LOVELAND, Ohio – It was a long time coming, but Ohio resident Evagoras Papasavvas secured his first USF2000 Presented by Cooper Tires victory this past weekend at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Taking on a field of more than 20 drivers, the Jay Howard Driver Development driver earned the pole position, one win, two podium results and three top-five finishes over the triple-header race weekend in Lexington, Ohio.
“I said before the weekend that if I was able to win at my home track, it would be a dream come true,” explained Papasavvas. “I was so determined to accomplish that goal and to do so in front of family and friends, and with the support of Jay Howard and his elite program, is truly the highlight of my career so far.”
Earning the pole position on Friday morning, some post-qualifying drama took place as Evagoras missed the pit entry and was forced to do another lap. While not completing the lap at speed, it was against the rules and though Evagoras was awarded the pole position, he would be docked two positions prior to the start and lined up in the P3 position.
Wasting no time when the green flag flew, Papasavvas quickly made his move to the front and never looked back. Controlling the race during both green flag conditions and on restarts after cautions, Papasavvas was able to drive to the checkered flag and score his first career USF2000 victory.
With momentum on his side, it was back to the track Saturday for the final two races of the three on the weekend. Race two provided another podium result, his fifth of the year, as he climbed to the second step earning his second podium finish in as many races. Forced to move forward from his fifth-place starting spot, Evagoras used the confidence he has built throughout the season to climb the running order and challenge at the front of the field.
With three races on the weekend, it was time for Evagoras to hit the track Saturday afternoon for his chance at another win and a triple podium-winning weekend. Once again rolling off the grid in the fifth position and on the inside of row three, the JHDD driver was able to keep his nose clean and gain one position, a scant .4611 behind the third-place finisher. Evagoras narrowly missed the third and final step of the podium, but did secure a trio of top-five finishes, two podium results, good points toward his championship chase, and his first career USF2000 win at Mid-Ohio.
Next up for Papasavvas will be a trip to Canada and the Streets of Toronto in less than two weeks where he will battle for continued success and podium results.