Loyalhanna, PA – Michael Epps has signed to drive in the USF2000 Championship for PRL Motorsports for the 2013 season. From Britain, but also with New Zealand citizenship, Epps will join the new team, owned by Patrick Linn with F2000 veteran John Walko serving as the chief engineer on the Mazda-powered entry.
Epps recently finished second in the British Formula Vee Championship in 2011, and raced in the Formula Renault BARC Championship in 2012.
He is the first driver announced for the new PRL squad, which hopes to add further cars before the season starts at Sebring in March.
“I'm looking for a new experience, and I'd like to show what I've got to the USA,” said the 20-year-old. “If things pan out well I want to be pushing for the championship and scholarship money for Pro Mazda. I'm well aware of the Mazda Road to Indy support and would be looking to move up towards IndyCar in the future.”
Also on his resume: four wins in the prestigious London Cup kart race – staged at the Rye House karting circuit, where Lewis Hamilton launched his career.
Patrick Linn, team owner, said: “I am very excited about having Michael Epps as one of our drivers for the 2013 USF2000 season. Michael has focus and a true passion for racing that myself as owner has and wants from a driver with the outstanding ability to back it up on the track! Our team and Michael mesh extremely well and we all share the common racing desire to be the best as a team. The USF2000 series is a great opportunity for Michael to expand his career and reach the ultimate goal of moving up in the Mazda Road to Indy program.”
New for Epps, with a long European racing background, will be the challenge of the schedule’s sole oval, Lucas Oil Raceway, and various street circuits such as St. Petersburg, Toronto and Houston – all providing little room for error on high-profile INDYCAR race weekends.
“I think the street circuits and oval racing will be the biggest challenge of the championship, as it's going to be new to me,” continued Epps. “I can't wait for that though, streets look like good fun and I'm generally very smooth with my driving style, which will suit the oval stuff I imagine.”
One relatively unknown fact about the rookie driver is that he is a high-grade musician – a drummer and a pianist to be specific, with a hobby producing music on the side.
“I've had an interest in that kind of stuff since a very young age as my mom teaches music,” explained Epps.
As for his dual nationalities, he was born in England but his mother is from New Zealand.
“I'm proud being a Brit, but I believe my ‘kiwi’ side shows just as much both on and off track - it's good to be generally relaxed and chilled out in this game I think.”
Learn more about Michael Epps at
http://www.michaelepps.co.uk/ and follow PRL Motorsports at
http://www.prlmotorsports.com/.
About PRL: PRL Motorsports is based in the greater Pittsburgh area. The company has been involved in the motorsports industry for many years, re-establishing itself in 2010 from the pro drag circuit into the professional road racing industry. We provide full service preparation and services in the most quality equipment for any individual looking to expand their career. The team, led by racer and owner Patrick Linn, looks forward to competing in the series as they develop their organization in the USF2000 championship.