Dirt
TRIBUTE
Mark
Adelizzi
[ 1956-2020 ]
Flatout Gaskets celebrates
founder’s life
By Lisa Collier
The motorsports world lost an
icon on March 26, 2020. Mark J.
Adelizzi, founder of Flatout Gaskets,
passed away after a courageous battle
with cancer.
In 1999, Adelizzi took a leap of faith, striking
out on his own to form Flatout Group. The
company started small with graphics, but soon
became an industry leader. Flatout Gaskets are
the choice for countless champions across the
highest performing classes in drag racing.
Adelizzi worked closely with top engine builders
and manufacturers to provide solutions and
innovation. Even before his brilliance was noticed
through his own brainchild, Adelizzi was a fixture
in the industry, working at Fel-Pro for 20 years.
“We strive for a high-quality product,” Adelizzi
said of Flatout in a 2018 interview. “I only use the
highest quality products available on the market.
I don’t wanna take a chance with a guy’s $80,000
engine just because something in the material
failed or leaked. I won’t have it. So I’m always on
overkill when it comes to materials. I’m always
seeking the best coatings and materials to help
improve the products. Quality is numero uno
here. We push it pretty hard.”
It’s that commitment and Adelizzi’s drive and
innovation that made Flatout Gaskets an industry
leader with a wide range of offerings, covering
everything from design to production in all types
of metals.
Adelizzi was born September 26, 1956 in
Waukegan, Ill. to Joseph and Elaine and is survived
by his brother, sister, nephews and beloved
hunting dogs. He treasured his family and lived
with a loyalty and generosity that can be attested
by many through the racing community. Even
before his own diagnosis, Adelizzi was a board
member for Lemons of Love, further evidence of
his magnanimity.
In addition to his clear passion for racing, Adelizzi
enjoyed jewelry making, hunting, motorcycle
riding, photography, playing the drums, and
engaging with friends and family on Facebook.
Adelizzi made a timely Facebook post less than
a month before his passing:
The lake calls me everyday. Sometimes I can’t
stay away. Other times it’s just out of reach. The
longer I go the more I want it. It is the unwavering
constant, warm or cold, stormy or calm. It is peace.
The sound, the smell, the sun, the surf, the
breeze, I can see why the sailor knows no love
other than the sea.
The shore is always different due to many variables,
but never disappoints in its collection of
things to harvest. Sticks and stones will break
the bones but never stop me from satisfying my
need for pocket full of beach glass.
I will always return here, even in the end. Eternal
peace will find me here if you ever need a
friend. Until then, we will fight to avoid becoming
the dust in the sea.
MJA
3/1/20
A memorial service for Adelizzi is planned
for a later date on Lake Michigan, where he
found peace. DI
30 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated.com Issue 156