We announced late last week that Andretti Autosport driver and USF2000 veteran, Zach Veach would be representing the Star Mazda series in the multi-class Formula Car Challenge Winter Series that kicked off this weekend with two rounds of racing at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. In addition to Zach was Star Mazda veteran, Carlos Linares.
Zach won pole position for both races and won from that spot sweeping the weekend. Carlos Linares of Linares Motorsport also competed and placed extremely well finishing P2 in Race #1 and improving to P2 in Race #2.
“It’s been an honor to finish the weekend with a clean sweep during the Formula Car Challenge Winter Series in Sonoma for Team Zakosi Data Backup. Two poles, two race wins and leading every lap-it was really just a great weekend for us. The team has been working so hard to get to this point, so I have to thank the crew for everything they’ve taught me about this car. My engineer Yancy has done a lot for me as far as changing my driving style to suit the Star Mazda car. I’m excited to do more testing this winter and see where we are for next season. Thanks again to Zakosi Data Backup and the entire team for their help.” — Zach Veach, #77 Andretti Autosport
The two paired up to represent the Mazda Road to Indy program very well and dominate the podium in both races of the weekend. Nothing beats seat time for learning and improving, and the Formula Car Challenge Winter Series offers exactly that for drivers throughout the Mazdaspeed-powered formula car series.
The remaining three races of the five-race series will take place at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA January 20th, 21st, and 22nd.