Brownsburg, Ind. – No matter the result, the weekend will be an historic one for John Cummiskey Racing as the team heads to legendary Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. for the first time to compete in Rounds 8 and 9 of the 2016 Mazda Road to Indy Cooper Tires USF2000 season.
Long a staple of open wheel racing, Road America shows up on the Verizon IndyCar Series for the first time since 2007, while the MRTI ladder series returns after a three-year hiatus.
The 14-turn, 4.048-mile circuit is the fastest road course in the United States and will provide a new challenge to JCR drivers Ayla Agren, driver of the No. 33 Energima car, and Lucas Kohl, pilot of the No. 34 Belko Trading machine. With no testing time and practice and qualifying time limited because of the busy weekend schedule involving several racing series, both drivers did some early prep work in the simulator early this week to at least become a little more familiar with the track.
Both drivers look to continue the momentum they gained during a solid Month of May in Indianapolis. With a P8 finish at Lucas Oil Raceway on May 27, Agren now has five Top 10 finishes through the first seven races, while Kohl’s P6 finish in the Grand Prix of Indy Race 1 was a season best. Kohl now has a streak of three consecutive Top 10s.
Agren currently sits eighth in the Cooper Tires USF2000 season point standings, while Kohl checks in 14th.
While the trip to east central Wisconsin will be a first for JCR, Agren and Kohl, it is familiar territory for owner John Cummiskey, who was a part of winning CART and Champ Car teams that have competed at Road America.
The weekend will kick off Thursday with two 30-minute practice sessions. The first session will start at 11:30 a.m. (CDT) and the second will follow at 3:15 p.m. (CDT), with qualifying taking place at 10:15 a.m. (CDT) Friday.
Race day is on Saturday, with Race 1 going off at 8 a.m. (CDT) and Race 2 following at 1:10 p.m. (CDT). Both races will be 30-minute, timed races.
Ayla Agren (No. 33 Energima): I’m really looking forward to racing at Road America for JCR this weekend. After spending some time in the simulator, I have a better feel for the circuit and look forward to hitting the track on Thursday morning.
Lucas Kohl (No. 34 Belko Trading): I’m excited to be getting back into the car this week at Road America. I’m starting to get a better feel for the car and I think my results are starting to reflect that. I have heard a lot about Road America and can’t wait to race on such a legendary circuit.
John Cummiskey: With its long straightaways and variety of corners, Road America is a challenge for even experienced drivers, and with so little practice time, Ayla and Lucas will be on a steep learning curve. Since the Cooper Tires USF2000 series hasn’t been here since 2012, it will be the same learning process for everyone, so a key to success will be how quickly they adapt. After watching them closely in the simulators, I’m confident that they are ready to go.
Road America Cooper Tires USF2000 One-lap Track Records
Qualifying: Spencer Pigot, 2:10.762, 111.445 mph (8/17/2010)
Race: Scott Anderson, 2:06.655, 112.396 mph (8/19/2011)
Elkhart Lake Weather
Thursday: Mostly sunny, High 77/Low 57
Friday: Sunny, High 82/Low 63
Saturday: Mostly sunny, High 88, Low 70
About John Cummiskey Racing
John Cummiskey leads an experienced crew and provides a professional race team environment to young drivers looking to expand their career. JCR is focused on providing top quality equipment and a winning atmosphere. In addition, JCR offers a full service preparation/restoration shop for any type of racecar. JCR services include full chassis, suspension, engine, and transmission preparation/restoration.