Exclusive Road Atlanta Weekend Report

Nonetheless, the North American Spectrum factory team’s five entries – four in F1600 Formula F and one in F2000 – brought home 11 top 10 finishes across the weekend’s five outings. This includes a 4th-place result for rookie Trenton Estep in race 3, a strong recovery from an incident in race 1 that required repairs.

“I thought the weekend went very well being my first experience car racing,” Estep says. “(Team Principal) Michael (Duncalfe) and the Exclusive Autosport guys made it a memorable one. They gave me a strong car all weekend, which allowed me to battle for wins on both Saturday and Sunday while also getting comfortable with drafting and racing in close packs.”

While he had hoped to start the season with more definitive results, Exclusive Autosport owner Michael Duncalfe saw signs that a strong year is in store for the team in 2016.

“We came in with high hopes and we had lots of pace, but things just didn’t go our way this weekend,” Duncalfe says. “Our drivers raced very well and improved each session on track. We led laps at points throughout the weekend, and our clean and consistent results show that there’s a great foundation for development. We’ll be back even stronger in May.”

Exclusive Autosport now takes several weeks off to prepare for its next two major events. First, the F1600 Formula F and F2000 Championship Series seasons continue with the second points-paying weekend of the season at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York, on May 13th to 15th. Two weeks afterward, the Quebec Formula Tour 1600 season gets under way on May 27th to 29th at Circuit Mont-Tremblant.

Exclusive Autosport F1600 Formula F Championship Series Road Atlanta results:

Ben Auriemma (No. 92 ACG Motorsports/Exclusive Autosport/Spectrum/Honda)
Race 1: 7th / Race 2: 8th / Race 3: 8th
"This weekend by no means shows what we are capable of as a team. The results were disappointing to say the least, but we will rebuild and come back 100 times stronger. We are not a group that will accept anything less than outstanding."

Ryan Bjerke (No. 94 Exclusive Autosport/Spectrum/Honda)
Race 1: 12th / Race 2: 11th / Race 3: 10th
“The weekend was challenging for me in the No. 94 Exclusive Autosport/Spectrum/Honda. There is a lot more in myself and in the car that we need to bring out. There’s no doubt that we can run at the front. We will use this time between races to prepare. I’m looking forward to getting back in the car at Watkins Glen in May.”

Trenton Estep (No. 93 Exclusive Autosport/Spectrum/Honda)
Race 1:  16th / Race 2: 6th / Race 3: 4th
“I thought the weekend went very well being my first experience car racing. Michael and the Exclusive Autosport guys made it a memorable one. They gave me a strong car all weekend, which allowed me to battle for wins on both Saturday and Sunday while also getting comfortable with drafting and racing in close packs. I learned a lot about the car and the team and am ready to take on the championship.”

Will Harvey (No. 90 Marlin Oil Corporation /Oklahoma Heart Hospital/Cystic Fibrosis Foundation/Exclusive Autosport/Spectrum/Honda)
Race 1: 10th / Race 2: 9th / Race 3: 9th
“Road Atlanta was a building weekend for us. We fought issues throughout the races, but found what worked and what didn't work to bring home a few consistent results.”

Exclusive Autosport F2000 Championship Series Road Atlanta results:

Jayson Clunie (No. 93 Exclusive Autosport/Spectrum)
Race 1: 8th / Race 2: 8th
“Getting to work with Michael and the team again was something I was looking forward to, and as always they did not disappoint. Two top 10s for the weekend is a great result, but I believe we could have had a top five with some luck. I'm really happy with the weekend and the performance of the Spectrum F2000 car. And, as always, just having the opportunity to run with Exclusive Autosport is always a thrill!”