Barrie, Ontario (October 10th 2008) - Another season is in the books for the young and talented Canadian race car driver Kyle Marcelli, and wow! What a season it was.
It began in early April at Virginia International Raceway with the first two rounds in the Pro U.S. F2000 Championship Series followed by many dazzling performances before most recently wrapping up at the famous Road Atlanta race course during the Petite LeMans weekend with Marcelli’s stellar performance in his Star Mazda Championship debut.
After making a splash into the world of professional open wheel racing in 2007 and being crowned the Formula Ford Champion and rookie of the year, Marcelli went into 2008 with a confident head on his shoulders, as he should. However, before he was able to hit the track, it was a long winter full of hundreds of phone calls, emails and meetings that eventually landed him a ride in the Pro U.S. F2000 Championship Series presented by Hoosier.
Wrapping up a year of pro 2-litre competition, Marcelli drove his Brian Graham Racing prepared Van Diemen to a win and eight podiums crowning him third in the championship standings, 1 point out of second.
“Overall the 2008 season was a success and another step in the right direction for me. We had many up’s and down’s which forced us into a bit of a come from behind season all year long in the 2-litre championship. However we proved once again to be a championship contender being at or near the top of the charts each session on track. The third place result doesn’t really do justice to what we were capable of however that’s racing. I am going to keep pushing in the direction to make a career out of this sport.” Said Marcelli in a post season interview.
Aside from Marcelli’s year long duty behind the wheel of the F2000 Championship, the teenager was again invited to part of North America’s only factory Saab supported racing team competing in the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship. Strapping into the Saab powered Turbo 93 only for a one off race at Mosport International Raceway the young Canadian native wowed the series the fans and the team bringing home a second place trophy in his series debut.
“The car was a blast to drive, the style is so different from that in a formula car, it requires a lot of finesse especially around Mosport Int’l. I was fortunate enough to drive the car last year in the 3 hour endure where we scored a victory, however over the off season the JL Racing team really went to work preparing the car and it was the little things here and there really made the car that much easier ultimately faster to drive this year. I want to thank John Lockhart for giving me the opportunity again and I look forward to continuing the relationship.” Says Marcelli.
To truly put a cap to Marcelli’s already busy and successful season, he with the help and support of Lafarge earned a seat in the very competitive Star Mazda Championship for the Petite LeMans weekend at Road Atlanta located in Braselton, Georgia. Having already built a relationship, Kyle joined the Canadian based AIM Autosport team for the one off race. Up to speed right away, Marcelli showed his versatility and poise to adapt to anything he gets behind the wheel as he qualified on row two! Lap after lap the race then featured some passionate side by side racing around the fast and winding circuit before Marcelli brought the Lafarge car home in fourth place, merely missing a podium position in his debut. Nothing short of spectacular.
“The Star Mazda Championship is really stacked with some fierce competition giving the prize that is awarded to the champion. To walk away barely missing out on a podium finish, the team, myself and Lafarge were very happy. The weekend would not have been possible if it weren’t for the support of Lafarge, they were really the foundation behind the whole operation of the weekend and I can’t thank them enough.” Said Marcelli
Marcelli is now looking forward to many more opportunities in 2009. His plans will be revealed shortly so stay tuned.
Kyle would like to thank his sponsors Lafarge, Barrie Trim and Moldings, GP Masonry and Landscaping Supplies, Trudel Roofing, PFAFF, Alpinestars, The Robert Simpson Brewery, Brown Windows, MG Homes, Mullins Pub, Simcoe Building Center, RE/MAX Barrie, Stif Creative Works and Century Craft Custom Home Builders for their continued support.
For more Information visit www.kylemarcelli.com
<<Kyle16 - Copy.jpg>> <<marcelli_select_1.jpg>> <<DSC_0011.JPG>>
From Marcelli Motorsports
No comments:
Post a Comment