Trio of Meyer, Piedrahita, and Read behind the wheels for Rounds 11 and 12
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. – The Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires makes its first visit to the renowned Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in over six years this weekend (August 3-4), and JDC MotorSports is focused on returning to the forefront. With Zack Meyer, Juan Piedrahita, and Lloyd Read getting behind the wheels, the Minnesota-based squad will be seeking to make the most of the experience and expertise that has led to the team to three series titles, as its challenges for top honors in Rounds 11 and 12.
The 2013 season has proved to be an up-and-down affair for JDC MotorSports and its skilled trio of Myer, Piedrahita, and Read. All three racers have showcased their racecraft and overall pace at different points during the campaign, however, the results desired have not always been present. That being said, the JDC contingent has remained upbeat and focused on continually improving, with the Mid-Ohio road course next on tap.
Widely regarded as one of the top technical tracks in North America, the undulating 2.258-mile race course presents plenty of challenges to both drivers and engineers. Add in the fact the Pro Mazda cars have not competed at the Ohio facility since 2006, and there are plenty of opportunities for the drivers to make their mark.
Both Piedrahita and Read will not be going into the doubleheader with no knowledge however, as both took part in the official series test day back in early May. Piloting the No. 9 Petrosur/Sisolec/GFK Motors/Red Line Oil/JDC MotorSports entry, the Colombian Piedrahita quickly came to grips with the layout, ending the outing P4 on the speedcharts. Read, likewise, indicated he likes the track, posting the eighth best time in the No. 16 Read Motorsports/Aerocraft Design/Maaco/Red Line Oil/JDC MotorSports racer.
"I'm really looking forward to racing at Mid-Ohio," said Piedrahita, who will be driving a new car in the doubleheader after an incident at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. "I want to turn things around, and keep showing the speed we've had at the last few races. I want to get back on the podium!"
"I have been looking forward to racing at Mid-Ohio since we got off track in the official test a couple months ago," commented Read. "We rolled off the truck with a very fast car, but like always, my engineer and I want to go faster! This track reminds me of a roller coaster. Turns 4-10 make you lose your stomach! It's so cool!"
While Meyer, who drives the No. 66 Damis Partners III/Red Line Oil/JDC MotorSports, has no previous experience at Mid-Ohio, having missed the test due to other commitments, the Canadian has enjoyed good success on similar type of tracks, particularly in the karting ranks.
"Things didn't quite go our way at the last four races, but we are keeping our heads up and are ready to tackle Mid-Ohio," added Meyer. "I have never driven the track, but it looks like a lot of fun, and I can't wait to get back with the team and go racing."
Running in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series, the JDC MotorSports trio of Meyer, Piedrahita, and Read will first sample the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Thursday (August 1) via two track test sessions. Day two will feature a morning and afternoon practice run. The sole qualifying session gets underway on Saturday morning (August 3), followed by Round 11 at 11:20 am local time. Race two of the doubleheader is slated to get the green flag at 10:05 am local on Sunday morning (August 4). Live timing and scoring is available at www.starmazda.com/timing. JDC MotorSports makes the journey to Ohio sitting fourth in the Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires team standings, while Meyer, Read, and Piedrahita are sixth, eighth, and ninth respectively in the battle for the championship crown.
JDC MotorSports races with associate sponsorship from RedLineOil.com
Additional information on JDC MotorSports can be obtained from the team’s website @ www.jdcmotorsport.com For direct contact, please contact John Church @ 952-233-3075
Learn more about Zack Meyer at ZackMeyer.ca and keep up to date via Twitter @ ZackMeyer66
Learn more about Juan Piedrahita at JuanchoPiedrahitac.com and keep up to date via Twitter @ Juanpc9 and Facebook @ Juan Diego Piedrahita "Juancho"
Learn more about Lloyd Read at LloydReadRacing.com and keep up to date via Twitter @ LloydRead16 and Facebook @ Lloyd Read Racing Videos also available on YouTube @ LloydRead16
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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. The following 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. In 2011, the Minneapolis-based squad captured its third Star Mazda Championship title with Tristan Vautier, scored a win in the USF2000 National Championship, and made its Prototype Lites Championship debut, earning five podium finishes. JDC MotorSports added to its Star Mazda Championship win tally, USF2000 Championship podium total in 2012, and finished as the Prototype Lites Championship runner-up.