The young French driver, Tristan Vautier, returns to the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear with JDC MotorSports. In 2010, Tristan drove for Andersen Racing and won the season opener in Sebring and Race #2 at New Jersey Motorsports Park before finishing 5th in championship points at the end of the season.
“We are very happy to have concluded a deal with Tristan for the 2011 season. We feel that Tristan has the ability to run up-front and put our team back up in a championship position for 2011.” — John Church, JDC MotorSports Team Principal
“I’m honored and proud to represent JDC MotorpSorts this year. These guys know how to win championships and I am really looking forward to working with everyone in the team. The new Mazda Road to Indy program makes the Star Mazda Championship even more exciting! I’d like to thank John Church, the Star Mazda Championship partners, ABK Sports Management, and all of my sponsors and family who made this happen. They can be sure I’ll do my best to bring their colors to the top of the podium.” — Tristan Vautier
Tristan has a very strong 2010 season and had significant success in his rookie year, but he also suffered from inconsistent results. He scored three podiums, including his two wins, but he also had three finished outside the top-ten plus one DNF. If his consistency improves, JDC MotorSports will have a championship contenting driver for 2011. I know it seems like I’ve been saying that about every team and their driver lately, but the 2011 Star Mazda Championship is really shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich and competitive grids we’ve seen in any series for a long time. There are so many good driver/engineer/team combinations shaping up right now that its hard to pick a pre-season favorite.