An introspective man, Domenico Merlino is the type of racer who thrives on achieving the precise balance between car control and absolute speed. Domenico learned to exercise self control at an early age, and he has applied this to racing since he was seventeen, when he began competing in the Sports Car Club of America (S.C.C.A.) autocrossing to steadily advance his racing career.

Domenico began his road racing involvement by modifying and preparing cars for S.C.C.A. events. At the age of seventeen Domenico took the wheel himself, autocrossing in 1986 - 1987 and 1989. Domenico progressed steadily and with backing from Ace Hardware Ltd. cracked the tough "Top Ten", finishing 9th out of 50 competitors.

Having tested open wheel racing by attending the Techniques of Driving Course at the famed Jim Russell Racing Drivers School at Laguna Seca Raceway, Domenico knew that he had found the best format to reach his full potential. Driving Formula Fords and Formula Russells, prepared as evenly as possible and with cars selected by draw, Domenico would no longer be financially disadvantaged. On this "level playing field" Domenico has made good, solid progress and has impressed instructors and competitors alike with his smooth, cool driving style, while always making the best of the varying challenges that all-out open-wheel racing presents. In 1990 Domenico finished 10th out of 87 competitors, again cracking the tough "Top Ten". During his return debut to the Russell Series in September of 1999 he impressed his peers with a stellar performance. Finishing 5th in class with little track time on an unfamiliar track. In addition to his debut in September 1999, Domenico finished 1st in class during the August 12, 2000 Russell Championship Series race at Sears Point International Raceway. Once again impressing peers with his smooth and consistent driving style.

Domenico's 2003 schedule included a full season in the ESPN Russell Championship Series driving Formula Russells, a version of the well known Formula Mazda open wheel racer. The year proved to be very exciting.

Domenico continued his journey into 2004 with the ESPN Formula Russell Championship and ESPN Russell Karting Championship.