Australian Scott Andrews is determined to convert his promising Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca last month into podium results in this weekend’s series finale at Reliant Park.
Andrews, from the Victorian seaside town of Torquay, has confirmed his entry for Rounds 13 and 14 at the Houston street circuit, again driving for JDC Motorsports.
He impressed the USF2000 paddock by setting the fastest time in only his second practice session driving a ‘wings and slicks’ openwheeler on the unsighted California circuit, and followed that with top-three times in the next two sessions.
A “rookie driving error” and a minor electrical problem with his car in qualifying cost the young Aussie a potential front row starting position, but from midfield starting positions he salvaged top-10 results in the two races.
Following a two-day test at Mid-America Motorplex in Iowa, Andrews is raring to go in the Houston USF2000 rounds, which will support the IndyCar series.
"The test at Mid-America was a chance to get more familiar with the car, especially how it reacts to set-up changes,” he said.
“There’s so little track time at a race meeting that every extra lap helps.”
One thing in Andrews’ favour at Reliant Park is that, as at Laguna Seca, the USF2000 Championship didn’t visit there last year, making it a more level playing field.
“Of course, like all street tracks there’ll be less margin for error and less grip than at a permanent circuit,” he said.
“It’ll also be more unpredictable, with more chance of stoppages and full course cautions.”
Andrews acknowledged the opportunity of racing with JDC Motorsports for the final two USF2000 Championship rounds.
“John Church and his team are amazing to work with – their experience has really flattened out my learning curve!” he said. “We’re all striving for my first overseas race victory, and I’ll be giving it my best shot. The speed is there – now we just have to put it all together at Houston.”
RELIANT PARK TIMETABLE (subject to change without notice by the promoter)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
1220-1250 USA Central Daylight Saving Time – Practice
1635-1705 USA Central Daylight Saving Time – Qualifying
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
0955-1025 USA Central Daylight Saving Time – Race 1
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
0945-1015 USA Central Daylight Saving Time – Race 2
MORE INFORMATION
Scott Andrews’ website: www.andrewsmotorsport.com
JDC Motorsports website: www.jdcmotorsports.com