Oconomowoc, Wisc. - Pabst Racing announced the signing of a third driver today just prior to the 2017 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda season opener. Dutch karting phenom Rinus VeeKay will make his single-seater debut as a rookie with the team this weekend in Florida for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
16-year-old Rinus VeeKay began his racing career at the age of 8 and has already accumulated four karting championships. At just 12, he became the youngest Dutch Rotax Max Junior Champion and two years later, the youngest Vice-European Rotax Max Senior Champion. Recognition as a standout awarded him the opportunity to take part in his first single-seater test for the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires in 2015 where he first got his taste for the USF2000 Championship.
Rinus’ #21 Pabst Racing entry is supported by Jumbo Supermarkets, KNAF Talent First and Total as well as Quick Sports and Leisure Wear. The eager and passionate, VeeKay noted his goals and high expectations for the season.
“My goals are to make a lot of progression throughout the season,” said VeeKay. “And of course to win the USF2000 championship together with Pabst Racing as a rookie driver. I'm feeling very happy and proud to compete in this great championship, and to be part of the Pabst Racing team in my debut season in the USF2000 series.”
The announcement comes after much movement and a last minute change of plans as stars aligned for the two parties to team up for 2017. The process resulted in multiple tests and, ultimately, a signing with the Wisconsin-based, Pabst Racing.
Although the team was unsure if they’d be adding a third driver, Pabst Racing owner and team manager Augie Pabst is pleased and optimistic about this addition.
“We immediately saw that Rinus is the real deal," said Pabst. "He was the fastest driver on track both days at Sebring and I am confident that together we will achieve great things this USF2000 season."
In less than three days, all parties will be seen at work, as the first Streets of St. Petersburg practice will take place on Thursday evening.
About Pabst Racing:
Pabst Racing has been preparing winning racecars since 1983. The Pabst team was started by Augie Pabst Jr., former sports car racing legend from the 1950s and early 1960s who won many races and championships throughout his career. Current President Augie Pabst III (former driver as well), took over the business in 1991. By 1998 Augie III decided to focus on owning and maintaining a wide variety of winning racecars including SCCA Spec Racer, Shelby Can-Am, 911 Porsche, Ford Mustang GT-1 and primarily Van Diemen Formula 2000 cars. For more information please visit www.PabstRacing.com.