Brownsburg, Ind. -- Back to where she made her first career start in the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires, Julia Ballario looks forward to her return to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with Rounds 10 and 11 this weekend. The 2.258-mile, 13-turn natural-terrain road course located in Lexington, Ohio features multiple elevation changes and both fast and technical corners.
Rookie Argentinean Ballario, 22, driving the #6 Pistas Argentinas/Argentina Art/Juncos Racing car, previously tested at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course placing as high as second during the official series test back in June. Ballario made her first career start in the Pro Mazda Championship with Juncos Racing in 2013 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course finishing inside the top 10 for both races. Recently Ballario had her best career finish in the Pro Mazda Championship taking fourth at the Grand Prix of Houston.
“I’m really looking forward to being back racing at Mid-Ohio,” said Ballario. “My first race in the Pro Mazda series was here in 2013 with Juncos Racing. I am very hopeful we will have a great weekend. We tested there a few weeks ago and I did very well. After our last race in Houston where I had my best career finish, I went to Argentina to visit family, friends and sponsors. All of these people have given me so much strength and encouragement to continue to improve this season which has prepared me mentally for this race. Thank you to my team, Juncos Racing, for all of the hard work and teachings, my sponsors Pistas Argentinas and Argentina Art, Roberto Alonso, and my family.”
About Julia Ballario: Becoming Argentina’s first female driver to compete in the United States, Julia Ballario pilots the #6 Pistas Argentinas and Argentina Art car with Pro Mazda Championship-winning team Juncos Racing. Ballario made her first appearance in the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires in 2013 with Juncos Racing, claiming top-10 finishes in her only two races of the season. As a child, Ballario competed in many karting series throughout Argentina resulting in numerous podiums and championships. In 2006 Ballario’s career took off when she claimed podium finishes in both Provincial and Federal Championships at the Argentine Championship in Santiago del Estero. Ballario made her switch to Formula Renault Plus racing in 2007 where she earned the title of “Best Woman Driver” in Federados Amateur Class. From 2010-2013 Ballario competed in numerous series including: Turismo Carretera Pista Mouras, Turismo Nacional Clase 2, Formula Renault Plus, TC2000 Championship, and Top Race V6. For more information please visit www.juliaballario.com.