INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Earlier today, at a press conference at the IMIS convention in downtown Indianapolis, it was announced that 2011 Skip Barber National Champion Scott Anderson has decided to sign with Belardi Auto Racing's USF2000 team for the 2012 season.
"I feel like the team I signed with needed to be as motivated as I am to win, and I just think that out of all the teams I spoke with and tested with, Belardi is the most motivated of them all," the Skip Barber Champion said. "Had it not been for the scholarship through the MAZDA program, I would probably still be struggling to find funding for next season. I'm very thankful I was able to have the option of joining such a strong team [because of the scholarship money]. "
Mazda's Director of Motorsports, John Doonan, is happy to know that the Mazda Road to Indy series is continually progressing. "We're certainly pleased that Scott has made his team choice, Belardi Auto Racing. We're also pleased that we continue to have a very defined ladder from karting, to Skip Barber to USF2000 and beyond.
"Clearly the level of competition is being raised in each of the series and the number of teams that have their car seats full for the season, it's a really good sign of the strength of the ladder [series] in a tough economy, and the focus that young drivers have on seeing this as an opportunity to grow their career."
As many drivers start their racing careers karting, it was the same for Anderson. The Colorado native raced karts for five years until he moved on to Skip Barber. During his first year in the Skip Barber series, Anderson drove in the Western Series where he managed a third place in the championship as well as Rookie of the Year. In 2010 he became the SB Western Race Series Champion and the SB MAZDASPEED Challenge Winter Tour Champion. Between those two series and the SB Southern Race Series Anderson collected 15 poles, 19 wins and 39 podium finishes in just 56 starts. His good fortune continued through the 2011 season where he clinched the Championship title in the BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Championship Presented by Mazda.
"The team and I are excited to have Scott on board," said team owner Brian Belardi. "I had a chance to see him race during the Skip Barber series this summer, which he ultimately won, and then at the IMS test we did in October.
"Scott impressed me with his car control and natural driving ability. He was able to back up his abilities with another great test at Palm Beach. I couldn't be more happy with the team we have pulled together for the 2012 season. Scott will definitely be a contender for the championship."
About Belardi Auto Racing
Belardi Auto Racing is a USF2000 and Indy Lights team based in Brownsburg, Indiana. The 2011 season saw two race wins, 10 podiums, 17 top-five finishes and 36 top-tens. Follow the team on Twitter, www.twitter.com/BelardiRacing and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/BelardiAutoRacing. Belardi Auto Racing can also be found online at www.belardiautoracing.com.
About Scott Anderson
Fort Collins, Colo. native Scott Anderson joins the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development ladder after winning the 2011 BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Championship Presented by Mazda and will race in the 2012 Cooper Tires Presented the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda with Belardi Auto Racing. Anderson has earned victories and championships in open-wheel, Spec Racer Ford and Spec Miata competition. Away from the track, Anderson resides and attends college in Fort Collins Colo. Learn more about Scott Anderson at www.scottandersonracing.com.