Christchurch teenager gears up for USF2000 Series at Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit
Photo: Supplied
Christchurch’s Jacob Douglas has a busy weekend ahead with three USF2000 Series single-seater races to take place on the Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit in Indiana, US.
The third event of competition sees drivers and teams taking part in the Memorial Day weekend as part of the traditional Indianapolis 500 which takes place for the 107th time on 28 May.
The 17-year-old will be contesting the Discount Tire Grand Prix of Indianapolis on the 2.439-mile (3.925km) Indianapolis Motor Speedway Grand Prix road course and will be looking to move up the leader board where he currently sits seventh overall.
Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit in Indiana. Photo Supplied
“I’m looking forward to racing at Indianapolis,” commented Douglas. It’s a great track with good passing opportunities. I think we have the pace this year and certainly have a quick car, so the potential is there. We just need to put it all together.”
It’s the second-time Douglas has raced on the Indianapolis Road Course having competed a year ago in the 2022 USF2000 Series.
“This season it is quite different,” said Douglas.
“I definitely feel more experienced and much more at-home. I’m used to the whole racing weekend structure so I know what to expect, I understand it so much better and can be more focused on the racing.
Photo: Supplied
“Indianapolis is one of my favourite tracks. It’s quite iconic and a unique experience, particularly with the ‘Month of May’ and the lead up to the Indianapolis 500. With living in the city, it’s like a home race for me.”
Douglas is just back from testing at the Road America circuit in Wisconsin which was cut short due to rain.
“The weather in Wisconsin was pretty wet and rain is forecast for qualifying this Friday so it could be quite interesting.”
Photo: Supplied
The lead up to this weekend’s racing sees drivers having three test sessions on Thursday with qualifying set to go at 8am on Friday followed by Race 1 at 12:05pm.
The early start is repeated on Saturday with Race 2 at 8am and Race 3 at 12:00pm.
