INDIANAPOLIS - Belardi Auto Racing is proud to announce its third seat for the 2013 Cooper Tires USF2000 Presented by Mazda season has been filled by Skip Barber notable Danilo Estrela.

A 19-year-old from Goiânia, Brazil, Estrela began his racing career like most open-wheel drivers: karting.  After a successful two years in karting, Danilo set his eyes on formula and touring cars and began making waves throughout Europe.

2010 brought a huge change for Danilo as he made a move to America to begin his career in North American motorsport. The Brazilian became a Skip Barber Karting Shootout winner which allowed him to have a fully funded ride in the BFGoodrich Skip Barber National Championship where he scored one win, four podiums and many top fives.  From there Estrela again competed in the shootout where he won for the second year in a row, and followed with another successful National Championship season where he captured all pole positions and clinched six wins out of the season's 12 events.

"I am really happy to join Belardi Auto Racing," Estrela said. "The whole team is awesome and I am really thankful for all the help and effort that [team owner] Brian, the engineers, mechanics and everyone has put in. They have made my job as a driver a lot easier.

"Working with the team at the Chris Griffis Memorial Mazda Road to Indy test, and again at Sebring a few weeks ago, showed me that this is a team I can be successful with, and I really just can't wait to start the season with them. I have to mention JJRD and Jonatan Jorge for continuing to help me and guide me through my racing career."

Team owner Brian Belardi is equally excited saying, "Danilo is a going to be a great addition to the Belardi Auto Racing team. He was quick and adapted very well when he tested with us at IMS last October, so we gave him another test at Sebring during a team test a few weeks ago and continued to impress us. The whole team is really pleased with his work ethic and excitement, and we are really just happy to have him."

Estrela joins the diverse program at Belardi Auto Racing with American Matt McMurry, as well as Canadian Daniel Burkett.  The new teammates will officially kick off the 2013 season at Sebring International Raceway as the USF2000 series supports the 61st 12 Hours of Sebring for the American Le Mans Series.
 
About Belardi Auto Racing   
Belardi Auto Racing is a Cooper Tires Presents USF2000 Powered by Mazda and Firestone Indy Lights team based in Brownsburg, Indiana.  2012 brought two race wins, 12 podiums, 20 top-five finishes and 50 top-tens. Additionally, the 2011 season saw two wins, 10 podiums, 17 top-fives and 36 top-tens.  Follow the team on Twitter, Facebook or their official website, www.BelardiAutoRacing.com.