Afterburner and Coello
MINNEAPOLIS, MIN. – Junior formula car outfit Afterburner Autosport is pleased to announce a new partnership multiple SCCA National Champion Niki Coello for the 2012 season. With assistance from the Minnesota-based team, the Wisconsin native is slated to contest the full F2000 Championship Series this coming season, instantly becoming one of the leading contenders for the title.
Widely regarded as one of the premier F2000 drivers of this generation, Coello has never truly gotten the chance to showcase his skills in the pro arena, running only limited programs over the past several years. The four-time SCCA Formula Continental National Champion, however, will get that opportunity this season, thanks to the new partnership with Afterburner Autosport, along with support from RFR Cars, William’s Race Engineering, Carbotech, Elite Engines, Speed Seat Factory, Pouredfoundations.com, and Hoosier Tires. Coello, piloting a modern RFR chassis, will contest the full 14-race F2000 Championship Series, seeking to add not only wins to his already impressive resume, but also potentially a pro title.
"I'm excited to be working with such great people this year," commented Coello. "With the support of the Afterburner gang and all my other sponsors I'm looking forward to a fun and successful 2012 season. Hopefully we can win a few races and be in contention for the title come the end of the season."
"Niki and his father Nino have always been the team at the top," stated Afterburner Autosport team principal Tim Walsh. "Afterburner Racecar Parts and Afterburner Autosport are very excited to support Niki and Nino in the F2000 Championship Series. I have been racing against Niki for my entire racing career. They have helped me out many times with information or spare parts so I could race that day. Now we want to help them challenge for wins and the championship in F2000 Championship Series."
Coello first made his mark behind the wheel in the karting ranks, winning races and championships at both the regional and national levels before making the transition to car competition. Focusing on SCCA Club Racing competition, the Wisconsin racer established himself as the driver to beat in the Formula Continental (F2000) class. In the 2005, Coello captured his first SCCA National Championship title. Over the course of the past six seasons, in addition to winning multiple SCCA Division titles and the prestigious June Sprints event numerous times, he added three more National Championship titles, becoming the lone four-time National Champion in Formula Continental class history. While funding has ultimately prevented the highly-rated racer from running full campaigns in pro F2000 competition, Coello has contested selected events, visiting victory lane and standing on the podium in the F2000 Championship Series.
In uniting with Afterburner Autosport, Coello can draw on a recent record of success in the F2000 Championship Series. Contesting selected races in its first pro racing effort last season, the squad captured two podium finishes at Mid-Ohio with fellow multiple SCCA National Champion Brian Tomasi behind the wheel.
Coello begins his quest for glory in the 2012 edition of the F2000 Championship Series on April 14-15, with Rounds One and Two at VIRginia International Raceway.
Afterburner Autosport races with associate sponsorship from www.AuroraBearing.com