INDIANAPOLIS – As the Mazda Road to Indy season came to a close, Team Pelfrey participated in the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course this weekend. Further showcasing the #PelfreyPower development ladder system, five out of seven drivers have previously raced for Team Pelfrey in the F1600 Championship and/or the Mazda Road to Indy.
PRO MAZDA
KRIS WRIGHT
No. 80 Team Pelfrey Tatuus PM-18 Mazda
• After a partial 2017 season in Pro Mazda, Kris Wright participated in the two-day test piloting the Pelfrey power machine around the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course.
• A veteran of the Mazda Road to Indy with USF2000 and Pro Mazda experience, Wright showed great pace and development during the test prior to being hampered by issues on the second day of on track activity.
“We had a good first day with a good result. Yesterday we had some electrical issues with the car. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Team Pelfrey. It’s really structured and professional. Overall, it was a good weekend and I can’t wait to come back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.”
KAYLEN FREDERICK
No. 81 Team Pelfrey Tatuus PM-18 Mazda
• Kaylen Frederick made the move to Pro Mazda after an impressive rookie season in USF2000 with Team Pelfrey. The talented 15 year-old made his open-wheel debut with Team Pelfrey in F1600 last year.
• Frederick was impressive in the two-day test completing seven sessions in the top-five with five top-three finishes.
“I always like jumping into a new car and a new challenge. Not only was the opportunity to drive the new Pro Mazda car a great learning experience, but it was some of the best fun I’ve had in a racecar. Everything from the bigger tires, the higher downforce, and the extra power made it an awesome car to drive. It handles similarly to the USF17, but everything is a bit more enhanced, meaning that it had more grip, and more power in every sense. It was such a blast to be a part of the Chris Griffis test this year. I have to give a huge thanks to Team Pelfrey who provided me with a competitive car the whole weekend, and I hope to be back driving the car soon.”
Team Pelfrey now continues its off-season testing program as it prepares for the 2018 Mazda Road to Indy season, which kicks off with the St. Petersburg Grand Prix in March. Driver announcements are expected to be made in the next few weeks.