French rookie Latorre to lead the charge during famed Twelve Hours of Sebring doubleheader

PALMETTO, FLA. – The chase for Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda top honors commences for JAY Motorsports next week (March 14-15), when the Florida-based squad takes to the historic Sebring International Raceway road course in Florida. With up-and-coming French rookie Florian Latorre getting behind the wheel, the stage is set for strong start to the 14-race campaign.

For years, many of the top junior formula car teams have gathered in central Florida to commence their quests for supremacy via the prestigious Twelve Hours of Sebring event, and in 2013 JAY Motorsports will again be part of the mix. Having recently relocated to the sunshine state, the multiple SCCA National Championship-winning team is excited to get the USF2000 Championship underway with a talented series rookie behind the wheel. In Latorre, JAY Motorsports believes it has another up-and-comer capable of challenging for top honors, having previously helped both Nick Evans (2009) and Patrick Gallagher (2012) win the Formula Enterprises national title, and the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development scholarship.

Latorre recently made his North American racing debut with JAY Motorsports, contesting all six rounds of the pre-season Cooper Tires Winterfest series. Focused on becoming acclimated to USF2000 competition and developing both his No. 91 13th Avenue/JAY Motorsports Van Diemen Mazda entry, and the relationship with his new team, the former French Formula 4 National Auto Sport Academy Championship Rookie of the Year repeatedly impressed onlookers with his pace. Given Latorre earned two top-six qualifying efforts, JAY Motorsports is poised to begin the quest for championship top honors on a high note.

"After my first tests and my first races during Winterfest, I am extremely excited about the launch in a few days of the USF2000 Championship," stated Latorre. "It is clear that I will at least challenge for the Rookie of the Year award, I am also aiming for podiums and wins. Although I have less experience than many other drivers, I know that with JAY Motorsports and the assistance of the 13th Avenue management teams I have the chance to benefit from a exceptional leadership. That should allow me to progress rapidly in this competitive series. I can’t wait for Sebring in a few days. I'm ready, and so is my team!"

JAY Motorsports and its talented French rookie Latorre begin the 2013 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda campaign on Tuesday (March 12) with a pair of promoter's test days at the 3.74-mile Sebring International Raceway. As part of the 61st running of the renowned Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the action officially commences one day later with two 30-minute practice session. Thursday (March 14) features the lone qualifying run, prior to Round One at 1:35 pm local time. The season-opening doubleheader concludes on Friday (March 15) with a morning warm-up outing, followed by Round Two at 10:40 am. Live timing and scoring will be available at www.usf2000.com/Multimedia/Live.aspx.

Drivers interested in joining JAY Motorsports, are encouraged to contact team principal Jay Green. 

Additional information on JAY Motorsports can be obtained from the team’s website at www.jaymotorsports.com. For direct contact, please contact Jay Green at 304-610-5663 or jaymotorsports1@gmail.com, and keep up to date via Twitter @ jaymtrsprt and on Facebook @ JAYMotorsportsLLC.

Learn more about Florian Latorre at www.Florian-Latorre.com and keep up to date via Twitter @ FlorianLATORRE and Facebook @ Florian.LatorrePro.

###

About JAY Motorsports:
JAY Motorsports, LLC is a family owned and operated racing organization based in Florida. Led by former racer Jay Green, the team became one of the highest rated customer service representatives within the SCCA's spec categories. With countless wins in SCCA Club and Pro competition, the team has become a mainstay in junior driver development over the years. By winning the 2009 and 2012 SCCA Formula Enterprises National Championships, they propelled their drivers to win spots on the prestigious MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Team in 2009 and 2012. In addition to the 2009 and 2012 Runoffs gold medals, JAY Motorsports was the 2006 MARRS Spec Racer Ford champion, 2007 SCCA National Great Lakes Division Spec Racer Ford champion, 2008 SCCA National Great Lakes Division Spec Racer Ford and Formula Enterprises champion, 2008 SCCA Great Lakes/Central Division Formula Car Magazine Formula Enterprises champion, 2008 Carolina Cup Pro Series Spec Racer Ford champion, and 2009 SCCA Southeast Division ECR Spec Racer Ford champion. This past season, JAY Motorsports entered the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda full-time, contesting both the National and Championship classes.