Toronto, Ont. - Almost two months have gone by since ArmsUp Motorsports celebrated their first USF2000 race win in Round 7 at Lucas Oil Raceway. Rounds 8 and 9 of the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda take place this weekend at the Honda Indy Toronto. The past month has been a busy one for the Wisconsin based team, with several tests and new partnerships formed during the break. Riding that momentum, it's back to business this week for Aaron Telitz, Peter Portante and James Dayson on the downtown 1.755-mile, 11 turn street circuit.
Birchwood, Wisconsin native and USF2000 rookie Aaron "Superstar" Telitz earned his first series win in Round 7 at the Night Before the 500, solidifying his top-five standing in the championship points heading into Round 8. The 22 year old racer also recently signed a deal with two new sponsors, Assured Automotive and PPG industries.
"I'm super stoked to be getting back to racing in Toronto this weekend," said Telitz. "I'm still riding high on the momentum of winning the night before the 500. I just had an awesome test at Blackhawk Farms, the 'Monaco of the Midwest,' and am feeling really good about our street course package. It's going to be a fun weekend with new sponsors Assured Automotive and PPG Industries on board!"
"All of us at Assured Automotive are very excited to be supporting a great up and coming racer such as Aaron Telitz at the Honda Indy Toronto," said Assured Automotive CEO Des D'Silva. "We couldn't ask for a better ambassador to introduce our partners and employees to the racing excitement in the USF2000 Championship and Verizon Indy Car Series at such a great event in Assured's backyard. We are all looking forward to seeing our car out on track at the front of the field."
As with many of the Mazda Road to Indy racers, 180-year old Peter Portante has not only been dedicating himself to his racing career, but his high school education as well. Last month the Connecticut native graduated from Plainville High School, now finally free of juggling homework assignments and race debriefs. Not to be a victim of lack of productivity, Portante recently participated in a test with Bryan Herta Autosport, using their Indy Lights car to sample the final step in the Mazda Road to Indy.
"Any off week of racing is not a good week, but I've done it the best I can recently," said Portante. "I graduated from high school and was also able to test an Indy Lights car with Bryan Herta Autosport. It was an amazing experience, and I felt comfortable in the car right away. She was definitely a big girl but I loved her just the same. I really hope an Indy Lights car is in the cards for me fulltime in the future!"
>The 2014 race season has been a frustrating one for Canadian racer James Dayson. His season was supposed to kick off in March, and host his first race in the featured Championship class since USF2000 ceased the running of the National categoty. Dayson's plans were cut short when a severe back injury took him out of competition and into therapy for eight long months. The 35-year-old racer cheered the team on tirelessly from the sidelines, and finally got back behind the wheel last month for two private tests with the team.
"I'm so excited to be making my comeback to USF2000 on Canadian soil in Toronto," said Dayson. "I've been out of the race car since last season due to my injury. I've had some amazing tests with ArmsUp Motorsports and we worked together to get me back up to speed quickly. I can't wait to be back doing what I love with my awesome team. They are so supportive and always give me a great car. The last eight months has been a struggle and huge battle. Now I must battle back where I love to: on a great track in a great series."
"We were pretty productive after our race win, and we're excited to have the whole team back for Toronto," said ArmsUp Motorsports team owner Gregg Borland. "Each of the guys have been working so hard during the break, and back at the shop, we've been working on giving them great cars for this event. Toronto is always one of our favorite venues to race at. The atmosphere is electric and the fan support is overwhelming. We're looking forward to putting on a good show."
The action for the USF2000 double header begins Friday morning with Practice One at 8:00am Eastern.
About ArmsUp Motorsports
Based in Sheboygan Falls, Wis, ArmsUp Motorsports was established in 1995 by 20-year lead instructor for Skip Barber Racing School, Gregg Borland. It has since then grown to be a leading team in the world of motorsports. ArmsUp Motorsports is a full service prep facility with a team of highly experienced mechanics, driving coaches, and engineers readily available to assist in the success of each driver. The team specializes in Pro F2000, Formula Continental, Formula Atlantic, and Vintage Car racing. For more information please visit the official ArmsUp website at www.ArmsUpMotorsports.com.
Assured Automotive
Assured Automotive is a corporately owned organization that operates 49 auto body/collision shops located throughout the GTA, Golden Horseshoe and Ottawa region. By consistently executing on the promises that we make, Assured Automotive delivers on our "Customer 1st" vision. We believe each and every customer should be treated with respect and attention. Consumers are often apprehensive about dealing with auto body/collision shops. We aim to change this perception/stereotype of the auto body industry. Assured Automotive strives to be the #1 choice for auto body/collision services in the GTA and surrounding areas.
PPG Industries
When it comes to building durability, increasing performance or enhancing appearance, PPG Refinish owns a track record of success no other company can match. For nearly 100 years, we've delivered the automotive, commercial fleet and light industrial coatings the world needs.