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Team release and our notes: Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona Champion, Pato O’Ward Joins Team Pelfrey IL for Spring Training and the Season Opener

Posted by  on Wednesday, March 1st 2017     

Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona Champion, Pato O’Ward Joins Team Pelfrey IL for Spring Training and the Season Opener

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (February 28, 2017) – Team Pelfrey IL announced today Pato O’Ward and his primary sponsors, Gap Guard and Topo Chico, will continue to stand behind the 2017 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona Champion as he moves through the Mazda Road to Indy ranks. O’Ward will be participating in spring training with Team Pelfrey IL at Homestead Miami Speedway as well as securing a spot on the grid for first race of the season in St. Petersburg, Fla. on March 10-12.

“I am back with Team Pelfrey in Indy Lights for the first official Series test and for the first race of the season in St. Petersburg,” commented O’Ward. “A big thank you goes to the creator of Gap Guard, better known as Dale Pelfrey, once again for the opportunity and the whole Team Pelfrey crew as well for the continuous support they have given me the last few years.”

O’Ward will pilot the No. 3 Topo Chico/Gap Guard Mazda alongside his Colombian teammate, Juan Piedrahita in the signature yellow #PelfreyPower machine.

“We are very excited to confirm Pato on the Indy Lights front,” stated Team Pelfrey IL team manager, Gary Neal. “Not only does this mean we have an exceptionally talented driver, but it’s also great to see the Team Pelfrey ladder system in full swing. We are looking forward to a strong outing at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.”

The 2017 season is scheduled to commence with a doubleheader race weekend through the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. March 10-12. Follow Team Pelfrey throughout the season via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram via @TeamPelfrey or by using the hashtag #PelfreyPower.

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  • O’Ward is the second Team Pelfrey pilot and 14th over-all confirmed driver for the season opening race 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),  Zachary Claman DeMelo (Carlin) and Neil Alberico (Carlin)
  • O’Ward, the 2016 Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tire vice-champion, has a seven wins, five poles, 10 podiums and nine quickest race laps in a total of 32 Mazda Road To Indy presented by Cooper Tire starts 
  • O’Ward has been confirmed for a full season of Prototype Challenge Competition in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Performance Tech Racing. Although his Indy Lights deal is for only the first event (that’s how his Pro Mazda deal began last year as well), we’d be remiss not to take a look at Indy Lights conflicts with IMSA. The only direct conflict between the two schedules occurs when Indy Lights is at Iowa Speedway (July 8-9) and IMSA is at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. 
  • O’Ward’s addition for the Streets of St. Petersburg, will bring that entry list up to 15 cars. 
  • You can follow O’Ward on the following social media channels: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
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Team Release and our notes: Lastochkin Secures Team Pelfrey’s Final Pro Mazda Seat for the 2017 Season

Posted by  on Tuesday, February 28th 2017     

Team Release

Lastochkin Secures Team Pelfrey’s Final Pro Mazda Seat for the 2017 season

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (February 28, 2017) – Team Pelfrey is excited to announce that Nikita Lastochkin will fill the final Pro Mazda seat in the team’s signature black and yellow garage. The Russian will have his first opportunity to pilot the No. 80 Pro Mazda in the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires for the 2017 season at the upcoming series test at Homestead Miami Speedway Road Course.

“To be back with Team Pelfrey means being back with the same people that I started my career with and I am very excited,” said Lastochkin. “The goal would be to focus on our strengths, keep working on the areas we can improve and let the results take care of themselves. Overall, I’m just happy to be back on the Mazda Road to Indy and looking forward to the year ahead.”

The 26-year-old is familiar with the structure of the team as he began his racing career in 2014 with the #PelfreyPower crew where he competed in the F1600 Championship, followed by the USF2000 Championship Series in 2015. Lastochkin competed strongly in the USF2000 Championship in 2016, securing 11 top 10 finishes.

“This is fantastic news for Team Pelfrey,” commented general manager Jonathan Baker. “Nikita has been with us before in F1600 and USF2000, and being able to welcome him back to our Pro Mazda team is just so cool. He has shown us over the past few years that on his day, he is one of the quickest drivers out there, and we are looking forward to helping him achieve top results in Pro Mazda. On top of everything, he is simply a great guy. We are proud to have him back.”

Follow Lastochkin’s on-track progress @nikitagoesracin on Twitter and Instagram. You can also receive updates via @TeamPelfrey on all social media platforms by using the hashtag #PelfreyPower or visit www.pelfreypower.com. The USF2000, Pro Mazda, and Indy Lights teams will be in action for the first race of the season on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla on March 10-12.

Nikita Lastochkin will be starting his third Mazda Road To Indy presented by Cooper Tire season with Team Pelfrey’s championship winning Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tire team ((Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography – Chris Owens)

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  • Lastochkin is is the third confirmed Team Pelfrey entry and eighth confirmed full-time Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tire driver for the 2017 season, joining Sting Ray Robb (World Speed Motorsports), TJ Fischer (Team Pelfrey), Max Hanratty (Leading Edge Grand Prix), Bobby Eberle (World Speed Motorsports), Charles Finelli (Fat Boy Racing), Brandon Puderbach, (Fat Boy Racing), and Carlos Cunha (Team Pelfrey)
  • Lastochkin who just started his racing career as a 22 year-old in 2013,  has accumulated 23 top 10’s in 30 Cooper Tires USF2000 Powered by Mazda starts and has finished seventh and eighth in the previous two seasons. 
  • Lastochkin recently spent six weeks in New Zealand collecting valuable seat time while taking part in the Toyota Racing Series with fellow Mazda Road To Indy presented by Cooper Tire drivers Shelby Blackstock, and Kory Enders. 
  • TSO is hearing that the Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tire grid is expected to be in double digits (or at least very close) at the first event on the streets of St. Petersburg. 
  • You can follow Cunha on the following social media platforms: Twitter – Instagram – Facebook
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Team Release and Our Notes: Team Pelfrey Welcomes Rookie Carlos Cunha to Pro Mazda in 2017

Posted by  on Monday, February 27th 2017     

Team Release:

Team Pelfrey Welcomes Rookie Carlos Cunha to Pro Mazda in 2017

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (February 27, 2017) – Team Pelfrey is delighted to announce Carlos Cunha will pilot the No. 81 Team Pelfrey Pro Mazda machine in the 2017 Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires. The rookie will compete alongside teammate TJ Fischer as the season gets underway with a doubleheader in St. Petersburg, Fla. on March 10-12.

Cunha, 17, is thrilled to move his racing career to North America after spending the last eight years competing in numerous race circuits, including Formula 3 Brazil where he collected wins and multiple podiums.

“I am super excited to be with Team Pelfrey,” stated the enthused Cunha. “They have the structure for me to further develop my career at this new stage in the United States. My only experience was in the Brazilian and European motorsport arena, so it was a pleasant surprise to find out how well developed the Mazda Road to Indy system is. I am really looking forward to getting the season started in St Petersburg!”

The Brazilian native is looking to build upon his past experiences, in addition to capitalizing upon the team’s momentum as they clinched the 2016 Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires with Aaron Telitz.

“Carlos is an extremely impressive young man,” commented general manager, Jonathan Baker. “He tested for us in Florida and not only was his speed apparent, but his overall approach, understanding of the car and how the team works was very encouraging to see. He has all of the ingredients to be successful on the Mazda Road to Indy, and we are very happy to welcome him into the #PelfreyPower family.”

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  •  Cunha is is the second confirmed Team Pelfrey entry and seventh confirmed full-time Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tire driver for the 2017 season, joining Sting Ray Robb (World Speed Motorsports), TJ Fischer (Team Pelfrey), Max Hanratty (Leading Edge Grand Prix), Bobby Eberle (World Speed Motorsports), Charles Finelli (Fat Boy Racing), and Brandon Puderbach, (Fat Boy Racing).
  • Cunha has finished in the top five in the competitive Brazilian Formula 3 series the past two seasons. The 16 round, eight event series utilizes the previous generation F3 car, the 2.3L Berta powered Dallara F309. 
  • Don’t be surprised to see the 17-year old contend for wins at some point this season, as Brazilian Formula 3 has a history of producing some very successful drivers. 
  • TSO is hearing that the Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tire grid is expected to be in double digits (or at least very close) at the first event on the streets of St. Petersburg. 
  • You can follow Cunha on the following social media platforms: Twitter – Instagram – Facebook 
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Team release and our notes: Team Pelfrey Confirms Ayla Agren for USF2000 Seat in 2017

Posted by  on Wednesday, February 8th 2017     

Team Release:

Team Pelfrey Confirms Ayla Agren for USF2000 Seat in 2017

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – (February 8, 2017) – Team Pelfrey confirms Ayla Agren will fill their second Cooper Tires USF2000 Powered by Mazda series seat in the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires as the season commences in St. Petersburg, Fla. March 11-12.

Agren and Team Pelfrey are known to have great on-track chemistry as Agren won the F1600 Championship in 2014 and is now looking to build upon that relationship as the season nears. The 23-year-old has continued to be competitive as she scored 19 top 10 finishes in her last two years driving in the series.

“Welcoming Ayla back to Team Pelfrey is fantastic news,” commented General Manager, Jonathan Baker. “She won a championship in a yellow Team Pelfrey-powered machine in 2014, and being able to bring her back into our new look USF2000 outfit is an exciting prospect; She’s fast, she’s exactly where she wants to be, and she is hungry to do well. We all know what she is capable of, and in what will no doubt be one of the most competitive seasons in recent USF2000 history, we’re up for the fight.”

The Norwegian will pilot the No. 82 florescent yellow Energima/Team Pelfrey Mazda alongside her teammate Robert Megennis.

“I am very excited to be back with Team Pelfrey, we’ve had some great results together in previous seasons and I am really happy to get the chance to work together again,” stated Agren. “I’m looking forward to being back on the USF2000 grid in the new Tatuus [USF-17] car and on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder for the 2017 season. I cannot wait for the season to start!”

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  • Agren is the second Team Pelfrey entry and 11th driver confirmed for the 2017 Cooper Tires USF2000 Powered by Mazda season, joining: Moises de la Vara (DEForce Racing), Kory Enders (DEForce Racing), Rinus VK (Carlin/Benik), Devin Wojcik (ArmsUp Motorsports), Chandler Horton (RJB Motorsports), Robert Megennis (Team Pelfrey),  Parker Thompson (Exclusive Autosport),  Andre Castro (Newman Sachs Racing), and Calvin Ming (Pabst Racing)
  • 2017 will mark a return to Team Pelfrey after spending a partial season at John Cummiskey Racing in 2016. Before the 2016 season, Agren had spent the previous three campaigns with Team Pelfrey. Two in the F1600 Formula F Championship Series (where Agren won the title) and one season with the team’s brand new USF2000 program in 2015. 
  • Despite missing four races, Agren was able to come home 11th of the 28 drivers that took part in USF2000 in 2016. The Norwegian’s best result in 2016 was a  fourth place finish at Road America in June. 
  • TSO expects a flurry of USF2000 driver announcements over the next three weeks before the series takes to the Homestead-Miami Speedway road course for an open test on February 28. 
  • You can follow Agren on the following social media platforms: Twitter – Instagram – Facebook
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Juan Piedrahita will rejoin Team Pelfrey IL for the 2017 Indy Lights Season

Posted by  on Friday, February 3rd 2017     

 

Team Release:

Juan Piedrahita will rejoin Team Pelfrey IL for the 2017 Indy Lights Season

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (February 3, 2017) – Team Pelfrey IL is elated to announce today Juan Piedrahita will rejoin the squad for the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season. The 25-year-old will mark his fourth season in Indy Lights as the season commences in St. Petersburg, Fla. March 11-12.

“I couldn’t be happier to rejoin Team Pelfrey for the 2017 Indy Lights season. After working with the crew last year, I knew it was the right fit coming into this year,” said the Colombian. “Gary [Neal] and Yves [Touron] have given me a lot of confidence and they always have a very competitive car at every track. We are going be extremely competitive this year and for sure we are going to seal the deal in the Freedom 100.”

Piedrahita drove to six top-10 finishes in 2016 with Team Pelfrey IL and will return to pilot the signature yellow No. 2 Petrosur/Team Pelfrey machine.

“We are extremely happy to welcome Juan back to Team Pelfrey IL for the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires,” stated team manager, Gary Neal. “We built a lot of momentum in post 2016 season testing with Juan and I am sure we will see some great results this season.”

Juan Piedrahita is poised to make his 100th MRTI start in 2017 (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  • Piedrahita is the first Team Pelfrey 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), and Matheus Leist (Carlin).
  • Piedrahita made his first Mazda Road To Indy presented by Cooper Tire start at Sebring International Raceway in 2010 and has contested a total of 95 races in USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights, with 45 of those coming in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire series. 
  • Piedrahita’s results in 2016 did not match his pace. Early in the season, he was saddled with an engine that was down on power, and he had good results taken away during the Freedom 100 and at Toronto through the aggressive driving of others. 
  • Even though he had a disappointing 2016, and much to Piedrahita’s credit, he never stopped smiling and kept a positive attitude throughout. 
  • You can follow Piedrahita on the following social media channels: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
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Team release and notes: Fischer Rejoins Team Pelfrey for a Full Season in Pro Mazda

Posted by  on Tuesday, January 10th 2017     

Team release:

Fischer Rejoins Team Pelfrey for a Full Season in Pro Mazda
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (January 10, 2017) – Team Pelfrey is delighted to confirm that TJ Fischer has re-signed with the team for the 2017 season in the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires.

“It is with great excitement that we welcome TJ back to Team Pelfrey. Not only is he great to have around, but the progress he made after the switch to Pro Mazda mid-season last year, in addition to winter testing, is extremely encouraging,” said Team Pelfrey’s General Manager, Jonathan Baker. “I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in what will be an exciting year for the Pro Mazda Championship.”

Fischer, 23, received a taste of some of the toughest competition in the Mazda Road to Indy series as he made a calculated transition from the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda ranks to Pro Mazda where he participated in four races, recording one-top five finish and continuously reducing the delta to his race and championship winning teammates.

“I’m excited to be returning with the Team Pelfrey squad in the Pro Mazda Championship,” said the Vacaville, Calif. native. “It’s clear, they have won the past two Pro Mazda titles, and the demeanor within the team shows why they’ve been so successful. Last year, I got a taste of what racing in the Pro Mazda Championship was like and now I am able to learn from the 2016 season and apply it to a full proper year,” said Fischer.

As the season is quickly approaching, Fischer is focused on pre-season training as well as participating in outreach programs with nationwide organizations to increase awareness on his Project O2 initiative. The O2 campaign, created by Fischer, was designed to inform, inspire, and innovate a new path to asthma awareness.

“I was diagnosed with asthma as a kid and have lived through 23 years of sporting, dealing with the difficulties asthma presents. In 2015, I had an asthma attack during a race at the 74th GP de Pau, forcing me to rethink my asthma condition and how to deal with it,” said Fischer. “From that experience, I created Project O2. It’s exciting to be able to try and make a difference and I hope Project O2 can become a beacon for all those who are pursing sports, dreams in their lives, and dealing with asthma along the way.”

Project O2 website

TJ Fischer waits for the action to begin at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the “Soul Red Finale” (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

TSO Ladder Notes from Steve:

  • Fischer is is the second confirmed Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tire driver for the 2017 season, joining Sting Ray Robb (World Speed Motorsports). 
  • Fisher, who is originally from Wilsonville, Oregon, was a scholarship wide receiver at Pacific Lutheran University where the 23 year-old studied engineering. 
  • Fisher hosts his own podcast. You can find the “I Hate Racing Radio” episodes on iTunes or here –> I Hate Racing Radio
  • Team Pelfrey, who just recently moved their operations to Indianapolis, Indiana, made their Pro Mazda presented by Cooper Tire debut in 2011, and over the past six seasons the team has amassed 29 wins and three championships (2016 – Aaron Telitz — 2015 – Santiago Urrutia — 2012 – Jack Hawksworth).
  • You can follow Fischer on the following social media platforms: Twitter – Instagram – Facebook 
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Team Pelfrey moves USF2000 and Pro Mazda team to Indianapolis

Posted by  on Thursday, December 15th 2016     

Team Pelfrey logo new

Team Pelfrey release:

TEAM PELFREY MOVES USF2000 AND PRO MAZDA TEAM TO INDIANAPOLIS

INDIANAPOLIS (December 15, 2016) – Team Pelfrey is delighted to announce the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda and Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires team has relocated from Palmetto, Fla. to Indianapolis. The two teams will be housed at TKM Inc. under the technical leadership of Thomas Knapp.

The move to Indianapolis alongside the revised team structure that took place mid-season, allows the team to introduce a fresh image throughout the Mazda Road to Indy ladder series. “We are thrilled to announce the team relocation to Indianapolis,” said Team Pelfrey General Manager, Jonathan Baker. “This is a prime opportunity for us to move forward and unite under one umbrella and I must say a special thank you to Dale [Pelfrey] who has been extremely supportive and believes in the project.”

Geoff Bushor will manage the F1600 program as Gary Neal will continue to manage the Indy Lights program. “The F1600 series is an important part of developing young drivers into the Mazda Road to Indy ladder series,” said Bushor. “We are grateful for Dale [Pelfrey] and Jonathan [Baker’s] support as we introduce drivers to a sport that is constantly growing in success each year.”

As Team Pelfrey has moved to Indianapolis, the team is also announcing the launch of PelfreyPower.com which allows fans to interact and keep up-to-date with the team as the race season quickly approaches.

“I could not be more ecstatic to work with Dale [Pelfrey] as we introduce a new image that is uniform across the ladder series. Team Pelfrey is easily growing to be one of the largest teams in the Mazda Road to Indy paddock,” said Neal. “2017 will be an exciting year for all of us.”

Follow the 2016 Pro Mazda Champions on their journey on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Also, connect with the team at PelfreyPower.com

 

TSO Ladder notes and thoughts from Steve

  • The Team Pelfrey program was successfully run out of Tom Knapp’s westside Indianapolis shop for the majority of the 2016 season, so this move is not a huge surprise and makes a lot sense.  
  • Knapp has been a winning engineer (and team owner) at most levels of the American junior open wheel ladder, including F2000, Pro Mazda, Atlantics and Indy Lights. Despite that success in the lower formula, Knapp is likely best known as the team owner/engineer that shepherded Greg Ray to Indy Racing League prominence. Ray drove for Knapp’s Genoa Racing in the Atlantic Championship, before the pair took on the Indy Racing League with Knapp’s eponymous team from 1996 through 1998. The duo achieved a best finish of second at Texas (spring race 1998) before moving together to Team Menard in 1999. Three wins and an IRL Championship followed. 
  • The team’s move to Indianapolis also makes sense from a logistical and cohesiveness standpoint, as Team Pelfrey General Manager Jonny Baker is also a principle in CoForce, an Indianapolis based business development/digital media/sporting development agency that is moving into larger headquarters downtown. 
  • Team Pelfrey has recently been testing a number of drivers in both USF2000 and Pro Mazda with announcements of drivers in both categories expected in the near future. 
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Phillippe Denes, Kaylen Frederick to Make USF2000 Debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Posted by  on Tuesday, September 6th 2016     

Team Pelfrey logo

Phillippe Denes, Kaylen Frederick to Make USF2000 Debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (September 6, 2016) – Team Pelfrey is pleased to announce Phillippe Denes and Kaylen Frederick will make their Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda debut next weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca as the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires ladder system championship concludes its 2016 season in Monterey, California on September 9-11.

Denes and Frederick have shown great pace in the F1600 Formula F Championship Series this season, and Team Pelfrey takes great pride in preparing and moving their drivers up inside the team ladder. Denes has two wins and 18 top five finishes while his teammate Frederick, has collected one win and eight top five finishes with one race weekend still remaining in F1600 competition this year.

Phillipe Denes and Kaylen Frederick will making the step up fro the Team Pelfrey F1600 Formula F Championship Series program to the team’s USF2000 program for the finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. (photo courtesy of Team Pelfrey)

Denes and Frederick participated in USF2000 testing at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, Georgia and showed tremendous progress throughout the two days. Denes will pilot the No. 82 Team Pelfrey USF2000 car as his teammate Frederick, will drive the No. 81 Pilot One Racing Team Pelfrey machine for rounds 15 and 16 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Phillippe Denes: “I am beyond excited to be racing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with my second family [Team Pelfrey]. It’s been an honor to progress with such a great team and I’m looking forward to progressing even more and preparing for next year.”

Kaylen Frederick: “After 2 solid days of testing and progress at Roebling Road, I’m super psyched for my first MRTI races with Team Pelfrey in USF2000 at Mazda Raceway next week.  Coming from F1600 races, this will be a step that I’ve been anxious to climb all year long. The USF2000 car is fast, and I like fast.”

You can follow Team Pelfrey via @TeamPelfrey on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram throughout the course of the event and also using the hashtag #PelfreyPower.

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Sean Rayhall Returns to Indy Lights with Team Pelfrey IL for the Season Finale

Posted by  on Tuesday, September 6th 2016     

Two-time Indy Lights winner Sean Rayhall will be returning to work with Gary Neal and Yves Touron for the finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (photo courtesy of Team Pelfrey)

Sean Rayhall Returns to Indy Lights with Team Pelfrey IL for the Season Finale

Pompano Beach, Florida (September 6, 2016) – Team Pelfrey IL today announced the return of Sean Rayhall to Indy Lights Presented By Cooper Tires at the season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca this weekend. Even though it will be the first time racing the trademark yellow Pelfrey colors, Rayhall is familiar with most members of the team having raced with 8Star Motorsports in Indy Lights, which was acquired by Pelfrey this past off-season.

“We are excited to work with Sean again as we have had two seasons together at 8Star Motorsports and with the help of our engineer, Yves Touron we achieved several wins and many podium finishes,” said team manager, Gary Neal. “It will be very beneficial having two cars and being able to compare notes from both drivers and to find good setup for the final two races.”

In 2015, Rayhall made a splash during his first year in Indy Lights by capturing a second-place finish in Race 1 at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis. His momentum continued into Race 2, which brought him his first victory in Indy Lights and at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rayhall achieved further success as he earned a second win at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and finished on the podium with a second at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

“I am extremely excited to return to Indy Lights this time with Team Pelfrey IL even though it’s the same group of guys.” Said Rayhall. “It’s been a busy year for me and I am blessed to add this [Indy] Lights weekend to the schedule. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has always been a great place for me as a driver and I hope to deliver a good result for Dale [Pelfrey] and the rest of the team.”

Keep up with the action at @TeamPelfrey on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and follow the hashtag #PelfreyPower for storylines throughout the weekend.

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GARETT GRIST TO MAKE DEBUT WITH TEAM PELFREY INDY LIGHTS

Posted by  on Thursday, June 16th 2016     

Team Pelfrey logo

GARETT GRIST TO MAKE DEBUT WITH TEAM PELFREY INDY LIGHTS

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (June 14, 2016) – Team Pelfrey Indy Lights announced today that Mazda Road to Indy veteran Garett Grist will pilot the No. 3 BuyGapGuard.com Team Pelfrey Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Mazda machine for the remaining road course races in 2016.

“I am very excited to be joining team Pelfrey for the rest of the 2016 Indy Lights season,” said Grist. “The team has proven they can win races and run up front. I’d like to thank Dale Pelfrey for the opportunity he has given me. It wouldn’t be possible without him and my other supporters, Lander Property Management and Mac tools.”

The Grimsby, Ontario-native has been competing in the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires for the past two and a half seasons, recording 5 wins and 30 top-10 finishes. The 21 year-old finished third in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered By Mazda in 2013 and repeated the feat during the 2015 Pro Mazda season.

“I have been watching Garett for quite some time now,” said Team Pelfrey Indy Lights Team Manager, Gary Neal. “I am very happy that we have been able to put together a program for Garett to join Team Pelfrey Indy Lights team for the final road course events this season to prepare him for a full program in 2017. Our expectations at the track are always to be in the mix for the win and we aim to deliver a competitive car for Garett in his first event at Road America.”

Grist’s first race with the team will come at the inaugural Mazda Indy Lights Grand Prix of Road America Presented by Cooper Tires. He is partnered with Mac Tools, Spyder Active, Lander Property Management, Sparco and Bell Helmets. He will be teaming up with Juan Piedrahita in a pair of trademark yellow Team Pelfrey Indy Lights cars.

“We know it won’t be easy coming in half way through the year. But we plan to workhard, and improve every time we are on track. I am looking forward to working with everyone on the team and learning from each of them,” said Grist.

Rounds 9 and 10 of the 2016 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season take place June 24-26 at the historic 4.048-mile, 14-turn Road America circuit. You can follow Garett on Instagram @GarettGrist and Team Pelfrey Indy Lights @TeamPelfrey on twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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