Edmonton racecar underdog needs help against U.S. Goliath

Albertaracecardriver Stefan Rzadzinski is turning to Canadians to chase down his driving dreams.

The 24-year-old from Edmonton is one of two Canadians in a pool of 10 North American driversall vying for online votes to compete in the upcoming Miami Race of Champions.

Rzadzinski said driving in the championship would be like playing alongside Wayne Gretzky in his heyday.

"It's motor sports fantasy camp," he said.

He's pitted against American driver Conor Daly, 24, the son of Formula One racer Derek Daly.

On Saturday, Rzadzinskipulled ahead by more than 1,000 votes but said Daly's corporate sponsors couldcrush that lead.Daly is backed by motor sportgroups such as Indycar.

"They've got a really big network and I'm kind of this nobody from Edmonton who's a little guy trying to make a big noise," Rzadzinski said.

I'm kind of this nobody from Edmonton who's a little guy trying to make a big noise.- Stefan Rzadzinski

"I think my real advantage is that Edmontonians love getting behind their own."

Rzadzinski started racing go-kartsat age eight, and has been on the Canadian racing circuit ever since. His first word was "car" in Polish, he said.

"Nothing makes me feel the way racing does," he said.

"It makes me who I am, and I just want to pursue it."

Voting closes on Mondayand Rzadzinski is pleading with Canadians to get him into the raceon theRace of Champions Facebook page.

Rzadzinski said racing against his idols on Jan. 21 and 22 is the best opportunity he has to launch an international career.

"There's a lot of talented people, but not everyone gets a shot," he said about motor sports.

"I still have full faith, and I havehad since the beginning, thatEdmontoniansandAlbertansand Canadians can help me get there."