ST. PETERSBURG, FL - Belardi Auto Racing's Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda team experienced the highs and lows of racing over the weekend in downtown St. Petersburg, FL for the series' third and fourth races of the 2012 season.
Australian Roman Lagudi continued his success from Sebring with a third consecutive podium by finishing third in race one, as well as garnering a Top 5 with his P5 finish in race two.
"I had a great points weekend," said Lagudi who is currently third in the Points Championship. "I have to thank Brian Belardi, Belardi Auto Racing, my dad, my driver coach Rod MacLeod, and my engineer Joe D'Agostino for all their hard work. We were consistent all week long, and I am happy with the outcome. "
Luca Forgeois, driver of the No. 9 car, ended race one prematurely due to electrical problems. However, the team was able to solve the issues and Forgeois was able to smoothly sail to P6 in the race two.
"It was an overall challenging weekend for the team and I," the New York native said. "We were faced with multiple electrical issues, but the team and my mechanic, Brad, never slowed down in their attempt at giving me the perfect car. I was happy to get the opportunity to show the team and everybody watching the USF2000 races that I do have the pace and speed to challenge the Top 5, and I think I showed that during the second race. Although it was a tough weekend, I am happy to end on a good note. I truly believe the team can pick up the season from this last race and begin carrying a good momentum throughout the rest of the season."
Forgeois' teammates, Philadelphia area native Colin Thompson and Fort Collins, CO native Scott Anderson, also encountered misfortunes during the first race after Thompson had contact with another car causing his early retirement. Anderson soon experienced engine problems and was also forced to retire from the first race. Both made progress during race two where Thompson was able to pick up 14 spots from his starting position to complete the race in P13, while Anderson brought the No. 14 to the Top 10 in P10.
"The week at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix got off to a rough start, but the good news was we figured out a lot with the setup through all of our misfortunes during practice and the first race," Anderson said. "I managed to stay out of trouble and moved up three positions to 10th during the second race, which was about all I could hope for with a good amount of the race being under a double yellow. I want to thank everyone at Belardi Auto Racing for their hard work. The results may not have been what we wanted but everyone put in a lot of effort getting everything sorted out and getting the car up to speed."
"I am pleased with my results this week," said Thompson. "These were much different racing conditions than I have ever experienced before. This year is all about learning, and I feel as though I have done just that. I am very excited for the next race!"
The USF2000 team at Belardi Auto Racing will head to the Racing Capital of the World - Indianapolis, IN - during the month of May for the one and only oval on their schedule. The team will race at Lucas Oil Raceway, only a few miles from the infamous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, on May 26. To receive all the latest on the team, follow @BelardiRacing on Twitter for the inside scoop.
About Belardi Auto Racing
Belardi Auto Racing is a USF2000 and Indy Lights team based in Brownsburg, Indiana. The 2011 season saw two race wins, 10 podiums, 17 top-five finishes and 36 top-tens. Follow the team on Twitter, Facebook or their official website, www.BelardiAutoRacing.com.