CRESSON, Texas – Swan-RJB Motorsports debuted its new partnership at the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires Chris Griffis Memorial Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in October, and they were back in action early this month, testing four drivers in their Tatuus USF-17 cars at Motorsports Ranch in Cresson, Texas.

Over the four-day test, the team ran experienced USF2000 driver Dakota Dickerson and reigning F4 US champ Kyle Kirkwood. They also put Jacob Loomis and Robert Bulloch through the paces, and the results were extremely positive. The team plans to run three cars in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda in 2018.

"We had a very successful test in Cresson,” enthused Ryan Barth, Swan-RJB Motorsports Team Principal. “We had a lot of fast drivers putting up fast laps. We’re looking forward to the possibility of working and testing with all the drivers in the future."

Team Principal and Lead Engineer Mirl Swan managed the test outing, which was extremely valuable as the operation continues to build its set-up database for the USF-17 chassis.  The team’s driver coach – Alex Barron – attended the test as well to work with the four drivers and the feedback and development was significant.

"Our four-day test in Texas was great continued progress,” Swan offered. “The USF2000 team operation with Swan/RJB is an entirely new program for the 2018 season.  The progress the team has made in the past couple months is really showing, and it gets better every day!  Everyone at Swan/RJB has been working around the clock to put together all of the right pieces for a successful campaign for next season, and it showed very well with the team at the recent test.  With Joe Ashton as car chief and Alex Barron's driver coaching and engineering assistance, the cars were quickly sorted and set up ideally for the drivers."

With Swan managing the engineering squad and Barth running data acquisition, Ashton was joined by team mechanic Pete Snelson in turning the wrenches on the team’s pair of Tatuus USF-17s.

“Of course, it was also great to work with some outstanding drivers for the test,” Swan continued. “Each driver was very impressive, not only with their speed, but also with their feedback on the cars and the track.  Any one of the drivers would be a certain contender to run upfront in this highly competitive series. We put in many miles between all of the drivers.  The data gained from the test moved us another step forward, and we're ready to keep the progress going at the next test scheduled for January."

The team is planning another testing program for late January, as they prepare to run two cars.