INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Florida driver Darren Keane will make his return to the Lucas Oil Raceway oval this weekend, seeking of his first Cooper Tires USF2000 championship victory in the Carb Night Classic Freedom 75.
The 19-year-old competed in the event for the first time last year, posting an eighth-place finish in a field of 21 cars, and he is intent on using that experience to vie for the race win this time around. The event comes just two weeks after the Cooper Tires Grand Prix of Indianapolis, which was held on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Darren will need switch up his driving style to adapt to the fast 5/8th mile banked oval that is located just six miles west of IMS.
“I’m looking forward to another weekend of racing,” enthused Keane, who just wrapped up his freshman year at the University of Florida. “I think the competition is going to be really close on this short oval. Qualifying will be crucial as passing is so difficult. The Cape Motorsport boys and I will be bringing everything we have.”
Darren will be on-track on Thursday (May 23) for one 30-minute test session followed by the official qualifying for the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Freedom 75, which is unique as well. Darren will take to the track alone to put down just two laps, and the two-lap total time will be used to set the grid. Friday’s schedule will consist of a warm-up practice at 4:05 pm ET to set up for the 75-lap shootout, where he hopes to record his first oval win. Fans can follow along all weekend on the Road to Indy TV app, or through www.roadtoindy.tv or the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Facebook page. Darren will also have dedicated coverage throughout the weekend on all his professional social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
DRIVER INFORMATION - #2 DARREN KEANE:
Age: 19
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL
Sponsors: Cal Development, Keane Architectural Woodwork
Current Championship Standing: 3rd (65 pts)
TRACK INFORMATION:
Track: Lucas Oil Raceway (Oval)
Length: 0.686 miles
Turns: 4 turns
Type: Oval