Piedrahita and Ellery enter Round Six looking to build on race lead and podium finish in previous oval event
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. (June 16, 2011) – JDC MotorSports’ chase for race wins and a series title in the highly competitive Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda continues this weekend (June 18-19), when the junior formula car standout squad travels to the historic Milwaukee Mile. With rookie standouts Juan Piedrahita and Luke Ellery behind the wheels, JDC MotorSports is poised to build on an impressive run in the opening oval event, that featured the Australian leading the early stages of the race, and the Colombian standing on podium via a third place result.
After a brief two-week break in the action, the USF2000 National Championship returns to the track at the high-speed Milwaukee Mile with JDC MotorSports as a team worth keeping an eye on.
Over the past several years the Minnesota-based squad has not only excelled at the more traditional road course and street circuit venues, but been among those challenging for top honors on the ovals as well. With an on-going emphasis on car preparation and engineering, that trend is poised to continue.
Piedrahita enters the second and final oval race on the series calendar with momentum on his side. The talented Colombian rookie enjoyed a breakthrough run in Round Five, converting his early season pace into a well deserved third place finish during the prestigious ‘Night Before the 500’ event. With an inaugural USF2000 podium now on his 2011 resume, the stage is set for the No. 19 Petrosur/GFK Motors/Montopharma/ Colombia es pasion/Red Line Oil/JDC MotorSports car to challenge for wins and begin a second half charge up the championship standings.
“I’m very excited to be racing again on an oval,” stated Piedrahita. “Indianapolis was a great experience, and I’m looking forward on being in the podium again…hopefully winning.”
While Ellery did not exit the Lucas Oil Raceway oval race with the result he deserved, the highly-rated Australian travels to Wisconsin riding a wave of confidence. The No. 85 Melbourne IT/Luke-Ellery.com/Red Line Oil JDC MotorSports pilot was the driver to beat in Round Five, leading a good portion of the race, prior to getting caught out by a lapped car. With a repaired steed under his feet, Ellery now has his eyes set on adding another winner’s trophy to his and JDC’s mantle.
The JDC MotorSports’ duo of Ellery and Piedrahita will get their first chance to sample the famed Milwaukee Mile on Thursday morning (June 16) via promoter’s test session. The official Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda action commences one day later, with a morning practice session. Saturday (June 17) features a second practice run in the morning, prior to single-car qualifying in the middle of the afternoon. Round Six is slated to get the green flag at 9 a.m. local time on Sunday (June 18).
Fans and supporters of JDC MotorSports can keep abreast of the action at the Milwaukee Mile via - http://livetiming.net/imsa/usf2000/html.asp – Live Timing.
JDC MotorSports races with associate sponsorship from www.RedLineOil.com
Additional information on JDC MotorSports can be obtained from the team’s website @ www.jdcmotorsports.com For direct contact, please contact John Church @ 952-233-3075.
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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. This past 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. The Minneapolis-based squad will compete in the Star Mazda Championship, USF2000 National Championship and Prototype Lites Championship in 2011 via multi-car operations.