Sheboygan Falls, Wis. - Since clinching their maiden Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda victory in May, ArmsUp Motorsports has enjoyed their share of podium finishes at each subsequent event, most recently at the Allied Building Products Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio. Between drivers Peter Portante and Aaron Telitz, the Wisconsin team earned three podium finishes from the three races.
Peter Portante of Plainville, Conn., earned his first podium of the 2014 season on Friday, after starting third, also his best qualifying effort of the year. He briefly lost the position but maintained fast, consistent laps to regain the spot and participate in the podium celebrations. He started fourth in Race Two the following day, and although keeping pace with the leaders in the rain all race long, contact from another competitor caused damage and a slow puncture in one of his tires, resulting in a 15th-place finish. He still put in the third fastest lap of the race, putting him in a solid position to fight for another podium in the final race. In the opening laps, Portante gained a position to take second, holding off RC Enerson until the race turned yellow with five laps remaining. The race finished under yellow, with Portante clinching his second podium in three races. The double podium weekend launched him from 9th to 6th in the championship stands with two races remaining.
"Things finally seem to be going our way, so Sonoma should be really good," said Portante. "It's similar to Mid-Ohio and the cars should be really good. We're in good shape for the team. We moved up in team points, and driver points, and that's about all you can hope for."
Aaron Telitz, the team rookie, kicked off the weekend with a strong fourth-place qualifying effort for Race One but a frustrating start and mixed weather conditions resulted in a seventh-place finish. Telitz started third in a soggy Race two, but mid race found himself fighting for position in 13th. Undeterred, the Wisconsin native showed a brilliant charge through the field to finish seconnd -- his fifth podium of the year. Telitz started eighth in Race Three and gained two positions in the first lap. An issue in the right rear of his car prevented him to fight for position, but he brought home the car in seventh, as the race finished under yellow. Telitz currently is the highest placed Rookie in the championship standings, sitting in fourth place.
"It was a solid weekend for me," said Telitz. "We had a fast car and got on the podium once and had two more solid finishes. I'm looking forward to capping off the season at Sonoma. You never know what will happen, but we're looking forward to two wins out there."
Although team veteran James Dayson may not have had the same results as his co-drivers, his performance was just as impressive. Recovering from a serious back injury, the Canadian was forced to sit out of the first seven months of the race season. Heading into Mid-Ohio, Dayson had only competed in one race all season. Taking full advantage of each practice lap and test session, Dayson continued to improve drastically on each fastest lap time, becoming more acclimated to the car and track. From his first laps on track to his final race, Dayson improved his fastest lap time by 10mph, taking 10 seconds off of his best lap time, and earning a solid 12th-place finish in Race Two.
"Overall, it was an awesome weekend," said Dayson. "I'm really happy with three good races. I brought the car home each time. It's great to see the amazing results for the team. Well done to the entire ArmsUp crew. I'm stoked for Sonoma."
"I'm proud of each of the guys, from drivers to crew," said Team Owner Gregg Borland. "Everyone did an excellent job all weekend long, despite crazy weather, or track delays. They all fought hard to earn us these very well deserved three podium finishes."
The 2014 season will conclude at Sonoma Raceway August 23-24. ArmsUp Motorsports currently sits second in the team championship point standings. For more information, please visit usf2000.com.
About ArmsUp Motorsports
Based in Sheboygan Falls, WI., ArmsUp Motorsports was established in 1995 by twenty year lead instructor for Skip Barber Racing School, Gregg Borland. It has since then grown to be a leading team in the world of motorsports. ArmsUp Motorsports is a full service prep facility with a team of highly experienced mechanics, driving coaches, and engineers readily available to assist in the success of each driver. The team specializes in Pro F2000, Formula Continental, Formula Atlantic, and Vintage Car racing. For more information please visit the official ArmsUp website at www.ArmsUpMotorsports.com.