Brazilian to make North American debut at Sebring with Florida-based team
PALMETTO, FLA. – JAY Motorsports is pleased to announce the addition of Felipe Donato to its Copper Tires Winterfest line-up. The up-and-coming Brazilian will make his North American formula car debut this week (February 5-6) looking to make his mark with the Florida-based squad during the opening three races of the USF2000 Championship 'off-season' series at Sebring International Raceway.
With an eye on challenging for top honors right from the waving of the first green flag in 2013, as well as continuing its tradition of developing talented young racers, JAY Motorsport is excited about Donato joining the squad. While the 18 year-old Brazilian, who will partner fellow USF2000 rookie and North American newcomer Florian Latorre under the team awning, has yet to get behind the wheel of a JAY Motorsports entry, he has already impressed his new squad with his confidence and outlook for the coming six-race Winterfest series. With a winning record in both the karting and car racing ranks in Brazil, Donato is ready to build on the squad's successful junior formula car resume - two SCCA Formula Enterprises National Championship titles - during the season-opening races at Sebring.
"I'm very excited to join JAY Motorsports for the Winterfest series, especially at in a legendary track like Sebring," stated Donato. "It will be very challenging for me, because everybody knows the USF2000 Championship has a very high level of competition. I'll do my best to learn the track, the car behavior, and trying to achieve some good results. I would like to thank Jay Green for all the support he has being offering so far."
"We are very excited to announce that Felipe will be piloting a second Championship class car for us at the USF2000 Winterfest," commented team principal Jay Green. "He has a proven record in both karting and formula car racing, and will be a welcomed addition to the team. I hope this will be the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship between JAY Motorsports and Felipe."
Donato, a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, enters the USF2000-run Winterfest series with JAY Motorsports with a limited, albeit, successful racing background. First getting behind the wheel in 2008 via the Santa Catarina State Karting Championship, he was quick to showcase his talents. One year later he earned the runner-up spot in the series, and finished fifth in the Brazilian National championship. Donato continued his progression as a driver in 2010, moving up to fourth in the national series, while also capturing a win in the South American Karting Championship, and a scholarship up to the Formula Futuro Fiat championship. After making his junior formula car debut via a season of Formula Futuro Fiat action, the Brazilian competed in the Veloce Cup last season, scoring a win from the pole at Velopark, setting a new lap record in the process.
Donato and the rest of the JAY Motorsports squad commence the quest for Cooper Tires Winterfest wins on Tuesday (February 5), when practice, qualifying, and race one of the season-opening tripleheader takes place at Sebring International Raceway. Drivers interested in taking part in JAY Motorsports' off-season programs, or joining the squad in 2013, are encouraged to contact team principal Jay Green.
Additional information on JAY Motorsports can be obtained from the team’s website @ www.jaymotorsports.com For direct contact, please contact Jay Green @ 304-610-5663 or jaymotorsports1@gmail.com and keep up to date via Twitter @ jaymtrsprt and on Facebook @ JAYMotorsportsLLC
Learn more about Felipe Donato at FelipeDonato.com.br.
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About JAY Motorsports:
JAY Motorsports, LLC is a family owned and operated racing organization based in Florida. Led by former racer Jay Green, the team became one of the highest rated customer service representatives within the SCCA's spec categories. With countless wins in SCCA Club and Pro competition, the team has become a mainstay in junior driver development over the years. By winning the 2009 and 2012 SCCA Formula Enterprises National Championships, they propelled their drivers to win spots on the prestigious MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Team in 2009 and 2012. In addition to the 2009 and 2012 Runoffs gold medals, JAY Motorsports was the 2006 MARRS Spec Racer Ford champion, 2007 SCCA National Great Lakes Division Spec Racer Ford champion, 2008 SCCA National Great Lakes Division Spec Racer Ford and Formula Enterprises champion, 2008 SCCA Great Lakes/Central Division Formula Car Magazine Formula Enterprises champion, 2008 Carolina Cup Pro Series Spec Racer Ford champion, and 2009 SCCA Southeast Division ECR Spec Racer Ford champion. This past season, JAY Motorsports entered the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda full-time, contesting both the National and Championship classes.