Joining the team for this weekend's Portland Grand Prix, Ori will compete in the No. 77 entry alongside series veteran and podium winner Zach Holden. With his sights set on a full season in 2020, Ori enters the weekend with goals, but understands the competitiveness of the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.

 

"First off, we are excited to have Ayrton in our program," explained Mike Meyer. "He was able to turn laps in a recent test and familiarize himself with the USF-17. Coming from SCCA and FRP 1600, Ayrton completed a two-day test at Autobahn to prepare for his series debut."

 

After beginning his karting career at the age of five and completing a Skip Barber Racing School program at twelve, Ayrton made his Formula 1600 debut just the very next season at only thirteen years of age and has since competed in F1600 in the United States, Canada and Australia. The young American driver has scored multiple podium results in SCCA Majors F1600 and FRP 1600 while also being able to lead races in both series. The recent birthday boy just reached the age of fifteen and will now look to continue his success in the popular Road to Indy program.

 

Meyer continued, "Ayrton and his family have done all the right things. They have competed in regional level programs to gain experience, they have checked all the correct boxes and now, with two races remaining in 2019, they are preparing for 2020."

 

"The whole crew at Legacy Autosport treated me like family," explained Ori, who is an incoming freshman at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida. "I was able to get fitted to the car comfortably and while on track, the team consistently worked with me to ensure I was learning with each passing lap. Driving a non winged car is much different than a USF2000, but I am excited and ready for the challenge that lies ahead."

 

Scoring a few podiums throughout his handful of starts in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship, Zach Holden will provide a veteran leadership role to the younger Ori as they look to both be at the front of the field this coming weekend on the West Coast.

 

Ori continued, "I need to thank all of my partners for all the help they have given me now and into the future. A big shout out to Spray Nine, Permatex, Poya-Tech, The Human Growth Foundation, Alpinestars, Bell Racing and of course my family."

 

With three test sessions planned for Thursday in Portland, the weekend will officially get underway on Friday with one official practice and qualifying for race one. Qualifying for race two will take place on Saturday morning before the first wheel-to-wheel action commences on Saturday afternoon. The second race of the weekend will take place Sunday following the NTT IndyCar Series event.