HOUSTON, Texas - DEForce Racing is pleased to announce the driver line-up for both their Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda and Pro Mazda Championship Presented By Cooper Tires teams for the upcoming Chris Griffis Memorial Test that will be taking place the weekend of September 22-23 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).
After an impressive 2018 where the DEForce Racing USF2000 team obtained two pole positions and four podiums in only the second year in the series, the team will present a strong and international line-up for the Chris Griffis Test this weekend formed by American driver Ryan Bjerke, Brazilian driver Francisco Porto and British driver James Raven.
On the Pro Mazda side, this will be DEForce Racing's opportunity to formally introduce their program where Kory Enders and Moises de la Vara will return for their third season with the team. They will be joined by Canadian driver Antoine Comeau.
“We are very excited to be back at the Chris Griffis post-season test," said DEForce Racing team owner David Martinez. "Due to some commitments, last year we had to miss this. We had a very strong season with a lot of ups and downs and can't wait to get 2019 started. We're testing out a lot of new drivers and will formally expand our program into Pro Mazda after only doing four events this season.
“On the USF2000 side we welcome our junior drivers from USF4 James Raven and Francisco Porto. James is currently contending for the USF4 title and already did a USF2000 race for us finishing a strong second at Mid-Ohio while Francisco is a young Brazilian, a very promising talent. Lastly we welcome a new face to our team, American driver Ryan Bjerke, who recently raced in the F1600 pro series.
“For the Pro Mazda program, we’re glad to have Kory and Moi back for what is looking to be their third season with DEForce Racing. Antoine will complete our Pro Mazda squad. We're happy to have him back after a solid Mid-Ohio test last summer.”
Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda Drivers:
Ryan Bjerke #7: “I am extremely greatful for this wonderful opportunity to drive with this top notch team in one of the most premier driver development series in the world. I thank Ernesto and the rest of the team for bringing this opportunity and dream to life. I think with my years of experience in F1600 developing my skills I can make the team proud.”
James Raven #11: “‘Really excited to announce that I will be testing with DEForce this weekend, following my race at Mid-Ohio that went really well in getting my first USF2000 podium. Looking forward to seeing if we can repeat the success.”
Francisco Porto #12: “I am very happy to be able to test USF2000. It was a car that I always wanted to test and I’m so excited to finally do it this weekend!”
Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires Drivers:
Kory Enders #11: “Really excited to be testing with DEForce Racing this weekend. It’s always exciting to get to a new car, especially a Pro Mazda. Really looking forward to a new season! On another note, I really hope we go back to Laguna Seca. This was our first ever race in the Road to Indy.”
Moises de la Vara #12: "Very excited to take our first step of the 2019 Pro Mazda Series! Looking forward to this test and seeing where we are compared to other drivers and teams.”
Antoine Comeau #92: “I’m excited to drive this legendary track and learn from my fast teammates.”