St. Petersburg, Fla – Following a successful freshman season in F2000 racing cars and an off-season of rebuilding and freshening equipment, Eric Filgueiras and Spencer Racing were ready and anxious to begin their first season in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda competition in the National Class, the starting point on the Mazda Road to Indy. 

Two practice sessions on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning began the weekend’s on-track activities. The #12 Lipten Energy Solutions machine piloted by the 22-year-young Floridian had to overcome some issues in practice one, only running a single lap in what ended up as a time-shortened session. Practice two would be extremely positive, leading the charts in class but ending in a discovery that a left rear camber bolt had backed out, ruining a chance to make qualifying just two hours later. 

Having missed qualifying to necessitate repairs the team started in a disadvantaged 24th place for Race 1. Filgueiras, applying himself accordingly, worked his way through the field patiently to finish a caution filled-race first in class and end 14th overall. Race 2 was cleaner with less cautions and provided for some great action with a battle for top honors in the USF2000 National Class. Filguerias was able to sweep the weekend taking the win in Race 2 for the Spencer Racing Team. 

“This weekend began with a few problems but my team persevered and we turned it into a great event and excellent start to the season,” Eric explained. “I’ve got to say a special thank you to team owner Jim Spencer and our partners for continuing to believe in me and a big thanks to my dad who worked so hard to rebuild the car over winter and made sure we performed so well.” 

All of the team’s and Eric’s success is all possible by great Partners, including Lipten Energy Solutions, Kovi Consulting, SPEEDCOM Communications, V12 Vinyards A&B Graphics, RaceQuip, Tuffy Auto Service Center of Jonesville and RacerInk.