel, and I am so thankful for all of my partners who have trusted me to represent their brands with pride.”

“Returning to a track for a second time should be a huge step up for me. I’ve obviously been playing catch-up every time I’ve been to the track with the short practices. But with Martinsville, I’ve been there. I’ve raced there. I am excited to see what we can do at the Paper Clip.”

Josh Reaume, Owner of Reaume Brothers Racing and mentor to Stephen Mallozzi, has seen the young driver’s story progress through the years, and is hopeful that his previous start at Martinsville can be fruitful to not just Mallozzi, but the organization as a whole. “Stephen is a die hard racer that refuses to give up. His ability to continue to create opportunities for himself in this sport all while pursuing a law degree is a true testament to his intelligence and abilities as an individual. I take pride in being the first owner to give Stephen his shot in NASCAR, and I look forward to continuing our successful relationship this weekend at Martinsville.”

Watch Stephen Mallozzi in the Ozark Rods/Stacking Dennys No. 22 Ford F-150 at Martinsville Speedway, Friday April 5th at 7:30 PM EST on FS1.

 

About Reaume Brothers Racing:

Entering its seventh year in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Reaume Brothers Racing was founded on the ideas of inclusivity and positivity. From the mind of Josh Reaume came a blossoming organization, proudly the most diverse team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Driven by engineering and supported by Ford Performance, Reaume Brothers Racing continues to grow into a championship contending organization.

For more information, visit rbrteams.com, and follow us on all social media channels at @rbrteams.

About Ozark Rods:

Backed by renowned fishermen Hayden Jeffries and Lamar Bunting, Ozark Rods provides the highest quality Crappie and Livescope rods on the market. Their flagship pole, The Machine, includes a 12” Cork handle, reinforced bait holder, and micro eyelets for line wrap support.

For more information, visit ozarkrod.com.

About Stacking Dennys:

Stacking Dennys is a NASCAR podcast featuring Jordan McAbee of Fantasy Racing Online and Nick Griffen of The Action Network. The two discuss Fantasy NASCAR strategies and top bets for the upcoming race, as well as race recaps, race previews, and other news and notes from the motorsports industry.

For more information, visit fantasyracingonline.com, and listen to the Stacking Dennys podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.