Tim Paul Set for MX-5 Cup and F2000 in 2014

Paul debuted in F2000 with CellMark Paper running for Screaming Monkey Racing in 2010, in a rookie season that showed promise but also the tricky transition from sprint cars to formula cars. He picked up speed in 2011, notching his first podium at Lime Rock Park. Last season, Paul split time between a USF2000 campaign alongside the F2000 Championship Series.

“Returning to the F2000 Championship full-time is going to be a lot of fun,” said Paul. “I’m expecting we will run at the front for most of the season, and have a blast doing it as we always do with F2000.

“Transitioning to sports cars is also going to be interesting, but I expect a fun challenge,” continued the 29-year-old. “The MX-5 Series is super competitive and the cars are able to be thrown around. ALARA is a Championship-winning team that wants to repeat, so I know the equipment is going to be top shelf. I can’t wait to get started; we have already done more testing than we ever have.”

All MX-5 Cup races are double-headers, starting in Sebring on March 12-14 and traveling to Laguna Seca, Houston, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, and then two weekends to close the season at Road Atlanta.

Said Ara Malkhassian, team principal at ALARA Racing: “We are very excited about Tim joining our team for 2014. In just a short time in testing with the team, he has shown very quick progress and great potential. It’s hard to believe that he hasn’t raced sports cars before.”

As reigning MX-5 Cup champions, ALARA Racing’s team is eager to duplicate its success of 2013 with a strong lineup of veterans and rising stars.

Ken Murillo, team technical director added: “Tim’s attitude and approach to racing is excellent, he has been on a mission to adapt to these cars. His pace has been impressive in testing. We can’t want to see him take to the track and storm to the front in the ALARA Racing No. 6 car at the season opener at Sebring”.

F2000 meanwhile kicks off at Road Atlanta in April and then visits Watkins Glen, VIR, Mid-Ohio, Pittsburgh, Thompson and Watkins Glen for a second time.

Additionally, CellMark Paper and Screaming Monkey Racing will sponsor a number of F2000 awards, including the season-long CellMark Paper Hard Charger, Championship Sixth Place (the first non-paying position, which SMR has finished in twice); and the Flying Monkey Award, which is given to someone that normally stays “under the radar” in the paddock but plays a big role in the Series.

Tim Paul 2014 Race Schedule:

Series: MX-5 Cup
Track: Sebring
Dates: March 12-14

Series: F2000 Championship
Track: Road Atlanta
Dates: April 11-13

Series: MX-5 Cup
Track: Laguna Seca
Dates: May 2-4

Series: F2000 Championship
Track: Watkins Glen
Dates: May 16-18

Series: F2000 Championship
Track: VIR
Dates: June 6-8

Series: MX-5 Cup
Track: Streets of Houston
Dates: June 27-29

Series: F2000 Championship
Track: Mid-Ohio
Dates: July 4-6

Series: MX-5 Cup
Track: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport)
Dates: July 11-13

Series: F2000 Championship
Track: Pittsburgh
Dates: August 1-13

Series: MX-5 Cup
Track: Road Atlanta
Dates: August 8-10

Series: F2000 Championship
Track: Thompson
Dates: August 29-31

Series: MX-5 Cup
Track: Road Atlanta
Dates: October 1-3

Series: F2000 Championship
Track: Watkins Glen
Dates: October 10-12

Follow Tim’s progress at TimPaulDrive.com and ScreamingMonkeyRacing.com.