MRTI: Grand Prix of St. Pete Preview

GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETE PREVIEW

          


SHELBY BLACKSTOCK
NO. 51 STARSTRUCK MAZDA


– Season opener marks the 25-year-old’s race debut in the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires Championship – becoming the second driver to complete the Mazda Road to Indy with Andretti Autosport
– Holds two podium finishes on the 1.8-mile circuit (Pro Mazda, 2013)


“Going into the unknown in this year’s St. Petersburg race… I’m very excited to get the weekend going, but since no one has really been around each other during testing, I don’t think anyone knows what to expect going into the weekend. The Starstruck Andretti Autosport team has had some good off-season testing, and I’m ready to start the season but there are still a lot of unknowns on the horizon. I want to thank Andretti Autosport and all my supporters for all their hard work and belief in this season!”


MATT BRABHAM
NO. 83 ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT MAZDA

– Two-time winner on the downtown St. Petersburg, FL temporary street course (Pro Mazda, 2013)
– Third-generation racer begins his second season in the Indy Lights Championship after capturing fourth in standings during his rookie year with one win, four podium and 10 top-five finishes

“The race in St. Petersburg is certainly one of my favorite events every year. I love the spring break atmosphere around the event. We have had some great success there and have won races with Andretti Autosport at this race in the past. I’m looking forward to getting out on track, getting up to speed quickly in the new Indy Lights car and I’m sure we will bring home some good results.”


WEIRON TAN
NO. 22 WEIRON TAN ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT MAZDA

– Malaysian racer officially begins his first season of North American open-wheel racing for the weekend’s doubleheader
– Captured second place in the 2015 Winterfest Championship with two wins, three second-place finishes and one pole position

“It’s been a month now since Winterfest and I’m ready to get back in the car for St. Pete! Feeling good and positive – so are the Andretti Autosport boys. We are looking forward to a great weekend!”


DALTON KELLETT
NO. 28 K-LINE INSULATORS USA, INC. ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT MAZDA

– Canadian begins his second season of Pro Mazda Championship competition and first with Andretti Autosport
– Secured third place in the Winterfest Championship with one podium and three top-seven finishes

“I can’t wait for the season opener in St. Pete. It’s an amazing track and a great city for the venue; the fans and the atmosphere at this event are great! I’m looking forward to keeping up the momentum we gathered in Winterfest. The K-Line Insulators USA car will look great in the Florida sun!”