Indianapolis, Ind. – Juncos Racing’s Sting Ray Robb leads the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires after a dominating week in the tripleheader at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while Artem Petrov delivered the team two more podium finishes, taking third in Rounds 9 and 10.
Juncos Racing controlled all three pole positions with Petrov taking the pole for Round 8, while Robb captured the poles for Rounds 9 and 10.
The Cooper Tires Indy Pro 2000 Indy Grand Prix tripleheader at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway kicked off with one practice session Thursday morning followed by qualifying for Round 8 just a few short hours later on the 2.439 mile, 14-Turn road course. Juncos Racing outpaced the 15-car field, taking control of the front row with Artem Petrov claiming the pole and Sting Ray Robb taking the second starting position. Nate Aranda rejoined the Juncos Racing line-up, making his first appearance in the No. 69 CRAFT 1861/We Pursuit/Juncos Racing car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway qualifying 12th.
The Indy Pro 2000 field returned to the track later that afternoon for the first race of the weekend. Once the green flag waved many battles for position took place throughout the field, however a caution would come out before the first lap could be completed. Petrov driving the No. 42 Road To Success/Juncos Racing entry went on to lead the first eight laps before teammate Robb driving the No. 2 Firehouse and Goodheart Animal Health Centers/Big Idaho Potato/Juncos Racing car took over the lead on lap nine. Robb, who was celebrating his 19th birthday, went on to lay down the fastest lap of the race and win his second race of the season. Aranda made his way inside the Top-10 to finish ninth. Petrov, who finished fourth on track, unfortunately received a 30 second penalty, moving him back to finish 10th. The race however was shortened by two laps after a major incident on track left the No. 1 entry driven by Braden Eves upside down. Eves was transferred to the hospital and is thankfully expected to make full recovery.
The following morning the Indy Pro 2000 Championship returned to the track for qualifying for Round 9. Juncos Racing once again took control of the front row, this time with Robb taking the pole and Petrov in the second starting position. Aranda qualified 12th.
The day continued with Round 9 for the Indy Pro 2000 Championship. Robb, who started from the pole position, went on to lead all 20 laps, along with earning the fastest lap of the race, to win his second race of the week. Petrov gave Juncos Racing another podium finish, taking third. Aranda finished ninth.
The two-day event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway concluded late in the afternoon with Round 10. Robb continued his dominating performance starting from the pole position once again, leading the entire 25-lap race, along with earning the fastest lap among the field. Petrov claimed his second podium finish of the week with another third-place finish. Aranda finished 12th.
After sweeping all three rounds at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Robb leads the Indy Pro 2000 Driver Championship by 16 points while Juncos Racing leads the team championship.
Juncos Racing Team Owner Ricardo Juncos said, “This was an incredible week for Juncos Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Everyone on the team did a fantastic job. I am very proud of our crew and drivers and all we were able to accomplish. Sting Ray’s performance was outstanding throughout qualifying and each race. To win all three races is very special, as this is one of the most competitive fields, we have had in the Indy Pro 2000 series. Artem proved to be one of the fastest drivers on track as well, qualifying on pole and starting second in Round 9. He had a rough go during the first race but was able to bounce back and collect two podiums. Nate did a great job as well finishing inside the Top-10 twice in his first appearance at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. All three drivers put in so much time and dedication to improving each time we go on track, which really showed this week. I want to thank everyone on the crew, our drivers, families, partners, and fans for all of their continued support. We look forward to being back on track soon!”
Sting Ray Robb: “Rolling into the Indy GP week we knew what we had to get done and we did it. A complete three race sweep. The Juncos guys gave me a great car all week. I am so unbelievably thankful for everything that has happened in the last couple of days. It was my birthday yesterday and today was my chief mechanic Alejandro’s (Juncos) birthday today. I think that we celebrated pretty well! All the glory goes to God, my partners and investors, and my friends and family, everyone who is keeping me in the car. Hopefully we will be in Mid-Ohio soon back in the same position!”
Artem Petrov: “This was a tough week, but I am happy to bring home two podiums. The first race did not go as planned. Then I didn’t have the best start in second and third race and made some mistakes but was able to recover and finish back on the podium for both races. I will continue to train hard and work with my team so we can be back on top for the final half of the season.”
Nate Aranda: “Being able to run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a really unique experience. I cannot thank the team enough for putting together a fantastic car! Being here for my first time was amazing and I cannot wait to comeback stronger and faster next year to get a podium! Congratulations to my two teammates on their podiums and especially Sting Ray, for his passion and drive is bar none! See you next time! LOVE”