The US RaceTronics Squad is Back on the Testing Trail Preparing for the 2009 Season
Buttonwillow, CA (October 23, 2008) – US RaceTronics Prepares for 2009 Season
While the 2008 Atlantic Championship season is officially in the books and drivers are enjoying the off-season vacationing and getting some rest, the US RaceTronics (USRT) team was back at it preparing for the 2009 racing season. The team was joined by young driver Juan Camilo Acosta. Acosta, who resides full time in Colombia, made his Atlantic car debut on October 21 with the team at the its test track in Buttonwillow, California. For the team it was a chance to work with a new driver and bring him up to speed in an Atlantic car and for Acosta it was an opportunity to work with the USRT team and strap himself into the 300+ horsepower car.
The conditions at the Central California track were perfect. After a brief Atlantic 101 class Acosta took the wheel and put the car through it paces. With each lap Acosta grew more comfortable with himself and the car and his speeds gradually improved over time. The test was a new and exciting opportunity for Acosta who, by the end second day, had completed over 350 miles. With as much power, braking, and g forces that the body of drivers in an Atlantic car must endure Acosta, while tired, handled all of his duties in impressive form.
For Team Owner Shane Seneviratne the test was an opportunity to keep the team sharp and focused on the future season. As the team prepares for the 2009 season it is currently exploring all driver opportunities and hopes to announce its plans in the near future.
Shane Seneviratne - USRT Team Owner - “I really enjoy testing new drivers and seeing them come up to speed in the Atlantic car. That said, it was great to have J.C. in the car for the first time. It was a similar step Carl Skerlong took in his Atlantic career, since he to came from the Formula Renault cars. Seeing J.C get adjusted to the down-force, getting used to the cornering speeds and braking all the while becoming more comfortable with the car and his driving was very satisfying. He's definitely got the natural talent and can be a competitive driver in the Atlantic Championship Series. I'm looking forward to further testing opportunities and looking forward to a possible season with him”
Juan Camilo Acosta – Test Driver - “Driving the Atlantic car for the first time was awesome. The power of the car and its g forces and the brakes were definitely a lot more than what I am used to and I was pleased that I was able tot get up to speed quickly. I had a great deal of fun with the USRT crew. The track was challenging and gave me a variety of different types of corners to adapt to driving a car with high down force. I'm excited to explore my racing opportunities in the US and possibly in the Atlantic series"
About US RaceTronics: 2008 marked the fourth year of competition in the Atlantic Championship Series for US RaceTronics. Led by Team Owner Shane Seneviratne, US RaceTronics, along with Pacific Coast Motorsports, entered the 2008 season with American Carl Skerlong and Frankie Muniz. The team earned its first win in 2008 and Skerlong and Muniz finished the season in 6th and 11th respectively.
