F2000 Pre-Weekend Wednesday Notebook
Click on Read More to see some snippets from the first load-in day of 2011. Topics include: Weight, RFR, Audette, Masters Class, Primus Racing and more.
RFR/HP-Tech
After months, if not more than a year of speculation, surrounding the new RFR 010 F2000 chassis, HP-Tech Motorsports has answered the bell with two beautiful white RFRs at VIR, driven by Giancarlo Potolicchio and Robert La Rocca (pictured).
Brian Tomasi is expected for the Afterburner team with a third RFR this weekend while at least three more are set for Atlanta, if paddock rumors are to be believed.
Weight
F2000 minimum car weight has been set at 1,210lbs for the 2011 season. The decision follows after a small row erupted among teams over weight changes during the offseason. F2000 officials gathered at VIR on Wednesday prior to the season opener, polling teams before setting the weight at 1,210. In 2010, minimum weight was 1,220.
Audette Racing
Championship contenders Audette Racing has a big update for the 2011 season – a new paint job on Remy Audette’s #21 Van Diemen/Zetec. The former #21 livery was regarded as one of the most unique in the paddock and the 2011 update looks to be close – if not better.
Masters Class
The pre-race/pre-season released mentioned a potential fight for the Masters Class championship between Tim Minor and Rob Nicholas. Add Tom Fatur to that list. The 2009 Masters champion will be running the majority of the season for GTP Motorsports and knows his way around the 2011 track offering.
Primus
The third flat-black Primus Racing Van Diemen will be driven by Australian racer Steele Guiliana, as confirmed by the team today, carrying the #13.
Guiliana will partner with fellow Australia Nathan Morcom, also a rookie, and third-year driver Jonathan Scarallo under the Primus banner.
Last season, Primus ran a partial season effort with one car, driven by Australian Daniel Erickson, winning Rookie of the Year honors along with multiple races.
Primus will field an additional entry in the new F1600 Series this weekend for Sam Beasley.