Aussie Morcom Commits to F2000 Series
Australian Nathan Morcom has confirmed his entry to the F2000 Championship Series. The 18 year-old Sydney driver will race for Primus Racing in the #2 Van Diemen/Zetec for the 2011 F2000 season.
Morcom was originally scheduled to race in another F2000 Series, but opted to switch to the F2000 Championship Series, which begins at VIRginia International Raceway, April 8-10.
“Racing at Sebring without having done as much testing as the other drivers would have put me at a big disadvantage, and I want to make a good impression right from the start in my first American season,” Morcom said.
Not that he was unduly worried about the late change – in fact, it could turn out to be a positive move.
“Although USF2000 has a higher profile, as part of the IndyCar ‘Road to Indy’ ladder, but the F2000 Championship will probably be more competitive,” Morcom said.
“Last year F2000 had more than twice as many registered drivers as USF2000, with 25-30 starters at several rounds, and it looks like being the same this year,” Morcom continued.
“And the F2000 circuits – VIR, Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, Mosport and Lime Rock Park – are among the best road courses in the USA, if not the world.
“Of course it would be great to win the USF2000 first prize of a scholarship to Star Mazda next year, but racing against only a dozen other drivers in that series wouldn’t be as good for my development as competing against 30 in the Championship Series.
“Having said that, F2000 will be a very tough series, with a mix of young drivers like myself as well as some very fast and experienced older drivers.
“But Jon Baytos has huge experience in this category, so I’m confident that with his help I can be competitive and give a good account of myself,” Morcom concluded.