Championship-winning data and setup specialist further expands Minnesota squad's impressive first year effort in USF2000 Championship

MINNEAPOLIS, MIN. – Afterburner Autosport has taken another key step forward in its quest for success in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda, with the signing of renowned race engineer Bob Knox. A championship-winning data and setup specialist, the Florida resident adds to the Minnesota-based squad's impressive technical line-up, and provides another valuable resource in its first season of Mazda Road to Indy competition.

Building on its core belief of giving its drivers all the resources and tools to reach the top step of the podium, Afterburner Autosport has added another highly experienced racing veteran to its talented 2012 personnel line-up with the signing of Knox. A proven winner in various race series, the highly-rated engineer provides yet more extensive knowledge and experience for the crew and drivers to draw on throughout the season. Commencing immediately, Knox will provide data and setup support and expertise to series returnee Timmy Megenbier and rookie Heamin Choi, as well as help develop the squad's newly acquired Van Diemen Elan Mazda MZR-powered chassis.

"I met Bob while competing in the F2000 Championship Series, as we were both struggling with engineering a similar new chassis," stated Afterburner Autosport Team Principal Tim Walsh. "I was impressed with Bob’s willingness to help and share setup information with us in order to propel our separate teams toward the podium. I purchased Bob’s engineering book for the team, and we have used many of his insights and engineering programs to gain an advantage over other competitors. I am really excited to add Bob to our ever-growing and improving USF2000 program."

"I’ve known many of the people at Afterburner for some time, and I’m excited about the chance to be a part of the team," commented Knox. "I’m eager to get to the track and start working with their talented young drivers."

A resident of Florida, Knox joins Afterburner Autosport's USF2000 Championship effort having been involved in motorsports for 40 years. Initially a driver, piloting Formula Ford and 2000 cars in both club and pro competition, Knox made the transition to the other side of the pitlane wall in 2004. Knox rapidly established himself as leading driver coach and data engineer, using his experiences and attention to detail to help teams and drivers achieve success in Grand Am, SCCA World Challenge, F2000 Championship Series, and SCCA Club Racing competition. In 2010, as a race engineer and driver coach, Knox helped current Indy Lights driver Victor Carbone capture the F2000 Championship Series title via six wins with Alegra Motorsports. The race engineer is additionally the author of 'A Practical Guide to Race Car Data Analysis' and the 'STARS Race Utilities' and 'STARS Pro Race Utilities’ gear charting/setup' software.

Afterburner Autosport has enjoyed a strong start to its inaugural season of USF2000 Championship competition, with three top-10 finishes in the opening two doubleheaders in Florida. As part of a planned expansion process, the two-time SCCA National Championship-winning team is in the process of adding at least one and potentially two more Van Diemen Elan Mazda-powered cars to its two recently acquired new entries.

The chase for Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda top honors officially resumes on May 26, when the lone oval event on the series calendar is contested at Lucas Oil Raceway as part of the famed 'Night Before the 500' festivities. Prior to racing on the banked short oval, Afterburner Autosport will take part in official testing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on May 2-3, and Lucas Oil Raceway on May 5.

Afterburner Autosport races with associate sponsorship from www.AuroraBearing.com

Additional information on Afterburner Autosport is available from the team’s website www.afterburnerautosport.com. For direct contact, email afterburnerautosport@gmail.com or call 630-251-1709.

For additional Information on Timmy Megenbier visit www.timmymegenbier.com For direct contact info please contact Patrick Burke at patrick@pmbmotorsports.com or 815-693-2564.

Learn more about Heamin Choi at www.f1pilot.com or by direct contact at heamin.choi@gmail.com 

Keep up to date via Twitter @ ABautosport1 @ H3amin @ TimmyMeg17 and Facebook pages @ Afterburner-Autosport @ Heamin.Choi @ Timmy.Megenbier.

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About Afterburner Autosport:

Afterburner Autosport was formed in 2010 with the sole purpose of leading the way in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda competition. Under the guidance of two-time SCCA Formula Continental National Champion Brian Tomasi and fellow F2000 racer and engineer Tim Walsh, the team has over 20 years of experience in open-wheel competition. The Minnesota, Min.-based squad, having captured two podium finishes in its inaugural pro racing season last year, will make its USF2000 Championship debut in 2012, fielding multiple cars in the top Championship class.