Madison, Ill. – Christian Rasmussen scored a second place finish and his ninth podium of the season for Jay Howard Driver Development in the World Wide Technology Raceway installment of the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires.
Rasmussen qualified P7 for the 55-lap dash around the 1.25-mile asymmetrical oval circuit. Teammate Wyatt Brichacek started P13. Rasmussen showed his wit on the opening lap, cruising around the outside of Turn 3 to take a number of positions and utilizing a strong run off of Turn 4 to move into third. After yellow flags waved on lap 7, he took advantage of the restart to take P2 which he did not relinquish. He challenged for the lead until the very end, adding another fastest lap to his resume and closing within three tenths of winner and championship rival Braden Eves.
Brichacek ran as high as eighth. After an exciting five-way battle during the final two laps, he brought his JHDD machine home in P10. It was another strong outing for the team, as both drivers showed pace and Rasmussen retained his championship lead by a margin of 32 points.
“Overall, it ended up being a productive race day for us. We struggled a bit earlier in the week and even in qualifying, but come the race we were dialed in. Rasmussen was on a mission at the start, passing 6 cars in the early laps. Wyatt also showed really encouraging pace throughout as well. Big thanks to all of the boys for all their hard work in the heat. Looking forward to New Jersey.”
#1 Christian Rasmussen
Round 13 – P2
“Can’t be anything other than happy with the end result this weekend. The JHDD boys and I have been working really hard to get the car right this weekend, and finally got to the right part of the field at the end. Very proud of the team with the work they have put in this weekend. Really shows how great of a team I am working with.”
#5 Wyatt Brichacek
Round 13 – P10
“Finished off Gateway in the best way we could today. We struggled to find a good setup throughout the weekend. Luckily we made some good changes for the race and were able to battle mid-pack. Really glad to have found the pace, and really enjoyed the racing we had. On to New Jersey in a week's time.”