Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing star finished second in title fight following win and third-place finish in Houston
LOS GATOS, CALIF. – The 2013 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda season ended for Neil Alberico over the weekend (October 5-6) in the same manner it started, with a visit to victory lane. The highly-regarded Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing pilot further showcased his talents behind the wheel during the season-finale doubleheader on the streets of Houston, Texas, capturing the win in Round 13 and finishing third in Round 14, ultimately taking home second place in the title fight.
One of two racers in contention for the championship crown entering the twin bill on the street circuit that circulates Reliant Park in Houston, Alberico was confident he could yet again challenge for top honors in the season-finale.
Overcoming the challenges of a bumpy new track and limited time on-course due to circuit issues and multiple stoppages, Alberico showcased his intentions during the lone qualifying run, just missing the pole position - a mere 0.111s back - en route to a front-row starting position for race one of the doubleheader.
Alberico, as expected, was one the racers to watch when the talented USF2000 rolled back on-course for Round 13 one day later. The No. 2 Racelite Protection/Bondurant School of High Performance Driving/eFormulaCarNews.com/J&M Trophies/OMP America/Cape Motorsports pilot held his starting position when the green flag waved, content to follow his championship-leading teammate and wait for any opportunities. Aware that a win was required to potentially take home the series title, the 2013 Cooper Tires Winterfest champion, former USA Scholarship winner, and former Bondurant Championship title winner executed a bold outside pass for the lead on the penultimate lap. Never relinquishing the top spot from that point forward, Alberico was the first racer to the checkered flag, securing his series high six victory of the year. The championship, however, was decided, with his teammate coming home in third.
Given the title had been decided, and Alberico's second place position in the final point standings had been secured, race two of the Houston doubleheader was all about ending the year on high note. The 20 year-old Californian, in what was less than ideal very wet conditions, yet again showcased his ever-growing skills. Part of an entertaining multi-car duel for positions, Alberico ultimately earned his eight trip to the post-race podium celebrations with a third place finish.
"It's been a great year," stated Alberico. "A big thanks goes out to Mazda, Cooper Tires, the USF2000 series, and the whole Mazda Road to Indy program. We had some great races, with lots of close racing. I can't say enough about my Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing crew as well. They gave me a car that could fight for the win every time we raced. While I didn't come home with the title, I stood on the top step of the podium six times and helped the guys take home a well-deserved team title. I'm already excited about working on plans for 2014."
Those interested in supporting this rising American racer are encouraged to contact Neil Alberico directly @ neil@neilalberico.com to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Learn more about Neil Alberico at NeilAlberico.com and keep up to date via Twitter @ NeilAlberico and Facebook @ Neil Alberico Motorsports
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About Neil Alberico:
A native of Los Gatos, Calif., Alberico first started racing karts at the age of 10, competing in IKF region 11 action. Over the course of four seasons (2004-07), the young talent captured the Junior Sportsman, Junior Super Sportsman, and Junior Puma championship titles. In 2008, Alberico first got behind the wheel of a race car, graduating from the Skip Barber 2-day Advanced school at Laguna Seca prior to participating in the Formula BMW recruitment day at Miller Motorsports Park. Continuing to race in the karting ranks while raising funds to pursue a career in motorsports, Alberico won the Snap-On Stars of Karting Series National finale in Las Vegas in 2009, before finishing third in CKI National TAG Senior championship. Alberico built on this success in 2010, winning the TaG Senior class in the WSK North American Series, as well as the Bondurant Championship Race Series, capturing 10 wins in first full season of car competition. As part of the prize package for winning the Bondurant Championship, the teenager tested a Pro Formula Mazda with World Speed Motorsports and a Formula Atlantic Swift 016.a with Finlay Motorsports. In 2011, Alberico made his European racing debut, competing in the world-renowned Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain with Irish-based Cliff Dempsey Racing. Finish ninth in his maiden FF season, the Californian earned a Team USA Scholarships. As a Team USA driver, he captured a Semi-Final win and finished third in the historic 40th Formula Ford Festival. Alberico joined the Mazda Road to Indy program in 2012, earning a podium finish and nine top-fives in his rookie season in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda. This season, the California standout returns to USF2000 Championship action, joining two-time defending champion Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing.