Andrews, Johnson, and Toppe showcased skills during USF2000 Championship doubleheader
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. – JDC MotorSports returned to Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda action this past weekend (September 7-8) with another solid effort in Rounds 11 and 12 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California. Series and team newcomer Scott Andrews led the way for the Minnesota-based squad with a pair of top-10 results, while Michael Johnson and Clark Toppe showcased their racecraft skills with strong drives in the twin bill.
Playing host to the lone USF2000 Championship stop on the west coast, the iconic Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca road course was the latest challenge for the talented JDC MotorSports squad. As planned, the opening Friday test sessions - three in total - was spent learning the ins-and-outs of the rolling 2.238-mile road course, and developing car setups. Despite that being the case, Andrews immediately impressed onlookers, as the Australian - who had never previously raced a car with wings - was fastest in the second run, and P2 in the final outing.
The No. 93 Andrews Automotive/AMSF/Red Line Oil/JDC MotorSports racer continued to shine in practice, turning the second quickest lap. Johnson and Toppe meanwhile gained pace and confidence in the lead up to qualifying as well.
Given the results entering the timed run to set the grid for race one of the California doubleheader, spirits were high under the JDC awning. Things, however, did not turn out as expected. The combination of an electrical issue, and the loss of his best lap for causing a red in the session, meant Andrews was unable to garner a representative time, ending up P10. Johnson likewise struggled to match his earlier pace, having been just outside the top-10 in testing, coming home in 21st. Toppe, however, continued to find speed securing a row eight starting position via the 15th best time.
Returning to the cockpits a short time later, all three JDC drivers were focused on getting a good launch when the green flag waved, and taking advantage of any mistakes to move forward on a track that has limited passing zones. Showcasing a mix of aggressiveness, racecraft, and car control, the trio did just that. Andrews in the end led the contingent, just missing a top-five in his series debut with a sixth place finish. Johnson's No. 54 Universal Coating/SpeediCath/FlatOutNation.com/Red Line Oil/Bell Racing/Alpinestars/JDC MotorSports entry was next to the line in 13th, immediately followed by his teammate Toppe in 14th.
With each racer's best lap from either qualifying or race one setting the grid for race two, Andrews, Toppe and Johnson rolled back on-course for race two in 12th, 16th, and 20th respectively. Following a lengthy delay due to fog, the action got underway with the trio instantly engaged in spirited dices for position. In a repeat of the opening affair, the JDC trio made the most of any opportunity to move forward. When the checkered flag waved for the shortened Round 12, Andrews had secured another top-10 result via sixth, with Toppe's No. 19 Toppe Motorsports/Red Line Oil/JDC MotorSports racer not far behind in 16th, and Johnson next at the stripe in 17th.
"Overall it was a great weekend for me, and an amazing experience," stated Andrews. "It was my first time in a wings and slicks car, and I think we definitely showed what we are capable of. In the two races I made the most of what I had, and got the best result possible. I'm stoked to get two top-10 finishes and bring home a straight race car for the boys."
"We showed good pace this weekend," commented Toppe. "Definitely a positive step forward in the season. The races were very competitive. I made a couple of mistakes that cost me some positions, but I have definitely learned from them to move forward in my driver development. I can't wait to race in my hometown of Houston and put what I've learned this year into the last races of the season."
The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda season comes to a close for JDC MotorSports on October 5-6, with Rounds 13-14 taking place on the streets of Houston, Texas around Reliant Park.
JDC MotorSports races with associate sponsorship from RedLineOil.com
Additional information on JDC MotorSports can be obtained from the team’s website @ www.jdcmotorsport.com. For direct contact, please contact John Church @ 952-233-3075.
Learn more about Scott Andrews at AndrewsMotorsport.com and keep up to date via Twitter @ ScottAndrews44 and Facebook @ Scott Andrews.
Learn more about Michael Johnson at MichaelJohnsonRacing.com and keep up to date via Twitter @ Racer54isCool and Facebook @ Michael Johnson Racing. Videos also available on YouTube @ Michael Johnson Racing.
Learn more about Clark Toppe at ClarkToppeRacing.com and keep up to date via Twitter @ ClarkToppe and Facebook @ Clark Toppe Racing. Videos also available on YouTube @ Clark Toppe.
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About JDC MotorSports:
Involved in formula car racing since its inception in 1994, JDC MotorSports has established itself as one of the leading junior open-wheel teams in North America. Initially making its mark in the F2000 class of club racing competition, JDC MotorSports was soon a team worth watching in the pro ranks. Competing in the Formula Ford 2000 Zetec Championship, the team not only won races, but also helped develop multiple young drivers. In 2005, JDC MotorSports expanded its efforts, entering the Star Mazda Championship. Quickly becoming one of the top teams in the series, JDC captured both the driver and team titles in 2007, as well as Rookie of the Year honors, with Dane Cameron scoring a series-high three wins. In 2008, JDC MotorSports was the runner-up in the Star Mazda Championship and finished fourth in its inaugural season of F2000 Championship Series competition. The Minnesota-based team won the Star Mazda Championship title with Rookie of the Year Adam Christodoulou, and the F2000 Championship Series title with Chris Miller in 2009. The following year, JDC continued its winning ways, earning the Rookie of the Year award in the Star Mazda Championship with Connor De Phillippi, and scoring a non-points win in the USF2000 National Championship. In 2011, the Minneapolis-based squad captured its third Star Mazda Championship title with Tristan Vautier, scored a win in the USF2000 National Championship, and made its Prototype Lites Championship debut, earning five podium finishes. JDC MotorSports added to its Star Mazda Championship win tally, USF2000 Championship podium total, and finished as the Prototype Lites Championship runner-up in 2012.