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PODIUM CLUB SPOTLIGHT

Tony Szirka 

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Meet Tony Szirka, a founding member of the Podium Club and the owner/operator of UMS Tuning, a high performance tuning buiness based in Mesa, AZ.

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Born and raised in a small town in Romania, Tony immigrated to the USA at the age of 9, settling in a remote town in western Pennsylvania. Tony's adventurous spirit led him to serve three years in the army, during which he was stationed in Würzburg, Germany. It was there he met his wife, Shannon, with whom he's shared 31 wonderful years and raised two children, Tabitha and Ulrik.

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Tony's family shares his love for racing, with all of them having driven on track at some point. Tony has a multitude of hobbies, including playing the drums, RC cars, skiing, and hiking, though these have taken a back seat since he started his business. He is also an active presence at every GTA event, contributing in various capacities from tech to grid. Currently, Tony is focused on building his TTU/GTA Unlimited class Evo, which hasn't seen the track since 2017. When he's not immersed in the world of cars, Tony enjoys fine food, craft beer, and traveling.

How did your career in motorsport start?

Motorsport is a hard question, I was always into cars as far back as I can remember, got my first job at 11 and promptly got subscriptions to Hot rod, Popular Hot Rodding and Car Craft. I got my first car at 13 after my mom crashed it and I begged her to keep it and fix it and immediately started modifying it ... so I guess that was the beginning.
 

​What was the first race you ever attended or participated in?

I did my first track day with Gemini Racing at Phoenix International Raceway in a friend's 1978 Trans Am in 1996 ... actual competition was probably a year later. I started doing autocross in my 75 Firebird, then later the UMS Time Attack in like 2006.


Looking back to when you started in motorsport, where did you see this journey originally taking you?

I always looked at it as a hobby that I would do as I could afford it ... never thought it would become my daily task/adventure back then.


What would you say is your greatest motorsport achievement to date?

I'd think winning the NASA nationals at Laguna Seca in 2015 ... that one really was memorable. Learning a new track and continually improving session after session and having to beat a few very talented drivers was awesome.


What motivates you?

Exciting projects at the shop, getting to drive on a new track and driving a fast car on track probably top my list.


If you could participate in any motorsport event, what would it be?

World Time Attack Challenge in Sydney, in my car once sorted.  


Are there any race tracks on your bucket list that you have not driven yet?

Tons ... VIR, Road America, Watkins Glen just to name a few.

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How has being a member of the Podium Club community influenced your motorsport journey?

I feel like getting the opportunity to do A LOT of laps at one track and learning finer nuances gives you some insight into other tracks. You start noticing small details quicker and can get you up to speed faster at a new location because of it.

 

What is your favorite and least favorite corner at the Podium Club and why?

Counter clockwise turn seven is probably my favorite. Just the thrill of cresting a blind corner is exhilarating. Turn 4 clockwise often forces me into a mistake; visually it seems to be way less tight on run-off than it really is.

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If you had one day off to do anything in the world – but you could not race or be on the track – what would you do?

One day? That's tough ... Dinner with my wife at a unique restaurant/location that we hadn't been to.


If you could give the younger version of yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Take more chances in business.


What advice would you give to someone new to motorsport?

Be humble and go for rides with fast people when given the opportunity. There's always someone faster ... learn from them!

Tony is often at the Podium Club with customers, putting the final touches on custom tunes and builds. If you see him, stop and say hello.

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