Connery Shooting for 2012 Title with a RFR
Vero Beach, FL – 2011 Rookie of the Year standout Kyle Connery will be back in 2012 to run for the F2000 Championship Series title, only this time switching from his no. 91 Van Diemen to a new RFR chassis. Connery finished third in the 2011 title fight, driving for CC Autosport with James Lee Racing, winning six races along the way, including sweeping Road Atlanta and the season finale at Watkins Glen.
“I am excited for testing to begin with the new car. I feel with James Lee’s engineering, the car’s updates, and the experience I gained in 2011, we will have a winning combination,” said the 21-year-old American.
The car arrived at James Lee’s shop Friday January 27, and extensive preparation has begun.
“I am thrilled to return with James and Norm. This will be the year for a solid championship run,” Connery commented.
“With the promising updates for the second-generation RFR, we decided as a team that we would take the gamble. “
2011 Engineer of the Year, James Lee, already has great experience with the chassis manufacturer in the SCCA Formula B class and feels confident in developing the second-generation RFR.
“I am looking forward to getting the car on the track,” added Lee. “First impressions of the new car are very positive.”
Connery, relatively unknown in F2000 circles last year, showed up at VIRginia International Raceway and promptly put the No. 91 on pole. Two wins would come a month later at Road Atlanta, with a headline grabbing last-lap pass of Tim Minor.
The aspiring racer continued the momentum, winning at Mid-Ohio and Mosport, before dominating with a season-ending sweep of Watkins Glen.
The 14-race, seven-weekend 2012 season starts at VIRginia International Raceway, April 12-15.