Indianapolis, Ind. (March 8, 2011) – Cole Morgan, the 2007 F2000 Championship Series Champion, who also finished second in the series in 2010, has made the move to the Mazda Road to Indy ladder series, joining Belardi Auto Racing for this season’s Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda.

Cole is a native of South Florida who grew up around race tracks, working on his Dad’s formula cars as a kid and driving everything that had wheels. Cole stated, "I am so grateful for the opportunity to drive for Belardi Auto Racing in USF2000. Being able to partner with Brian and Larry Nash is really a dream come true. The entire Belardi Auto Racing operation is perfect; you can really see how much pride everyone takes in this program. I'm thrilled to be a part of all this."

Also known as Private First Class Morgan, Cole is a member of our nation’s National Guard. He enlisted in 2008 and will be spending the weekend prior to Sebring training with his unit.

Team Owner Brian Belardi commented, “Cole is a great talent and truly deserves an opportunity to move up through the Mazda Road to Indy ladder series and have a shot at racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series. We could not be more pleased to have him join us, and we will certainly do all we can to help him achieve his dream.”

Morgan has signed for a limited schedule and is optimistic that he and the team will be able to secure sponsorship to support his ambition, one that he shares with his long-time girlfriend and now fiancé Carly, who is the granddaughter of Indy 500 driver Chuck Hulse (’62,’63, ’66, and ’67). Clearly the racing blood runs deep in this family.

Morgan will be driving the #9 car as he joins new teammate Wayne Boyd.