USF2000 National Championship squad captured SCCA National wins and placed two up-and-comers behind the wheel at Sebring and Homestead
FORT MYERS, FLA. – ZSports Midwest returned to Formula Ford 2000 action in fine fashion recently at Sebring International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway, with the Cooper Tires USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda squad not only visiting victory lane multiple times, but also running some potential National class standouts. Brian Belardi scored a win and added a runner-up finish in the SCCA Club Racing National doubleheader at Sebring, before sweeping the action at Homestead with a pair of wins. Collete Davis meanwhile impressed in her squad debut at Homestead, and R.C. Enerson showcased his talents in testing at Sebring.
While many North Americans were still recovering from the holiday season in the first weekend of January, ZSports Midwest was busy commencing its 2012 race campaign. First up was a trip to the historic Sebring road course in central Florida for the traditional season kick-off SCCA Winter National races. With Belardi - a seasoned SCCA racer and Indy Lights/USF2000 National Championship owner - getting back behind the wheel of a Zetec-powered F2000 car, the season-opener proved to be a near perfect affair. The ZSports backed racer converted his P1 starting position in race one of the doubleheader into a dominant win, before just missing out on a weekend sweep in race two, as a last lap pass resulted in a runner-up finish by a mere two hundreds of a second.
"Working with Brian was a pleasure," stated ZSports Midwest principal Steve Thomson. "He got up to speed instantly, was easy on equipment, and just took control. He was the guy to beat all weekend."
The SCCA races, however, were just part of ZSports' activities at Sebring. Prior to the season-opening event getting underway, Anders Krohn returned to the cockpit of a F2000 pro car. Piloting a ZSports entry in USF2000 trim, the former F2000 Championship Series champion, Star Mazda Championship race winner, and Indy Lights driver worked with USF2000 officials to help equalize the Zetec F2000 and Formula Enterprises cars for the upcoming National class season.
"Working with Anders Krohn on Wednesday before the races was equally satisfying," continued Thomson. "He jumped right into our second car, and in spite of few 'new car issues', was up to speed by the second session."
The on-track action for the ZSports Midwest squad continued after the SCCA event at Sebring as well, with Enerson sliding into the cockpit. With an eye towards a potential move into USF2000 competition, the soon to be 15 year-old who has contested several Skip Barber Regional races and is the son of Indy Lights Team E Racing owner Neil Enerson, displayed his talents. Enerson steadily gained confidence and speed with each passing lap, showing the speed and skill to be a potential National class front-runner.
"RC was fantastic!" said Thomson. "It was his first time in a F2000 car, and he was quick from the start. He will definitely be one to watch!"
One week later, ZSports was back on-track, with Belardi and Davis getting behind the wheels at the Homestead-Miami Speedway via an SCCA Double National. Belardi was again the driver to watch, converting two pole positions into a pair of wins. For the 18 year-old Davis, who is also eyeing a season of USF2000 National class competition, the doubleheader proved to be a great experience as well. Using her past karting success and limited car competition experience to full effect, she showcased good speed and skill, highlighting the belief she could challenge for National class top honors in the 2012 edition of the USF2000 National championship.
"Brian again showed his incredible speed by sweeping the weekend," concluded Thomson. "Collete, in what was her first F2000 race weekend, showed more and more confidence each time she got behind the wheel. She had a steep learning curve and proved she can do it. I hope she finds the budget to continue in the USF2000 series."
With the start of the USF2000-based Cooper Tires Winterfest now only a week away (February 6-7), and the 2012 edition of the Cooper Tires USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda fast approaching (March 15-16), ZSports Midwest is busy preparing its two Zetec-powered F2000 cars, and preparing for the arrival of a Championship class Mazda MZR-powered F2000 car. Drivers interested in competing in the Winterfest series and/or the USF2000 National Championship are encouraged to contact team principal Steve Thomson. SCCA Club Racing and testing programs are also available.
To learn more about ZSports Midwest, please visit http://zsportsmidwest.com.
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About ZSports Midwest:
Driven by a passion for racing, ZSports Midwest is a company formed by racers for racers. Based in Minnesota, with winter facilities in Fort Myers, Fla., the squad offers professional engineering and preparation to the developing driver. Since its formation in 2008, ZSports Midwest has established itself a leading junior formula car squad, winning four times, standing on the podium six times, and earning 3 pole positions in pro F2000 competition. In 2009, the squad captured the F2000 Championship Series Rookie of the Year award with Ben Searcy. ZSports Midwest will contest the Cooper Tires USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda in 2012 with a multi-car effort.