MINNEAPOLIS, MIN. – Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda title contenders Afterburner Autosport are very pleased to announce the addition of junior formula car standout Gib 'Gibby' Gibson to it team personnel line-up for the 2012 season. The Illinois-native will be a key ingredient in the squad's initial foray into Mazda Road to Indy competition.

One of Afterburner Autosport's primary objectives is to give its drivers all the resources to achieve success. A key component in meeting this goal is having a stellar group of personnel under the team awning. The Minneapolis-based squad has taken large step in that effort with signing of renowned mechanical engineer Gibson. The racing veteran adds not only a winning pedigree to the squad, having won numerous races and championships in the junior formula car ranks, but also extensive knowledge and experience, particularly in pro Formula 2000 competition. Gibson will act as the Lead Engineer for Afterburner Autosport in 2012, commencing with the USF2000 season-opener at Sebring International Raceway.

"We are extremely pleased to have Gibby working with us this season," stated Afterburner Autosport Team Principal Tim Walsh. "His knowledge and expertise in second to none, and he will be big asset to the drivers and the team as a whole."

Known throughout the junior formula car ranks as 'Gibby', Gibson is one of the premier engineer/mechanics. Over the course of two plus decades in motorsports, he has established a reputation of not only running some of the best prepared race cars, but also helping drivers and teams reach their maximum potential. Gibson as a result has helped drivers and teams win numerous races and championships in both the amateur and pro junior formula car ranks. Gibson is a former SCCA Mechanic of the Year.

Afterburner Autosport's inaugural season of Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda competition commences on March 15-16, with the season-opening doubleheader running in conjunction with the 60th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida. Prior to Rounds One and Two, the team will continue its off-season testing program, with interested drivers encouraged to contact the team about race or testing opportunities in the USF2000 Championship and other Formula 2000 competition. Further announcements regarding Afterburner Autosport are expected shortly.

For more information regarding Afterburner Autosport, please visit www.AfterburnerAutosport.com. For direct contact, please email afterburnerautosport@gmail.com or call 630-251-1709.

Keep up to date via Twitter @ ABautosport1 and Facebook page @ Afterburner-Autosport.

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Afterburner Autosport was formed in 2010 with the sole purpose of leading the way in the USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda competition. Under the guidance of two-time SCCA Formula Continental National Champion Brian Tomasi and fellow F2000 racer and engineer Tim Walsh, the team has over 20 years of experience in open-wheel competition. The Minnesota, Min.-based squad, having captured two podium finishes in its inaugural pro racing season last year, will make its USF2000 Championship debut in 2012, fielding multiple cars in the top Championship class.