Archives for Carlin

Front row lock out for Carlin at Road America

Posted by  on Friday, June 23rd 2017     
Carlin’s Matheus Leist claimed pole position on Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires return to Road America, Elkhart Lake today, and will be joined on the front row by team mate Neil Alberico.  Garth Rickards was 12th while Zach Claman de Melo was unable to repeat his front running pace in practice after an engine failure left him unable to complete a flying lap.
In the early stages of the 30-minute session, Rising Star Racing backed driver Alberico was a front runner, lying second in the first few minutes, with Freedom 100 winner Leist close behind in third.  The duo would remain closely matched throughout the session, with Leist then taking the top spot.
Following a strong result last time out on the historic Indianapolis circuit, Rickards was building up the pace in 11th place, but it was a case of misfortune for Claman de Melo who lost oil pressure after just one lap.
Responding to his team mate’s provisional pole time, Alberico bettered Leist’s lap with a 1.53.381 only for Leist to go quicker two minutes later to snatch back the top spot.  In an impressive display by the Carlin duo, it was Leist who claimed the pole as the flag fell, with Alberico second.  Rickards was 12th, while Claman de Melo will have his work cut out after being forced to sit out the session and will consequently start race one from 14th.
Speaking about his session, Leist said, “The car was very good again today; but I was a bit frustrated as I made a mistake at the last corner.  In fact on my two fastest laps I made mistakes, so I try to correct that for tomorrow and fight for the pole again and the race wins.  I’m very happy for the team and think we are in good shape.”
Team mate Alberico added, “I’m stoked to be on front row for the first time, my best qualifying performance of the year.   If I’m going to lose to someone it’s going to be my team mate – so a Carlin 1-2 is a nice result.  It’s a good way to start the weekend.”
Qualifying for race two will take place at a bright and early 07.50 local time tomorrow with the first race of the weekend at 12.00.  Race two will complete the weekend’s Indy Lights running at 08.45 local time on Sunday.
category: Carlin

Leist takes stunning Freedom 100 victory

Posted by  on Friday, May 26th 2017     

Leist takes stunning Freedom 100 victory
Matheus Leist took the most coveted victory of the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires season today, with a flawless flag to flag victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  The 18-year-old Brazilian dominated his debut race on an oval to take victory in the Freedom 100 in stunning fashion.  It was a successful day for the British team’s Indy Lights squad, with all four cars coming home in the top seven.  Neil Alberico just missed out on a podium spot in fourth, Zach Claman DeMelo claimed sixth just ahead of Garth Rickards with his best Indy Lights finish in seventh.
The blue riband event of the Indy Lights Series got underway at the first attempt this afternoon, as pole sitter Leist made a strong start.  Behind him second place starter Colton Herta tangled with team mate Ryan Norman at turn 2, the pair both having to retire.  Claman DeMelo, Alberico and Rickards meanwhile had all made lightning starts, and were second, fourth and seventh at the end of lap one as the race came under full course yellow.
At the restart Rising Star racer Alberico was on the move, climbing to third place behind Claman DeMelo to make it a Carlin 1-2-3 for several laps.  The Californian couldn’t quite hold position though and dropped back to fifth as DeMelo also came under pressure from behind and dropped back to third after Dalton Kellett found a way through.
At the half way point, Leist still held the lead, with Alberico now fourth, DeMelo fifth and Rickards eighth.  Coming under pressure from Aaron Telitz, Leist was defending for all his worth in a battle that would rage for several laps.  Telitz got close several times, the pair even racing side by side for half a lap but still the Carlin rookie held onto the lead.
With Telitz distracted by his fight with Leist, Kellett managed to muscle his way back through to second and take up the challenge on Leist.  Still the Brazilian held on, looking unflustered as he pulled out a slightly larger gap on the field.  Rickards meanwhile was enjoying his strongest race of the season so far, passing Juan Piedrahita to claim seventh in the closing stages.
As the 40 laps drew to a close, it was Leist who took the chequered flag first, just a year after Carlin’s 2016 Indy Lights champion Ed Jones lost out on victory to Dean Stoneman by the smallest of margins.
Freedom 100 winner Leist said, “This is a dream that came true today.  I have no words to describe this feeling.  It is an amazing day for me and the team.  Thanks to everyone who has helped me get here, thanks to everyone.
“I knew it was going to be a tough race, but the car was very very good.  When the guys came up behind me I thought it would be good.  I thought, I’ll just keep calm and when they’ve passed me I’ll overtake them again.  But they didn’t get pass me, I kept them behind me.  I have no words to describe this.  Thanks to the team, I just want to celebrate with them now.”
A delighted Trevor Carlin added, “It’s incredible to take the victory today.  Last year was so close with Ed [Jones]; as they crossed the line I thought we’d won and had to look at the timing screen to see that we’d lost by the smallest of margins.  But Matheus literally didn’t put a wheel wrong.   To lead from flag to flag is really quite incredible.  To have all cars not only finish but all finish in the top seven is testament to the hard work from everyone involved.  I’m delighted.”
category: Carlin
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Team release and our notes: Alberico returns with Carlin for 2017 Indy Lights season

Posted by  on Tuesday, February 14th 2017     

Team Release:

Alberico returns with Carlin for 2017 season
American racer Neil Alberico will race with Carlin for a second season in the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Championship. Alberico, a Mazda Road to Indy success story, spent his debut season in the Indy Lights Series racing with Carlin having graduated as Pro-Mazda Vice Champion in 2015. Alberico’s experience in the car sets him in good stead as he looks to take on his second season in the competitive championship.
Alberico has already enjoyed a solid season with the team as he used his debut year to get up to speed and to grips with the powerful Indy Lights car. Alberico used his learning year to his advantage and will now be looking to build on his experience of the car as he takes on his second season in the championship with current champions Carlin.
The American racing driver has experience on the prestigious Mazda Road to Indy ladder and has used the programme well to move between championships. Having started out racing in USF2000, he then graduated to the Pro Mazda Series – Alberico finished as runner up in both championships over the course of his early career.
The Mazda Road to Indy has sling shot him directly to the Indy Lights Series where he now looks ahead to his second year racing with Carlin.
Rising Star Racing backed Alberico said of his 2017 plans, “I’m excited to be back with Carlin for my second year in Indy Lights. The entire team has invested a lot of time and energy into my career, and I couldn’t be happier to continue our relationship together in 2017. Of course a big thanks goes to Art Wilmes and Rising Star Racing for sticking with me for all these years. Without RSR’s continued support I would never have the opportunity to compete at the level I am today. Now we aim to go and fight for some wins.”
Racing director Trevor Carlin added, “We are delighted to welcome Neil back to the team for his second season racing in Indy Lights. He was a great addition to the team last year and really works hard with the team and fits in with our ethos. We know him well so this season the aim is to build successfully on everything that we’ve worked on together and be up there fighting for those great results. We look forward to the first race next month.”
Alberico joins previously confirmed Indy Lights drivers Garth Rickards, Matheus Leist and Zach Claman DeMelo in Carlin’s four car line up.

I’d say it was the announcement he was signed with Carlin for a second Indy Lights season that has Neil Alberico smiling. But, the Rising Star Racing sponsored driver is always smiling. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  • Alberico is the fourth Carlin pilot and 13th over-all confirmed driver for the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire season, joining: Dalton Kellett (Andretti Autosport), Shelby Blackstock (Belardi Auto Racing), Nicolas Dapero (Juncos Racing),  Nico Jamin (Andretti Autosport), Ryan Norman (Andretti Autosport),  Kyle Kaiser (Juncos Racing), Colton Herta (Andretti Autosport),  Santiago Urrutia (Belardi Auto Racing),  Matheus Leist (Carlin),  Juan Piedrahita (Team Pelfrey), and Zachary Claman DeMelo (Carlin)
  • Alberico had a difficult rookie Indy Lights season, fighting mechanical gremlins (the No. 22 underwent nine engine changes in the 11 Indy Lights events in 2016) for most of the season. While the results didn’t match the 24 year-old’s previous MRTI results (10 wins and 21 podiums in 58 races), Alberico never once complained, and his positive attitude in spite of bad circumstances was impressive and refreshing. 
  • The 2017 season marks the fourth year that Alberico will be affiliated with Rising Star Racing, an Art Wilmes run organization that strives to matching talented young American drivers with corporate sponsors. “RSR is pleased that Neil is returning to Carlin in 2017,” RSR founder Art Wilmes said. “Carlin has established itself in Europe as developing tomorrow’s F1 stars today. We look forward to working with Trevor Carlin, Colin Hale, the Indy Lights team, and Capsicum Motorsport Group as they develop tomorrow’s IndyCar stars today.  Thanks to all our sponsors for making this happen for us.”
  • TSO Ladder expects at the very minimum one more driver (Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tire champion Aaron Telitz, who has tested extensively with Belardi Auto Racing)  confirmation before St. Pete, with the potential for an additional two or three cars. That would place the grid at between 14 and 17 full-time entries. 
  • You can follow Alberico on the following social media channels: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
category: Carlin
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Claman DeMelo joins Carlin for Indy Lights assault

Posted by  on Monday, February 6th 2017     

T

Team Release:

Claman DeMelo joins Carlin for Indy Lights assault
Canadian racing driver Zachary Claman DeMelo will compete with Carlin in the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Championship the team are pleased to confirm today. Claman DeMelo has already enjoyed a solid season racing in the highly competitive series and now joins championship winning team Carlin for his second year.
Prior to racing in Indy Lights Claman DeMelo had previously competed in Europe, taking part in Formula Renault 2.0, NEC and ALPS Championships over the course of the 2015 season.
Claman DeMelo also has previous experience at Carlin having raced for the team in 2015 in selected rounds of the F3 Cup where, despite being invitation class, he blitzed his way to numerous wins and fastest laps.
The Canadian racer moved back over to North America in 2016, making his debut on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder last season finishing ninth overall in his rookie Indy Lights season. Having had chance to get to grips with the series street, road and oval circuits, Claman DeMelo heads confidently into his sophomore year, which will get underway from 10 – 12 March in St Petersburg, Florida.
Speaking about his 2017 programme, Claman DeMelo said, “I am proud to announce my seat with Carlin for the 2017 Indy Lights Series!  Carlin to me, represent one of the most professional teams that Strive for only the best and I’ve no doubt that 2017 will be a great experience.”
Trevor Carlin added, “We are very happy to have Zach join the team for 2017.  We’ve worked very successfully with Zach before and I think together we’ll get some great results this year.  It will be a tough field I think this season in Indy Lights, with some very strong/ returning drivers and some quick rookies, but we’re putting together a strong package and are looking forward to getting on track at St Pete.”
Claman DeMelo will line up alongside previously announced 2017 Carlin drivers Garth Rickards and Matheus Leist.

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  • Claman DeMelo is the third Carlin pilot and 12th over-all confirmed driver for the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire season, joining: Dalton Kellett (Andretti Autosport), Shelby Blackstock (Belardi Auto Racing), Nicolas Dapero (Juncos Racing),  Nico Jamin (Andretti Autosport), Ryan Norman (Andretti Autosport),  Kyle Kaiser (Juncos Racing), Colton Herta (Andretti Autosport),  Santiago Urrutia (Belardi Auto Racing),  Matheus Leist (Carlin), and Juan Piedrahita (Team Pelfrey)
  • Despite entering only his third season in cars, the 18 year-old Claman DeMelo proved that making the leap from Formula Renault 2.0 to Indy Lights was justified. Claman DeMelo brought home top 10’s in half of his starts in 2016, and his two quickest race laps shows that podiums should be well within reach during his sophomore season. 
  • Claman DeMelo has many karting titles to his name and he spent much of this off-season keeping the rust off by continuing to kart competitively. The Montreal, Quebec native showed he hasn’t forgotten his karting chops by finishing second in the X30 class at the SKUSA Super Nationals. 
  • TSO Ladder expects at the very minimum two more driver confirmations before St. Pete, with the potential for an additional two or three cars. That would place the grid at between 14 and 17 full-time entries. 
  • You can follow Claman DeMelo on the following social media channels: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
category: Carlin
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Leist joins Carlin for Indy Lights

Posted by  on Friday, February 3rd 2017     

 

Team Release:

Leist joins Carlin for Indy Lights
Reigning BRDC British F3 champion Matheus Leist will make the switch across the Atlantic and join Carlin’s championship winning Indy Lights team for 2017.  The 18 year-old racer who has marked himself out as one to watch on the European racing scene has enjoyed an impressive career in both Formula 4 and Formula 3.
Leist is a well-known name in the junior motorsport ranks in Europe, having been a front runner in both the British F4 and BRDC British F3 fields.  Liest’s debut season in the UK came in British Formula 4, then branded MSA Formula, where the Brazilian raced hard against Carlin’s eventual champion Lando Norris and former Carlin man Colton Herta.  In his debut season on UK tracks, Leist claimed two wins and seven podiums, enough to claim fifth in the championship standings.
The young Brazilian moved up to BRDC British F3 in 2016, showing his potential early on by claiming a victory in the first weekend of the season at Snetterton.  Leist went on to win three further races last season and an impressive 11 podiums to claim the 2016 title in a dramatic show down with Carlin’s Ricky Collard.
The 18 year-old also has experience of GP3 machinery, having taken part in all three official test days at the end of the 2016 season in Abu Dhabi where he was also regularly within the top five.
“I’m very excited to be joining Carlin in Indy Lights” said Leist.  “I had quite a few options open to me in 2017, but a combination of things, including the opportunities in the US and on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder, made Indy Lights a great option for me.   I have raced against Carlin before so I know how hard they push as a team to win.  I’m incredibly excited to get out on track in the car and get the season underway.”
Speaking about the team’s newest signing, Trevor Carlin said, “We have raced against Matheus for the last two seasons now, and have witnessed first-hand his race craft and raw speed.  Now we have chance to work together, it will be great to have those talents within the team rather than trying to beat them!  Indy Lights will certainly be a new environment for Matheus and a steep learning curve, but he has the ability and more importantly, the calm and determined nature to overcome these challenges.  I’m very excited to see what we can achieve together in 2017.”

Matheus Leist will be contesting the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire season with Carlin (Photo Courtesy of Carlin)

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  • Leist is the second Carlin pilot and 11th over-all confirmed driver for the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire season, joining: Dalton Kellett (Andretti Autosport), Shelby Blackstock (Belardi Auto Racing), Nicolas Dapero (Juncos Racing),  Nico Jamin (Andretti Autosport), Ryan Norman (Andretti Autosport),  Kyle Kaiser (Juncos Racing), Colton Herta (Andretti Autosport),  Santiago Urrutia (Belardi Auto Racing), and Garth Rickards (Carlin)
  • I (Steve) was caught completely by surprise by this signing. I’ve had my eye on Leist since his MSA Formula season in 2015, but with him testing GP3, I didn’t expect this move to come now. Leist tested with three different teams during the three-day December test at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, and was immediately on pace with more experienced driver right away. 
  • Leist was impressive in winning the 23 race BRDC British Formula 3 Championship against an experienced and deep field. Leist scored four wins, one pole, 11 podiums, and six fastest race laps. The Novo Hamburgo, Brazil native only failed to finish outside the top five on four occasions. 
  • Don’t be surprised to see Leist at the pointy end of the field on numerous occasions in 2017. He’s very talented. It will be nice to have a young Brazilian on the path to IndyCar again. 
  • Carlin, whose U.S. operations are headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, are expected to have at the minimum a three car Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire squad. The U.K. based team recently announced that they would be leaving the GP2 Championship to focus on their other interests. 
  • You can follow Leist  on the following social media channels: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
category: Carlin
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RICKARDS MOVES UP TO INDY LIGHTS WITH CARLIN

Posted by  on Friday, January 6th 2017     

Carlin logo

Team Release:

Carlin is pleased to announce that American racing driver Garth Rickards will join the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires team for the 2017 season. Rickards has already tested extensively with the team over the past couple of months and will make the move to the competitive Series following a programme last season racing in USF2000 – also part of the highly respected Mazda Road to Indy ladder.

At 24 Rickards has enjoyed a strong career to date following his debut season of single seat racing in 2014. Rickards finished as runner up in the F1600 Championship Series taking one victory alongside a total of nine impressive podiums while also claiming Rookie of the Year honours in the process. This strong form saw him move on to the Cooper Tires USF2000 Powered by Mazda Series where he has competed for the past two seasons as a consistent top eight finisher – including a podium at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course towards the end of his 2016 campaign.

Rickards will now take the next step on the Mazda Road to Indy Ladder and becomes the first driver to be announced in reigning Champions Carlin’s 2017 Indy Lights line up. Rickards has already been busy testing with the team in an extensive pre-season programme which will continue in to the New Year before the first race of the season gets underway around the streets of St Petersburg, Florida, in March.

Rickards said of the upcoming season, “To say I am excited is an understatement and I can’t thank everyone who was involved enough. Carlin has proven that they are one of the best junior open wheel teams in the world with their track record. Their focus on driver development will really help me grow and move my way up through the field in my rookie season. Trevor and the whole Carlin squad have been extremely supportive and I’m excited to work with them hopefully for many years. I want to personally thank David Luther and Luther Automotive for believing in me and helping me continue to chase my dream. Together with all my associate sponsors coming on board it has put us in a great position to be a force in 2017.”

Racing director Trevor Carlin added, “We are extremely pleased to have Garth join us here at Carlin for 2017. Garth has shown real potential in his career so far and it’s always nice to see a driver moving further up the Mazda Road to Indy ladder. We know that Garth will be a strong addition to our team and having already worked with him over the course of a test programme we’re looking forward continuing where we left off and building a strong programme together for the season ahead.”

Garth Rickards was all smiles as he gives the thumbs up after testing a Carlin Indy Lights car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Chris Griffis Memorial Test (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

Garth Rickards was all smiles as he gives the thumbs up after testing a Carlin Indy Lights car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Chris Griffis Memorial Test (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  • Rickards is the first Carlin pilot and tenth over-all confirmed driver for the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire season, joining: Dalton Kellett (Andretti Autosport), Shelby Blackstock (Belardi Auto Racing), Nicolas Dapero (Juncos Racing),  Nico Jamin (Andretti Autosport), Ryan Norman (Andretti Autosport),  Kyle Kaiser (Juncos Racing), Colton Herta (Andretti Autosport), and Santiago Urrutia (Belardi Auto Racing)
  • Rickards has made 34 starts in USF2000, finishing in ninth and 10th in the previous two season long standings. However, Rickards’ true pace was not shown by his final results in 2016. Rickards qualifying average of  6.6 was fifth best in the deep USF2000 field, but he couldn’t seem to buy a brea, getting caught up in other’s mistakes on numerous occasions. His maturity in dealing with these set-backs throughout the season was admirable. 
  • The 24 year-old from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania recently got engaged to his long time girlfriend, and when not racing, the Shippensburg University graduate is a Sales and Leasing Consultant at Bobby Rahal Toyota in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. 
  • Rickards has been testing with Carlin, including at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in October, and he was quickly on pace. 
  • Carlin, whose U.S. operations are headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, are expected to have at the minimum a three car Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire squad. The U.K. based team recently announced that they would be leaving the GP2 Championship to focus on their other interests. 
  • You can follow Rickards career journey on the following social media channels: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
Garth Rickards tested with Carlin during the Chris Griffis Memorial Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

Garth Rickards tested with Carlin during the Chris Griffis Memorial Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

category: Carlin
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Carlin – Down to the wire at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Posted by  on Friday, September 9th 2016     

Carlin logo

Down to the wire at Laguna Seca

After ten tense race weekends the fight for the 2016 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires Championship will intensify as it reaches what is likely to be a dramatic conclusion this weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. After a strong second season in the series Carlin are well and truly in the title hunt with Ed Jones just one point from the overall lead as the field look forward to the last round at the Californian circuit. Félix Serrallés is also in the mix with two final races left to run while Neil Alberico, in his first year in the competitive field, is hoping for a strong end to his season in his native state.

The 2016 season so far has seen a total of seven different winners over the course of the 16 rounds – both Jones and Serrallés appear on that list with the pair each taking two themselves. This incredible season has meant that as the championship nears the end the fight for the crown is fiercely tight with a handful of drivers still able to realistically take the title as their own. The strong racing form from Jones, Serrallés and Alberico has also ensured that Carlin sits at the top of the team standings.

The previous round at Watkins Glen saw Jones blitz his way back up the standings and to within one point of current championship leader Santiago Urrutia following a fantastic drive to second position. This result has left him in a strong positon with two races left to run in the Mazda Road to Indy series with Serrallés also looking strong in fifth.

Looking ahead to the race weekend Jones said, “I can’t believe we are already at the last round. Going into the season you always want to have a chance at the title at the last round and we have definitely achieved that. I’m really looking forward to getting underway with the weekend and hopefully come away with the championship. The team and I have worked so hard not only this year but also last season so it would be incredible to get the reward we deserve.

“In terms of our approach it’s all-out attack. We are pretty much level on points for the lead so it’s whoever has the better weekend wins.”

Speaking of the weekend Serrallés added, “I have the experience from last year at Mazda Raceway, but what’s different is that I’m with Carlin now. They qualified on pole, had a good car there last year and have been competitive all season this year. I have confidence in the team and in the car, so if I do everything right, I can be up there. It’s a matter of how you look at it and making sure you stay positive.”

Rookie racer Alberico said of the Californian round, “It always feels good to race in front of the home crowd here at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. It’d be nice to have a one-two-three for Carlin to cap off the season. I think the whole team was strong here last year and I’d say if we pick up where they left off we can make that happen.”

The Championship decider gets underway on Friday with two free practice sessions before qualifying on Saturday followed by the opening race; the final race of the season will take place on Sunday afternoon.

category: Carlin
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Rinus VK To Make USF2000 Debut With Carlin Benik in 2017

Posted by  on Wednesday, August 31st 2016     

Rinus VK To Make USF2000 Debut With Carlin Benik in 2017

Rinus VK is the first driver to officially join Carlin Benik’s Cooper Tires USF2000 Powered by Mazda squad for 2017. (photo courtesy of Co-Force International)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (August 31, 2016) – Dutch driver Rinus VK today announced he will be making his debut in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda in 2017 with powerhouse team Carlin.

“We have spoken with several teams in the last few months, but when the opportunity to join Carlin Benik came along I didn’t have to think long. Making the deal with Carlin Benik is an important step for us. Having secured the seat I now feel I truly am an USF2000 driver”, Rinus VK says.

Having announced his intent to compete on the Mazda Road To Indy ladder system in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Rinus now has his plans firmed up, and Racing Director Trevor Carlin couldn’t be happier about having secured the teenager for the team’s initial foray into USF2000.

“Sander Dorsman, team manager at MP Motorsport, tipped me about Rinus”, Trevor explains. “I know Sander very well from the GP2 Series and respect his judgement. I started to follow Rinus and soon knew he would be the perfect young talent for our new USF2000 team at Carlin Benik.”   

Carlin is one of the winningest teams in the history of junior open-wheel racing, having won 15 championships, scored over 300 race wins and 800 podiums. The team has worked with Verizon IndyCar Series champion Will Power as well as race winners Josef Newgarden, Charlie Kimball and Takuma Sato. They’ve also had a crucial role in the development of F1 drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Rosberg, and Rinus plans on taking full advantage of the team’s heritage and infrastructure.  Carlin have joined forces with top US kart team Benik, to create a strong package for the team’s debut in USF2000 in 2017.  

Owned and operated by long-time karting industry members Ben Cruttenden and Nick Mitchell, Benik Kart operates out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, close to Carlin’s US base in Delray Beach, where the team’s USF2000 cars will be prepared. Combining the expertise of both teams with young drivers, Carlin will provide all personnel and technical expertise when the Carlin Benik squad take to the track.  

Rinus is delighted with the signed contract: “Carlin is known to be strong in new competitions and an endless number of Carlin drivers have made it to the top in motorsport all over the world. I’m sure Trevor and his team will have the new USF2000 chassis built up in the best possible way, so I think they can help me to perform on top of my ability.”  

Rinus is one of three Dutch drivers on the renowned KNAF Talent First development program. The program has seen drivers such as Max Verstappen rise through the ranks en route to the top levels of the sport. He is also supported by Holland’s largest supermarket chain, Jumbo, which have been supporters of racing for several decades.

Rinus and Carlin Benik will begin their off-season preparations at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course via the Chris Griffis Memorial test on October 8-9, 2016. The date will mark the first opportunity for teams and drivers to sample the all new Tatuus USF-17 racecar that will be utilized for the 2017 USF2000 season.

 

category: Carlin, Cooper Tires USF2000 powered by Mazda - TSO
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Serralles battles to second in Toronto

Posted by  on Saturday, July 16th 2016     

The Toronto street circuit provided an exciting opening race of the weekend this afternoon, in the Indy Lights Series presented by Cooper Tires. Felix Serralles recovered from a tricky start to claim a well fought second place at the flag, while Ed Jones retains the championship lead after taking points for sixth. Neil Alberico suffered…

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category: Carlin

Carlin sign Alberico for 2016 Indy Lights Series

Posted by  on Monday, January 25th 2016     

Carlin logo

Carlin sign Alberico for 2016 Indy Lights Series

Neil Alberico will race with Carlin in the 2016 Indy Lights Series presented by Cooper Tires.  The 23 year-old American will continue his career on the Mazda Road to Indy, after finishing the 2015 season as Pro Mazda vice-champion.  Alberico joins already announced Carlin drivers Ed Jones and Felix Serralles.
Alberico took eight podiums in total last season in the Pro Mazda Series, including four wins to take second in the popular Indy Lights feeder series.  It was the Californian’s second year in the championship, after a debut season which also saw four podiums.  A true racer of the IndyCar ladder, previous to competing in Pro Mazda, Alberico had raced to second overall in the 2013 USF2000 Series.
I'd say it was the announcement he was signed with Carlin for Indy Lights that has Neil Alberico smiling. But, the Rising Star Racing sponsored driver is always smiling. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

I’d say it was the announcement he was signed with Carlin for Indy Lights that has Neil Alberico smiling. But, the Rising Star Racing sponsored driver is always smiling. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

Having enjoyed a strong debut season in Indy Lights in 2015, Alberico’s signing takes the Carlin team to three cars after race winning success for duo Max Chilton and Ed Jones last year.  The team claimed four wins and 11 podiums overall, with rookie Jones challenging for the championship title right up to the season finale.
Alberico will make the step up to Indy Lights thanks to primary sponsor Rising Star Racing, an organisation whose mission it is to ensure that deserving drivers get the opportunities they deserve in motorsports.  Rising Star Racing also support 2015 Indy Lights Champion Spencer Pigot, who will race in selected Indy Car rounds in 2016, together with established Indy Car racer and winner Josef Newgarden.
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Speaking about the season ahead, Alberico said, “Carlin came to the US and immediately proved they could win races. They have a winning formula for success, so of course I am happy to be part of that for 2016. There will be challenges to adapt to as I learn the nuances of the new car, but driving alongside a pair of experienced teammates like Ed and Felix will help accelerate the learning process.”
Trevor Carlin added, “Neil was a driver who immediately caught our eye least season, from the outset he looked like one of the drivers to beat and throughout the year he handled himself very well both in and out of the car. We’re extremely proud that Neil and his sponsors have chosen Carlin as the team with which to continue his career on the Mazda Road to Indy.  Neil has impressed us already in the small amount of testing he has done with the team and we’re really looking forward to seeing him race alongside Ed and Felix in what we believe is a very strong driver line-up.”
Alberico will join Carlin team mates Ed Jones and Felix Serralles in the first of this season’s official tests, with two days running at Homestead this week from 26 – 27 January.
Source: Carlin PR
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category: Carlin
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