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Rookie Season Recap 2024 USF Pro Championship
As I reflect on my rookie season in the 2025 USF Pro Championship, I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible journey I’ve experienced. Partnering with DC Autosport and working closely with my coach Colin Kaminsky, I faced numerous challenges and learned a lot about myself as a driver. After a long, challenging season, coming home 11th in the championship standings and earning two awards at the season’s end banquet has made this year truly unforgettable.
My season started back in November of 2023 just after returning home from an amazing experience representing the United States as a recipient of the Team USA Scholarship. I was talking with Jeremy Shaw discussing my plans of making a USF2000 effort for the 2024 season and he recommended I reach out to Don Conner to see what Don’s plans were for 2024. It almost seemed too good to be true when I traveled over to St. Louis to meet Don and realized that he had an open car available and that he and I had aligned goals for 2024. After our shop tour and discussion of his plans the season, I made the decision to sign with DC Autosport for 2024. Jeremy made this connection for me and I believe that I would not have been able to compete this past season without it.
March: Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
The season kicked off at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and I had clear goals in mind. With it being my first race with DC Autosport, I aimed to complete all the available green flag laps and finish within the top 10. The singular practice session we were given made the latter goal a bit more difficult; however, quickly learning the track and car in that practice, I was able to qualify 10th out of 22 talented drivers and went on to finish 9th in Race 1. Race 2 was a bit more chaotic with a fire bottle issue that caused an early retirement while running in another top 10 position. My partnership with my coach Colin really began to pay off as we laid a solid foundation for the rest of the season.
April: NOLA Motorsports Park
Next up was NOLA Motorsports Park. I had only been to this track one time before at the beginning of my racing career with the Lucas Oil School of Racing. The track did not seem to suit my driving style very well, as we had worked very hard to find a quick setup all week but just could not seem to crack the code. My qualifying pace was off, causing me to a starting position of 13th for Race 1 and P17 for Race 2. I knew I would have to focus on my race craft if I wanted and chance of moving forward through the field. I put my head down and charged through the field to finish 7th in Race 1 and 11th in Race 2. The weekend proved to be successful in the eyes of a points haul, moving me up inside of the top 10 in points, where we had come into the season with the goal of being.
May: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
May was especially exciting as I got to race in my hometown at the Indianapolis Grand Prix. With many friends and family in attendance, I felt their support throughout the weekend. Yet again, my qualifying pace was not up to par, causing us to be behind the eight ball in both races, starting P17 for Race 1 and P13 for race 2. Race one brough hard fought battles and lots of fun, as I navigated up 10 positions to seventh before being helped off track and falling back a few, ending with a 10th place finish. Race 2 was a highlight, starting on the back half of the grid again, I put my head down and only looked forward. After navigating chaos and making decisive passes I came home with a finish of 4th position, my best result of the season. This put me 2nd in the Rookie Standings and 8th overall, a huge boost to not only my points standings, but also my confidence.
The month culminated with the Carb Night Classic at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. With my previous oval experience, I was extremely excited to get onto an oval in the USF 2000 car. The first practice came as a shock to me, coming in outside of the top 10 in times, my coach Colin told me to move up the track about half a car and from then on there was no looking back. From practice 2 on I never was outside of the top 3. The car felt amazing and I qualified an impressive P2 even with a slight mistake on my first lap. Starting on the front row was a great feeling and boosted my confidence for the race. Off the start, I settled in and started turning consistent laps; however, challenges with car handling during the race, unfortunately resulted in an early retirement while running in a podium position. Overall, I had a great experience at the oval and proved that we had what it takes to fight at the front of the pack and I am excited to get back to IRP next season.
June: Road America & Mid-Ohio
In June, I headed to Road America for rounds 9 and 10, where I learned quite a bit about drafting and race craft in the USF 2000 car. The long straights of Road America bred interesting and exciting racing. Finishing 6th and 10th, on the weekend helped me stay in the top 10 of the championship standings. The following weekend at Mid-Ohio brought unpredictable weather. A mix of dry and rain sessions kept us on our toes, with dry practice and qualifying and rain coming as we were gridding for race 1, I knew that the new conditions gave me a chance to improve my position. On the first lap of race one in the rain, I drove up from 13th to 4th before a safety car came out, and after a mistake on the restart I lost all of my progress and disappointingly finished 15th. The rest of the weekend I had pace, even battling in the top five for a good part of race number three, ending the weekend with results of P9, and P8 across the next two races respectively. We came out of Mid-Ohio almost completely out of budget and had to make some decisions for how we wanted to end the season off.
July: Focus on Final Events
With limited funding for the remainder of the season, I made the strategic decision to skip the Toronto race and instead focus on the final event at Portland International Raceway. Even though I wasn’t racing, I took the opportunity to work as a commentator alongside Rob Howden, which was a fantastic experience. I traveled up to Toronto as a spectator to support my teammate Carson Etter. While at the race I was granted a great opportunity to join Rob Howden in the commentary booth for the second time this season, the first being in Indianapolis for the second USF Pro 2000 race. The exposure I was able to gain from this experience aided in my fundraising efforts and I ended up securing the last bit of funding needed to get to Portland.
August: Grand Finale Portland
Arriving at Portland, I was determined to end the season on a high note. Unfortunately, it did not end up going our way. Difficulties in qualifying caused me mid pack starting positions; however, like Mid-Ohio, the rains came for race one and I started moving forward. At one point I was the fastest car on track for a sloid few laps before a safety car came out. Off the restart, the spray from the cars ahead caused me to just miss my breaking point and fall back from my gained positions. Races two and three did not bring much luck either with a rough start in race two dropping me back, I spent the race trying to run a quick lap for my starting position in race 3, which worked. We had our heads high as I earned a 7th place starting position for race 3, yet I never got to see the green flag due to ignition issues on pit lane.
Season Conclusion
At the championship banquet, I was honored to receive the Spirit Award and the Move of the Year Award. These recognitions were meaningful to me, reflecting the hard work and determination I put into my rookie year. I am incredibly thankful for all the experiences I’ve had and the relationships I’ve built along the way, especially through the Team USA Scholarship. I would not have met Don Conner without the connection made through Jeremy Shaw, and I would not have been able to finish off the season without the help of the Team USA Scholarship and its generous supporters. I was able to learn immensely in my first year in USF 2000 and I am extremely thankful for all of my generous supporters that made this season possible including Binkley’s Kitchen and Bar, Cornerstone Environmental Group, Horizon Equine Integrative Medicine, The Team USA Scholarship, Big Check Race Fans, and all of my investors.
As I look ahead to the 2026 season, I’m excited to build on what I’ve learned and continue my growth as a driver. I plan on returning to USF2000 and fighting at the front of the pack with the skills I have developed in my inaugural season. This year has been a significant step in my racing career, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Ayrton Houk Partners with
Czabok-Simpson Motorsports for Porsche GT4 Testing
Ayrton Houk is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity with Czabok-Simpson Motorsports as they prepare to test a Porsche Cayman GT4 car following an outstanding season in the USF Pro Championship series. The test will take place at Putnum Park Road Course in Greencastle, IN on Tuesday, October 1.
After an impressive year in the USF Pro Championship Series filled with strong performances, Houk is excited to take the next step in his racing career. The test session with Czabok-Simpson Motorsports marks a significant transition, allowing Houk to explore new challenges in sports car racing.
“I am very proud of what I was able to accomplish in my rookie season in USF2000 and am excited for this opportunity to get a feel for a different type of racing,” said Houk. “Testing the Porsche GT4 with Czabok-Simpson Motorsports will be my first experience in a closed wheel car and I am looking forward to what the future holds for me, with the potential to compete in sports car racing.”
Czabok-Simpson Motorsports is renowned for its commitment to excellence in GT racing, boasting a wealth of experience. Both team founders, Stephen Simpson and Matthias Czabok, have extensive motorsport background with over thirty years of experience within the motorsport industry as team owner, driver as well as in key position in several racing programs in IMSA, WEC, IndyCar and Champcar.. Their expertise will be invaluable as Ayrton dips his toe into sports car racing.
“We are excited to have Ayrton join CSM for a test in one of our Porsche Cayman GT4’s,” said team principal Stephen Simpson. “I’ve been following Ayrton’s career for the past few years, and he is clearly a talented young driver with the potential to make a great career for himself in motorsports.” Simpson goes on to say, “Ayrton is high on our list of candidates for a race seat in one of our two Porsche Cayman GT4 race cars that we will be racing in the 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series. We look forward to working with Ayrton in what I believe will be the start of a successful relationship.”
This test will be an important opportunity for Houk to familiarize himself with the Porsche Cayman GT4’s dynamics and get to know the team, while also laying the groundwork for a potential full season in GT racing.
Houk looks forward to continuing to share updates on racing career. Stay tuned for more news about additional testing opportunities and his plans for the 2025 season.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ayrton Houk Racing, LLC
317-410-2483
amhouk@myninestar.net
About Ayrton Houk
Ayrton Houk is a competitive open wheel driver with experience and success in USF2000, F2000, F1600 and midget cars. He was chosen as a Team USA Scholarship driver in 2023, representing the United States, competing in England in international Formula Ford competition. He had a very successful rookie year in 2024 in USF2000, finishing 11th in the championship standings. Houk is actively seeking partners for the 2025 season. For more information about how to get involved, contact amhouk@myninestar.net or 317-410-2483.
About Czabok-Simpson Motorsports
Czabok-Simpson Motorsport (CSM) was founded by Stephen Simpson and Matthias Czabok. The team is based in Indianapolis IN, one of the motorsport hubs in the United States. Currently CSM is operating programs in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Championship and IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge running Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 RS Clubsport’s.
Toronto Rounds 14 and 15
Although I was unable to race Rounds 14 and 15 of the USF Pro Championship Presented by Continental Tire at Toronto this weekend due to budget constraints, I still was able to attend and support my team DC Autosport and Carson Etter. While there, I was also given the amazing opportunity to join Rob Howden in “The Booth” for Sundays’ Race 2 for both the USF2000 and Pro2000 races. Although it was tough not to be in the car, it was still a great time helping my team and adding color with Rob to the live stream. Thank you, Rob, for the amazing opportunity! I am also very happy to have held on to my top 10 position in points after the Toronto weekend wrapped up. Congrats to Sam Corry and Evagoras Papasavvas on your wins!
Things are looking promising for the final USF2000 weekend at Portland Rounds 16, 17, and 18 and I hope to publicly announce our plans soon! Stay tuned at Ayrton Houk (@ayrton.houk.racing) • Instagram photos and videos or right here for updates.
Watch and listen to Rob and I call Sundays Races
Carb Night Classic Recap and EXCITING NEWS
The close of the month of May in Indy was an exciting one for sure. The second of the two month-of-May USF Pro Championship Series races took place on the historic Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park oval track. Scheduled to take place on the evening of the traditional, “Indy 500 Carb Day”, the race is called the Carb Night Classic. This was a race I had been looking forward to all year. With the confidence of having significant oval track experience from my Kenyon Midget days, I knew I could be competitive on the oval in the USF2000 car. Right out of the gate, the DC Autosport #58 was strong, and we had the pace to be up front. In almost every test and practice session I was either first or second fastest. I was able to clinch my highest qualifying position so far this season, by qualifying P2, the outside pole position.
Qualifying took place on Thursday, and the schedule for Friday included one last practice and then the race. However, the weather gods had other plans for us. After getting in our last practice session, the skies opened, the rain fell, and the lightning and thunder provided a spectacular show. The officials made a timely decision to postpone the race until Saturday morning.
The start of the race on Saturday morning was clean and fast. I was positioned comfortably in third position, with the pace to finish on the podium. Unfortunately, we had been struggling with over steer throughout the weekend, and though we had made some improvements to the handling of the car, the over steer returned at about lap 15. As the race progressed, the over steer issue worsened. At approximately lap 50 the car started go around on me really late in turn two, and I was not able to save it. I kept it off the wall but was hit by another car, which resulted in my early retirement from the race. Thankfully neither me nor the other driver were injured, and the car was repairable. I was absolutely gutted for the team, as they all worked so hard to give me a competitive car for the race and we all had such high hopes for the results!
Now for some exciting news about what’s next! At the beginning of the 2024 season, I was only able to financially commit to the first 8 of the 18 races in the USF2000 season. I have been actively seeking funding to be able to compete for the entire season. I am thrilled to announce that, thanks to the additional support from some amazing individuals and organizations, I am able to commit to the next two race weekends on the USF Pro Championships schedule. With this additional help, I am able to add 5 more races over the next two race weekends, including Road America and Mid-Ohio! I am incredibly grateful for this additional support and opportunity! Thank you Mockett, Wings and Wheels Foundation, and Big Check Race Fans for all your supports.
The race at Road America is this weekend, June 6-9, in conjunction with the Indy Car race. I am looking forward to going back to where it all started for me. Road America was where I took my first venture out of karts and into cars with the Lucas Oil School of Racing. Since then, I have placed on the podium there, in the F1600, and can’t wait to prove my worth in the USF2000! The weather is predicted to be perfect, and I am excited to get back in the car on a road course. If you can’t be there in person, you can always watch the live stream on the USF Pro Championship website. Here is the schedule for the weekend:
- Qualifying- Friday 6/7 11:30am CT
- Race 1 Sat 12:30pm CT
- Autographs Sat 2:05pm CT
- Race 2 Sat 5:05pm CT
I am still seeking funding for the last two race weekends of the USF Pro Championships, Toronto and Portland. As a reminder, we offer 3 ways to help: via donations to the Wings and Wheels Foundation, corporate sponsorship, and ownership in AMH Racing, LLC. For more information about how to get involved, contact me at amhouk@myninestar.net or 317-410-2483
May 9-11th Indianapolis Motor Speedway Rounds 6 and 7
“What an amazing weekend for us” said Ayrton Houk. We had early pace but plateaued early and remained roughly a second off the leader when it came time to qualify. I was bringing over some bad habits from earlier test and really needed to focus on braking later and with more intensity and a bit deeper. I was also struggling with getting everything out of the car in 4 and 10. Colin and Don were very helpful keeping me focused on these tasks. We didn’t do ourselves any favors in qualifying and our best effort was only good enough for a 17th place starting position in Race 1. What a race! Before the green flag even dropped, a car was pushed a spun right in front of me and I narrowly avoid him by shooting between him and the inside wall. Once we regroup and restarted, I focused on a clean start and was able to work my way up to 8th by the halfway mark. On lap 12 we were hit in turn 8 and spun. I was able to recover and get back on track in 13th. I put my head down and was able to work back to 10th by the checkered flag. Frustrated by the results and the contact but happy to know we had race pace. We also were able to set better times which earned us a better starting position for Race 2. Later in the day, Rob Howden asked me to assist him in the media booth and calling of the USF 2000 Pro Race 1. If you missed the race you can still view it on the USF 2000 Pro YouTube channel – USF Pro 2000 – Race 1 – Indianapolis Grand Prix (youtube.com) What an amazing experience and my most sincere gratitude to Rob Howden and the USF Pro Championship Series for creating the opportunities to develop on and off the track.
The start of Race 2 was much less dramatic and clean but boy did it end wild. We immediately put our head down with a job to do. A few laps in i was feeling the tenson develop between the 3 cars directly in front of me and when they went into turn 1 3 wide I left a small gap to go to the inside of 2 knowing any contact would push them wide. It paid off, as they made contact and all three spun off and I was able to gain a few more spots. I then made a few passes under braking into 12 and 1 picking up a few more spots. I was running 6th with 5 to go! Then it got wild like the last few laps of every race does. Cooley and Nico got together in turn 1 flipping Nico. Glad Nico was ok, the halo and the AMR Safety Crew did their jobs! With the wreck in turn 1 and only a few laps left, I found my self in 5th place. Shortly after we learn of the penalties and the official results showed us in 4th!! We were ecstatic! This was my highest finish to date it was also DC Autosport’s high finish. I can’t thank Max, Don and the entire DC Autosport crew for trusting me and giving me a great car.
The points were much needed and we now sit 2nd in the Rookie Standings and 8th overall! Our next race is at the IRP Oval and I am very much looking forward to applying my years of the Kenyon Midget experience to the USF2000 car. See you there!
Houk – Solid Weekend at St. Pete despite a few challenges
“We exceeded our expectations this weekend” Ayrton said about his opening weekend with DC Autosports at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. Being our first race with the USF Pro Championship and with DC Autosport our goals were to run all the available green flag laps. We accomplished that goal minus the last 3 laps of race 2. Day 1 started with a decent practice session getting accustomed to a new track and keeping our nose clean. With the help of Colin Kaminsky, we were able to review the data and make a significant improvement in lap times for our qualifying efforts. We qualified 10th out of 22 very talent group of drivers. Race 1 saw a strong and clean start. We navigated the 3 yellows and 1 red flags to bring the DC Autosport 58 back in 9th!! For race, 2, the fire bottle decided it wanted to let go with 3 laps left making it impossible to see and finish turn 4. Fortunately, we were able to stop the car with minimal damages. Still able to salvage some valuable championship points. All eyes are to NOLA for rounds 3,4 and 5 of the USF Pro Championships Series.
Houk Signs with DC Autosports for 2024 USF2000 Championship Run
Ayrton Houk is set to ignite the tracks in the upcoming 2024 season of USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire as he proudly announces his partnership with DC Autosport.
USF2000 is part of the USF Pro Championships open-wheel racing development ladder, which provides opportunities for drivers to progress from the grassroots of the sport to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis 500
Houk, a name that is synonymous with speed, precision and passion in the world of motorsports, has been competitive on both road and oval tracks, earning numerous wins and setting track records in a handful of different race series over the last three years. Known for his exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to excellence, Houk brings skill, experience and a winning spirit to his new team.
“Joining DC Autosport for the 2024 season is a thrilling leap forward in my racing career and driver development,” Houk said. “I am honored and excited to be part of the team and I am eager to contribute my best to our collective success in the upcoming season. The opportunity to compete in USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire is a new chapter I am very excited for!”
DC Autosport, a team with a rich history and a proven track record in the racing world, is thrilled to welcome Houk into their fold. The collaboration marks a strategic move for both parties, aligning their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and achieving unparalleled success.
“Ayrton will be a great addition to the team. After a promising first test he showed the speed and consistency we can build on to fight at the front of the grid,” Don Conner, DC Autosport team principal shared.
The partnership between Houk and DC Autosport is a powerful combination of talent, experience and a shared passion for motorsports. Stay tuned for updates and follow Houk and DC Autosport on social media for behind-the-scenes glimpses and exclusive content as they gear up for an exhilarating season ahead.
Houk plans to run the full USF2000 championship in 2024 and is actively seeking partners and sponsors to help fund the required budget.
About Ayrton Houk: Over the last three seasons, Houk competitively participated in the Formula Race Promotions F1600 Championship Series, the Lucas Oil School of Racing Series and demonstrated versatility by also racing in the USSA Kenyon Midget Series, showcasing his skills on both road courses and ovals. His notable achievements include securing a runner-up position in the 2023 FRP F1600 championship, achieving multiple victories in a Kenyon Midget car and being chosen as a 2023 Team USA Scholarship winner.
Nolan Allaer and Ayrton Houk finished first and third in the opening Heat race (Rianna Low).
DARTFORD, Kent, UK – Team USA Scholarship drivers Ayrton Houk and Jack Sullivan finished third and fourth in their respective 12-lap Heat races as the prestigious Formula Ford Festival kicked off today at Brands Hatch. Both young Americans secured automatic qualification for the pair of Semi Finals races to be run on Sunday morning which will set the grid for the Grand Final later in the day.
Heavy overnight rain ensured Sullivan ventured out onto a fully wet track during qualifying for Heat One first thing this morning. He briefly ran at the top of the timing charts before ultimately earning fourth position on the grid. The race also was held in wet conditions, which posed its own challenge for the 17-year-old from Hamilton, Ohio.
Sullivan looks for a way past Smyth (Gary Hawkins photos).
“I actually based my start off the musical note of the engine rather than rpm,” related Sullivan. “I used to play piano and I’ve retained a bit of the ‘perfect pitch’ that comes with it, meaning I can recognize certain musical notes. I watched a video of a previous start in the wet and I recognized a B note, and I adapted it to the wetness of my session and used an A note and it was the best start I’ve ever had.”
Sullivan immediately gained one position off the line, only to be shuffled down a couple of places at Paddock Hill Bend. He was stuck behind Jason Smyth for the first seven laps, until the Irishman was pressured into a mistake at Clearways. Sullivan then matched the pace of the leaders to finish fourth.
“Overall, I feel good about my heat but I still feel a podium was possible had I not made those mistakes in the first corners,” he said. “Now I’ll be preparing for the upcoming semifinal tomorrow morning where I hope to put myself in a solid starting spot for the final.”
The race was won by former Castle Combe Circuit champion Luke Cooper from Festival veterans Chris Middlehurst and two-time Festival champion Niall Murray.
Qualifying for Heat Two also was held in wet conditions, with Houk, 20, from McCordsville, Ind., similarly snaring fourth on the starting grid behind Ammonite Motorsport teammate and fellow American Nolan Allaer, British Formula Ford championship winner Jordan Kelly and established front-runner Jordan Dempsey.
Houk drove flawlessly to finish on the podium .
2020 Festival winner Rory Smith leapt ahead of Houk at the start, but after some early jockeying for position, Houk recovered to finish third behind Allaer, who led the entire 12-lap distance to secure a stylish first UK victory, and Smith.
“It was still quite damp for our heat race,” said Houk. “I knew a big portion of my finishing position would come from minimizing mistakes and staying on track. I focused on hitting my marks and holding my position from a hard charging Jordan Kelly and Jordan Dempsey. I was able to find most of my time through Clearways sliding the car all the way to the outside almost like I was back in my dirt midget again! I am extremely pleased with my P3 finish in the heat and looking forward to continuing my momentum into the Semi Final and Final tomorrow.”
2021 Festival winner Jamie Sharp led throughout Heat Three, followed by American Jeremy Fairbairn.
Houk will line up fourth and Sullivan sixth on the grid for the first Semi Final, which is slated for the green flag at 10:30 tomorrow. Allaer will start on pole position. Cooper will take up pole position for the second Semi Final with the top 14 from each progressing directly into the Grand Final.
Tom Davey, aka TD, is riding with both Team USA drivers.
The races will be live streamed on the BRSCC’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDBnBRfiOhk. Live timing will be available at https://www.tsl-timing.com/Event/234230.
Both Team USA cars are carrying a “TD3″ decal in recognition of long-time Road Racing Drivers Club member and five-time SCCA National Champion Tom Davey, who passed away earlier this week at age 81. A staunch advocate of Formula Ford and the Team USA Scholarship, Davey, an accomplished writer and filmmaker, directed and produced the entire library of SAFEisFAST.com videos – a free online resource originated by Davey and fellow RRDC member Jim Mullen which has benefited countless aspiring racing champions over the past 12 years.
Ayrton Houk To Join Illustrious List of Team USA Scholarship Winners
Ayrton is the latest of talented young American race car drivers to be selected for the program, joining the likes of Jimmy Vasser and Bryan Herta, who were the first two Team USA Scholarship recipients in 1990 and 1991 respectively, and this year’s Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden, whose rise to the top of the North American racing ladder as a two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion included claiming a Team USA Scholarship – and a Formula Ford Festival victory – in 2008. More Below
Ayrton on FOX59 Indy Now TV
Camp Little Red Door back for 2023!
Ayrton Houk has been racing for the Little Red Door Cancer Agency for over 3 years now, using his role as a competitive open-wheel racing driver to raise awareness about the agency and Camp Little Red Door.
The camp is open to any child with cancer in the state of Indiana. Spots are open for overnight camp, Camp in the City and monthly activities, according to Fred Duncan, director and CEO of Little Red Door Cancer Agency.
Camp Little Red Door is the second-oldest camp for kids with cancer in the country. The annual event is hosted at Bradford Woods, a fully adaptive camp experience for kids at any stage of treatment. It’s entirely free for campers, who can bring a friend or sibling with them.
The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the camp for two years, but it’s back for 2022. Learn more about the camp here. And find more information about Ayrton here.
Media :
Team USA Blog – Ayrton Houk: Sights Set
Team USA Blog – Ayrton Houk: In the swing of things
Team USA Blog – Ayrton Houk: Trip of a Lifetime
Racer Magazine – 2023 Team USA Scholarship Winners Announced
Racer Magazine – 2022 Team USA Scholarship Finalist Announced
Racer Magazine – Chris Griffis Test driver diary: Ayrton Houk
Indycar.com – Young Stars to Drive into Spotlight at Griffis Test
Racer Magazine – Polecat Training Center to host Team USA Scholarship
United States Speed Association – Houk, Schrage making mark in F1600
Greenfield Reporter – On the path for speed: Houk teaming up with Pendleton’s Hayes for racing dream
Outside Groove – Ayrton Houk: Unconventionally Traditional Path
Houk, Sullivan Join Illustrious List of Team USA Scholarship Winners
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. – Ayrton Houk and Jack Sullivan will follow in some illustrious footsteps during the next few weeks as they fly the distinctive and patriotic red-white-and-blue Team USA Scholarship colors in several prestigious Formula Ford races in the UK.
They are the latest pair of talented young American race car drivers to be selected for the program, joining the likes of Jimmy Vasser and Bryan Herta, who were the first two Team USA Scholarship recipients in 1990 and 1991 respectively, and this year’s Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden, whose rise to the top of the North American racing ladder as a two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion included claiming a Team USA Scholarship – and a Formula Ford Festival victory – in 2008.
Houk, 20, from McCordsville, Ind., and Sullivan, 17, from Hamilton, Ohio, earned the opportunity following a recent shootout at the Polecat Training Center facility in Lynchburg, Tenn. Both have been leading contenders in this year’s FRP Formula 1600 Championship Series. They were joined at the shootout by Elliott Budzinski, 21, from Ann Arbor, Mich., and Jason Pribyl, 18, from Glenview, Ill.
“Every year our team USA candidates are strong, and it makes the decision making extremely tough,” said 1999 Team USA Scholarship winner Andy Lally, who headed the judging panel alongside 1993 scholarship recipient Jerry Nadeau, accomplished sports car-turned-sprint car racer Sean Rayhall and Polecat Training Center principals Paul Arnold, JR Speight and Rafe Baskin.
“This year, however the lap times were so tight and the sessions so closely fought out in both wet, damp and dry conditions that we had to go deeper and deeper into what potentially separates each of these drivers. We ended up taking into consideration many other factors, and it was still a close and divided vote. I know every single one of the candidates that we tested would do a fine job representing Team USA but in the end we can only pick two. I cannot wait to see how these young drivers perform and I know all four have potentially amazing futures ahead of them.”
All four candidates performed with distinction at the shootout.
Houk and Sullivan recently have begun preparations for an extended stay in England with three days of simulation training with Kelly Jones at RaceCraft1’s impressive new facility at the SILO Auto Club and Conservancy in Indianapolis, Ind., where they were joined for one day by accomplished INDYCAR and sports car driver Ed Jones.
“Having the opportunity to train at RaceCraft1 was extremely helpful in learning the track layouts with the help and coaching provided by Kelly Jones,” said Houk (pronounced “Howk”). “Also, being able to drive with Jack Sullivan as a teammate and noticing each other’s driving tactics was great to learn and will definitely be beneficial for racing as teammates in the near future.”
Houk and Sullivan will head to England later this week to begin on extensive testing program with Ammonite Motorsport in readiness for the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch on October 21/22 and the Walter Hayes Trophy event at Silverstone on November 4/5.
“I am honored to be added to the extremely talented roster of scholarship winners that Team USA has built over the years,” added Houk. “I am also looking forward to traveling overseas for the first time and racing with the level of talent that the UK has to offer while also gaining immense knowledge and valuable experience from this opportunity.”
Kelly Jones (left) and Ed Jones (right) put Houk and Sullivan through their paces.
“I’m deeply honored and extremely grateful to be selected to represent the United States and to join the long list of successful Team USA Scholarship alumni,” said Sullivan. “It’s a truly incredible opportunity to further my racing career and I can’t wait for what lies ahead in the next few weeks.
“This opportunity will bring a lot of learning experiences on and off track and allow me to take a glimpse into what the life of a professional racecar driver looks like. I will get to explore a whole new world of racing, competing at iconic tracks, racing against new competitors, and running for a professional team for the first time. With all of the new connections and international exposure, I will be able to build up my value and enhance my marketing skills to help me step up through the ranks. I would like to thank Jeremy Shaw, all of the judges, and all of the partners and sponsors who make the Team USA Scholarship possible.”
About Team USA Scholarship:
The program has been providing opportunities for talented American race car drivers at an early stage in their careers since 1990. Supporters include AERO ™ Sustainable Paint Technology, Doug Mockett & Company, the Road Racing Drivers Club and SAFEisFAST.com, Chip Ganassi Racing, The Stellrecht Company, Chris Locke, CoForce, Josef Newgarden Racing, Dyson Racing, Polecat Training Academy, PrattMiller, PitFit Training, RaceCraft1, Sparco USA, Speedstar Management and Styled Aesthetic. Previous scholarship winners include Jimmy Vasser, Bryan Herta, Jerry Nadeau, Buddy Rice, Andy Lally, Phil Giebler, A.J. Allmendinger, J.R. Hildebrand, Dane Cameron, Josef Newgarden, Conor Daly, Connor De Phillippi, Spencer Pigot, Trent Hindman, Tristan Nunez, Oliver Askew and Kyle Kirkwood.
Houk Masters Lorain
AMHERST, OH – The Lorain Raceway Park was expected to produce tight racing and it didn’t disappoint as the Kenyon Midget Series made a first trip to the Ohio oval.
For the first time in his career Jeff Hill captured the K&K Marketing Fast Qualifying award on Saturday. Kyle Sheard took the lead at the start of the feature immediately chased by Dameron Taylor and Hill on the first lap. Taylor took the lead on the fourth circuit with an inside pass of Sheard coming off the fourth corner with Hill and Houk rounding out the top four.
After moving into the second spot, Houk looked several times to get inside of Taylor to assume the point. On lap nine Taylor slipped high in the second corner which allowed Houk to take over the top spot. Taylor was able to stay in close contact with Houk the remainder of the race but was never able to challenge for the point.
Hill took over the third spot on lap 14 with a pass of Sheard and point leader Kyle Ford made a similar move a lap later. With just two laps remaining Ford was able to slip inside of Hill to finish third with Cash Wyke coming home in fifth.
It’s Houk’s fourth win of 2023 and seventh overall placing him in a tie for seventh on the all-time win list.
“We had to fix the car a little bit after qualifying,” Houk said. “With the draw of six, I knew I would have to work hard. Dameron slipped a little going into the corner and I was able to slip inside,” he said. “I tried to race him clean.”
Taylor said he thought the line he was running was good, but Houk was able to make an inside pass. “I was hoping he (Houk) would slip up the track so I could make the inside pass,” he said.
On making the pass to finish third, Ford said Hill slipped up the track just a little in the corner. “I was able to get under him,” Ford said. “The finish allowed me to maximize the points tonight.”
Houk won the first KRJ Race Products heat race by passing Hill with an inside move coming off the first corner. Sheard, Buddy Hollmeyer and Tanner Tecco rounded out the top five.
Ford and Taylor provided a preview of the feature race in the second heat race. Ford took the lead at the start chased by Taylor and Ryan Huggler. Taylor took the lead on the fourth circuit with an inside move entering turn three. Two laps later Ford made the winning move on the back straight with Wyke coming home in third, Robin Shute coming home in fourth and Huggler holding onto fifth.
Shute, a four-time champion of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, was making his first appearance in a Kenyon Midget. By Ken de la Bastide
Houk Secures 2nd in 2023 FRP Championship
“2023 brought us a handful of ups and downs. Coming off a rough start to the f2000 season, we made a switch for the better to return to f1600 racing with Rice Race Prep and had a very successful yet challenging year. I had missed the first three races of the FRP Championship Series and knew I had to keep my head down and stay focused for the remainder of the season if we wanted a chance to make up the point deficit. Working with Greg Rice at RiceRace Prep, we were able to maximize the 02 car at every weekend, have no DNFs and battle to a vice champion position at the end of the year. I had a ton of fun running the f1600 again and have my sights set high on USF2000 for 2024! I like to thank everyone that help me make this year’s journey: Binkley’s Kitchen and Bar, Cornerstone Enviromental Health and Safety, Little Red Door Cancer Agency, Horizon Equine Integrative Medicine, ServiceMaster by Crossroads Restore, Author Sutton Bishop, Mom and Dad, Jason, Judy, and Janelle Renschler, Greg Rice, Carlos Sa Rodrigues, Dillon Axarlis, Mark and Jude Miller, Mike and Kate Hrubes, Abby and Poppy“
July 28-30 Summit Pointe Motorsports Park Formula Race Promotions F1600
Race 1 – 4th Place
Race 2 – 10th Place
Race 3 – 1st Place
Race #1
Race one for the F1600 competitors rolled off the grid on Saturday afternoon, and in the full course yellow shortened ten-lap race, the second-place qualifier of Theodore Burns made his way to the top of the results sheet. Piloting the #8 entry, Burns scored the third fastest lap of the race which lined him up on the inside of row two for race two. Race one pole position winner Porter Aiken crossed the stripe second but won the pole position again for race two courtesy of his fastest race lap. Team Pelfrey’s Sebastian Mateo Naranjo stood on the podium in the third position ahead of Houk in fourth as the top 4 all continually swapped positions during the final 5 laps of the race. Trevor Russell crossed the line fifth with the second fastest race lap and accompanying front row starting spot for race two. In the F1600 Master class, Scott Rubenzer took the top spot and added another win to his historic resume of results as he dominated the class. Left to fight for second behind him, Steve Oseth beat Bob Reid to the line for the second step of the podium while Dave Petzko and John Dole rounded out the top five.
Race #2
A fixture at the front of the F1600 field in 2023, Porter Aiken managed to win again in the second race of the weekend. Scoring the fastest race lap over the fourteen-lap affair, Aiken beat Scott Rubenzer as the F1600 Masters driver was on a tear and claimed the second step on the podium, the Masters win and his 2nd place Masters Season Championship in the process. Timothy Steele crossed the line in the third position ahead of Charles Anti who made his first appearance in the top five this weekend in the fourth position while Cooper Shipman advanced forward to finish fifth. With Rubenzer taking the Master win, Mike Scanlan and Dave Petzko joined him on the podium in second and third while John Dole and Bob Reid rounded out the top five on the results sheet. On lap four, Houk running 4th, droppped to the back of the pack under the yellow with brake problems. Apparently, the problems disappeared as Houk then charged from 25th to 10th on the remaining 6 laps as the red flag ended the race. On lap ten, Pelfrey Team member #80 Sebastian Mateo Naranjo fell victim to a three-way squeeze entering turn one. Despite some masterful driving to avoid a potentially serious multi-car wreck, he was knocked back from third to 20th, derailing his race and his chance for the 3rd Overall Championship spot in his season long battle. He has vowed to return next season for another shot at the F1600 title.
Race #3
Ayrton returned to the top step of the podium as he completed the final race of the season victorious. Scoring his fastest lap on lap three, Houk opened a gap of 1.346 over the fifteen-lap race to add to his 2023-win total. Theodore Burns stood on the podium in the second position closing his strongest weekend of the season, while Sebastian Mateo Naranjo joined Houk and Burns on the podium in third. Scott Rubenzer continued to prove that he can fight with the young guns in the series as he had another solid drive to finish fourth overall and the F1600 Masters win, while newcomer Ethan Tovo made his first appearance in the top five this weekend in the final session finishing in the fifth position. With Rubenzer taking the win in the Masters class, Bob Reid and Mike Scanlan would once again join him on the podium in second and third while David Petzko and John Dole finished fourth and fifth respectively. Highlighting the close and competitive nature of FRP’s F1600 class, within R3’s top 5 competitors is an astonishing 60 year age span.
Houk Sweeps Circle City
Everything fell Aryton Houk’s way as the Kenyon Midget Series returned to Circle City Raceway. Houk for the second time this year set fast time, won his KRJ Race Products heat and captured the feature victory. It was Houk’s third feature win of the year and fifth in his career.
For the inversion for the feature for the first time in his career Houk pulled a zero. Although Houk was able to lead all 20 laps around the quarter-mile oval it wasn’t a Sunday drive. On the initial start Ryan Huggler got the jump when Houk slid up high in the second corner, but before a lap was completed there was a four-car shunt in the corner bringing out the red flag. Everyone was able to continue except for Jeff Hill.
Houk didn’t make the same mistake twice and took the lead on the restart chased by Huggler, Kyle Ford, Dameron Taylor and Tanner Tecco. With Houk out front the battle was for the second through fourth positions with Taylor moving into the third spot on the second circuit but then surrendering it to Ford four laps later.
At the midpoint Ford was able to find grip in the high groove and moved around Huggler for the second spot on lap nine. But three laps later while passing the lapped car of Kyle Sheard, Ford went high allowing Huggler to make the pass for second.
At the finish Houk won by one-second over Huggler followed by Ford, Taylor and Tanner Tecco.
“The car was good all night,” Houk said following his victory. “The car was hooked up top for hot laps and on the bottom for the feature race. They gave me a car that could run anywhere. I kind of got lucky with that caution,” he said of the red-flag on the opening lap. “Huggler (Ryan) really had my line there but it was muddy in turn two and pushed me right up.” Houk said after the restart he adjusted the line to run higher through the first and second corners to stay out of the mud.
Huggler said of the start there was a “huge” slick spot in turns one and two and Houk slid up the track. “It was a problem the whole race,” Huggler said. “I moved up the track after that. At the start I think I drove way to conservative,” he said. “I just let him get too far ahead of me.”
Ford said Sheard was dealing with a flat left rear tire and he misjudged where to run when he lost the second spot to Huggler. “That really screwed my race up,” he said. “It was fun racing once I figured it out. Foot to the floor, throw it sideways and hope for the best.”
During K&K Marketing qualifying Houk established the track record for Circle City with a lap at 14.457 seconds holding off Huggler and Ford.
Houk led the entire distance in the first KRJ Race Products heat race with Ford and Clayton Gaines rounding out the top three. By Ken de la Bastide
July 28-30 New Jersey Motorsports Park Formula Race Promotions F1600
Race 1 – 3rd Place
Race 2 – 3rd Place
Race 3 – 2nd Place
Race #1
Starting third on the grid for the first wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend, Jack Sullivan was the first to the finish line in the 12-lap, time limited race as he bested the second-place finisher by a mere .296 when the checkered flag flew. Despite not having the fastest race lap, Sullivan was able to push his #19 to the front of the field and earn another FRP F1600 victory. While Aiken finished less than three-tenths of a second behind, he was just over four-tenths of a second ahead of 2023 race winner and race one pole position winner Ayrton Houk. Qualifying second earlier in the day Sebastian Mateo Naranjo was able to maintain his presence in the top five finishing fourth in race one while Connor Willis, a new name to the top five, finished fifth just ahead of Eddie Beswick. The top F1600 Masters driver was Joe Colasacco as he narrowly beat Ken Bouquillon for the top step of the podium with Steve Oseth, Mike Scanlan, and Gary Gecelter finishing third through fifth respectively.
Race #2
Returning to the track Sunday morning for the second race of the weekend, it was Porter Aiken who found his way to the winners’ circle adding to his 2023-win total. With only the sixth fastest lap of the race, Aiken was able to methodically work his way to the point and hold his competitors at bay to cross the line .811 ahead of his closest rival. Eddie Beswick was the best of the rest earning the second step in a photo finish as he finished a scant .014 ahead of the #02 Rice Race entry of Ayrton Houk. With the top five separated by only 1.6 seconds, Jack Sullivan converted his Saturday win into another top-five result Sunday in P4 ahead of Sebastian Mateo Naranjo. In the F1600 Masters class, Ken Bouquillon found his way to the point as he earned his first win of the weekend after finishing second the day prior. Joe Colasacco, Saturday’s race winner crossed the line in second in class as Steve Oseth joined the top two on the podium. Dave Petzko held Bob Reid at bay over the sixteen-lap race to earn himself a fourth-place result as Reid rounded out the top five.
Race #3
With two different winners in the two F1600 races of the weekend, Eddie Beswick made it three for three in race three as he was the third different driver to rise to the top and take the checkered flag showing the true competitiveness of the F1600 program, often requiring photo finish verification. Beswick scored the win over, Ayrton Houk, by .516 as Houk was just .002 ahead of third-place finisher Jack Sullivan. Jason Pribyl finished within seven-tenths of a second of the leader but in P4 as the front four drivers in a tight pack opened a large gap to the rest of the field. Leading the second group on track and finishing in the fifth position was Sebastian Mateo Naranjo. Joe Colasacco, finishing seventh overall returned back to the top step of the F1600 Masters podium as he dominated the class with Steve Oseth crossing the stipe second for his best result of the weekend as Mike Scanlan joined the top two on the podium in third. Gary Gecelter was the best of the rest in the fourth position as he managed to keep Dave Petzko behind him who finished fifth.
July 22 Berlin Speedway USSA Midget Series
Houk Masters Berlin Oval
Ayrton Houk became the first driver in Kenyon Midget Series racing action to record two wins this season. After missing several races Houk returned to action Saturday at Berlin Raceway, it was his first appearance at the track.
Kyle Sheard earned his first K&K Marketing Fast Qualifying award and drew a zero allowing him to start on the pole position. On the start Houk powered from his second starting position to claim the lead chased by Sheard. Several times Sheard closed to the rear bumper of Houk but was unable to make the pass to record his first career win.
Behind the two front runners there was tight racing for the third through sixth spots with Andrew Patterson coming home in third followed by Jeff Hill and Tanner Tecco. Point leader Kyle Ford finished sixth with Dameron Taylor coming home in eighth.
“I felt the pressure,” Houk said of Sheard’s late race push for the victory. “I could see the shadow in turn three. The front end on the car went away in the middle of the race.“I’m really happy to get the win,” he said. “This was my first time at this track and it was a steep learning curve.”
Houk scored his fifth career feature win and second of the year having won in May at the Indianapolis Speedrome. By Ken de la Bastide
Sheard not only claimed his first fast time with the series but scored the win in the KRJ Race Products first heat over Ford and Patterson.
Houk went three wide entering turn one at the start to win the second heat race with Evan Hammond and Taylor rounding out the top three.
Sheard finished sixth in the Kenyon Midget Series first visit to Berlin Raceway and followed that with a fifth place run in the Don and Mel Kenyon Classic at Anderson Speedway. Hill finished third in the first visit to Berlin.
July 6-9 Road America Formula Race Promotions F1600
Race 1 – 3rd Place
Race 2 – 5th Place
Race 3 – 3rd Place
Race #1
Starting second on the grid, Porter Aiken added to his 2023 win total by once again climbing his way to the front of the order and the top of the result sheets. Despite only turning the tenth fastest lap of the race, Aiken methodically worked his way to the front to earn the win at the conclusion of the eight-lap race by a scant two-tenths of a second. Jason Pribyl, in his first F1600 race of the season, started third and gained one position to stand on the podium in the second position with pole position winner Jack Sullivan in third. It was a drag race to the line with the top-five drivers finishing within .317 of the race winner Aiken as a blanket could have been thrown over all of them as they came to the checkered flag. 2023 race winners Ayrton Houk and Sebastian Mateo Naranjo crossed the line fourth and fifth respectively showing the true level of competition of the FRP F1600 program. Post race, it was determined that pole position driver Jack Sullivan had been a tad overanxious at the start, and was penalized five seconds for jumping the green knocking him back to eighth. In the F1600 Masters class, Ken Bouquillon narrowly took the win ahead of Scott Rubenzer as these two drivers had the second and third fastest laps of the 25 competitive field. Michael Scanlan was happy to again celebrate on the podium in third while Phil Kingham and Sam Lockwood rounded out the top-five. After a post-race penalty was applied to Jack Sullivan for failing to maintain the safety cars pace until the green flag, he was docked 5 positions and lead to one of the tightest finishes and putting both Rice drivers on the podium!
Race #2
With lap times from race one setting the grid for race two, Theodore Burns earned his first pole position of his 2023 season ahead of a pair of F1600 Masters drivers Ken Bouquillon and Scott Rubenzer. Eddie Beswick slotted himself into fourth ahead of 2023 race winners Sebastian Mateo Naranjo and Ayrton Houk. It was a picture-perfect 2×2 start, with Masters driver Ken Bouquillon taking the lead for the first four laps, before “getting out of the way of the younger drivers.” At the checkers, it was another 2023 first-time winner in the F1600 class in race two on Sunday morning as Eddie Beswick, traveling all the way from Australia for his first foray into FRP racing, was able to find his way to the front of the field after nine laps despite only having the seventh-fastest lap of the race. Team Pelfrey entrant Naranjo moved his way forward from fifth to stand on the podium in the second position ahead of perennial front-runner and championship contender Jack Sullivan. Saturday’s race winner Porter Aiken, with the fastest lap of the race and pole position for race three on Sunday afternoon, slotted into the fourth position while Ayrton Houk earned another top-five result in fifth. Scott Rubenzer returned to the top step of the podium in F1600 Masters with a wily last lap pass over Ken Bouquillon with Michael Scanlan joining them on the podium in third.
Race #3
Porter Aiken lined up from the inside of the front row for race three with Scott Rubenzer to his left in P2. Theodore Burns took the start of race three from the third position beside Bouquillon and ahead of the row three combatants of Jack Sullivan and Jason Pribyl. It was Sullivan who had one of the strongest drives of the weekend, happily converting his P5 starting spot into a win by more than three-seconds, while Timothy Steele set a new FRP Road America record with his 2.22.493 fast lap of the day. Theodore Burns pushed his #8 machine to the second step on the podium ahead of the Rice Race Prep driver Ayrton Houk who narrowly beat Sebastian Mateo Naranjo by .009 in a photo finish for the final podium position. Porter Aiken crossed the line fifth, claiming his third top-five finish of the weekend. Scott Rubenzer and Ken Bouquillon continued their (friendly) close competitive rivalry as Scott once again found his way to the head of the Masters class to celebrate on the podium just ahead of Ken with David Livingston Jr. joining them in third.
June 8-11 Pittsburgh International Raceway Formula Race Promotions F1600
Qualifying
F1600
1. Porter Aiken – 1:47.707
2. Jack Sullivan – 1:47.872
3. Ayrton Houk – 1:47.979
Race 1 – 1st Place
Race 2 – 2nd Place
Race 3 – 2nd Place
Race #1
Starting third for race one, it was multi-time 2023 race winner and Rice Race driver Ayrton Houk that rose to the occasion and was the first to cross the line in the first wheel-to-wheel action on the weekend. Battling hard over the fourteen-lap affair, Houk took top honors by a scan .218 over another 2023 race winner, Porter Aiken. While the front two were separated by just over two tens of a second when the checkered flag flew, it was the top four that could be covered by a blanket finishing .945 from one another. Jack Sullivan joined Houk and Aiken on the podium with a drive to third and held off the advances of Team Pelfrey combatant Sebastian Mateo Naranjo who had to settle for fourth. The front four drivers were in a league of their own as they managed to open a ten-second gap on Timothy Steele (racing a Jay Messenger rental car this weekend) who came home fifth. David Adorno dominated the F1600 Master proceedings to take home the victory while Ken Bouquillon held off Joe Coloasacco for second with Coloasacco crossing the stripe third ahead of Robert Albani and David Livingston Jr.
Race #2
Courtesy of his fastest lap in race one, Sebastian Mateo Naranjo led the field to green for race two with Porter Aiken to his outside. Behind him, Jack Sullivan and Ely Navarro occupied row two with Houk and Steele in row three. A victor in 2023 already, it was Aiken that moved from his inside row two starting position to win another classic F1600 drag race to the finish line taking the win by .066 over race one winner Ayrton Houk. Race two pole position winner Sebastian Mateo Naranjo was able to hold on to the third and final step of the podium as the top three were separated by less than three-tenths of a second. Behind the trio of podium winners, Ely Navarro was the best of the rest in fourth as Tim Steele rounded out the top five. Finishing sixth on track but leading the Masters category was David Adorno as Ken Bouquillon and Joe Coloasacco joined him on the podium in second and third.
Race #3
Sebastian Mateo Naranjo finally broke through in race three after being one of the fastest drivers throughout the event weekend. While quick in race three, he was not the fastest but played the high-speed game of chess well to score his first win of the weekend by a marginal .07. As the front five remained the same race after race, it was Aytrton Houk who pushed Naranjo to the end while Aiken was also pushing just as hard. In another classic F1600 finish, the top three finished within .102 of each other and celebrated on the podium. It was Timothy Steele who remained consistent throughout the weekend and crossed the line fourth, ahead of Ely Navarro in P5. Ken Bouquillon was sixth on track but led the Masters class as he beat Joe Colasacco to the checkered flag. Joining the duo on the podium was race two F1600 Master winner David Adorno as the ninth-place finisher of Jack Sullivan earned the fastest lap of the race honors.
May 26-29 Lime Rock Park Formula Race Promotions F1600
Qualifying
F1600
1. Ely Navarro – 53.977
2. Jack Sullivan – 54.158
3. Porter Aiken – 54.325
Race 1 – 5th Place
Race 2 – 1st Place
Race 3 – 3rd Place
Starting from the outside of the front row for the first wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend, Jack Sullivan rocketed his way to the front of the 25-lap race to put his 2009 Sullivan Racing prepared Piper DF-5 at the top of the results sheet. Following suit, Porter Aiken was able to gain one position from his third-place starting spot to cross the line in second while pole position winner Ely Navarro dropped two places to come home third and celebrate with Sullivan and Aiken on the podium. Misha Golkhberg was the best of the rest finishing fourth, just ahead of Ayrton Houk in P5. With the fastest lap of race one, Aiken secured the premier inside row one starting spot for the second race on Sunday morning. Joe Colasacco earned the F1600 Masters win with Ken Bouquillon and Bob Reid joining him on the podium in second and third.
Showing his speed in race one to earn the race two pole position, it was Houk’s time to shine in race two as he led a Rice Race Prep one-two finish. With Houk climbing his way to the podium’s top step, Misha Goikhberg crossed the line in the second position, keeping Houk honest over the 18-lap affair. Dillon Defonce led a pair of Team Pelfrey drivers to the third and fourth spots leading Masters winner Ken Bouquillon across the line as the two dominant teams in F1600 competition occupied the top-four spots. Callum Baxter was able to round out the top-five. Joining Bouquillon on the Masters podium, after fierce battles farther down the field were Bob Perona and Joe Colasacco in second and third. While Ely Navarro earned the race’s fastest lap and accompanying pole position for the third and final race on the weekend, he collected Porter Aiken with a race-ending flip on Lap 17. With no chance to repair the Rice Race Team car #01, teammate Misha Goikhberg would give up his #03 car to Ely, requiring a back-of-the-race three-grid start for Ely.
Though race was shortened to a timed race (23 Laps) due to some mid-race yellow flag cleanup, it became a multi-lap, position-swapping, three-way battle for the podium within the lead pack. At the Checker for the third and final F1600 race of the weekend, it would be Aiken Racing’s Porter Aiken back on top, closely followed by Masters Driver Joe Colasacco and Ayrton Houk. Clawing his way from last to 4th was Ely Navarro, while (Sebastian) Mateo Naranjo, a new name in the top-five, had a photo finish battle eking out veteran Masters driver Bob Perona for fifth. Joining Joe Colasacco on the Masters Podium were the familiar competitors of Bob Perona and Rob Albani.
April 28-30 Mid Ohio Sportscar Course Formula Race Promotions F1600
F1600 Qualifying
1. Ayrton Houk – 1:50.505
2. Ely Navarro
3. Porter Aiken
4. Callum Baxter
5. Jack Sullivan
Race 1 – 3rd Place
Race 2 – 3rd Place
Race 3 – 3rd Place
Starting fifth on the grid, Jack Sullivan was able to maneuver his way to the front to take his first F1600 race win of the 2023 season. Adding another podium result to his 2023 resume, Porter Aiken was able to finish second albeit six seconds in arrears of the winner. Ayrton Houk, the F1600 pole position winner celebrated on the podium in the third position ahead of Rice Race teammate Ely Navarro and Britain West Motorsport’s Callum Baxter. Joe Calasacco picked up the first F1600 Master win at Mid-Ohio as perennial front-runner Scott Rubenzer was able to hold onto the second position, ahead of David Livingston Jr. in third.
Ely Navarro was able to move his way to the top of the charts during race two as he drove to victory over the eleven-lap race. Despite not being the fastest car on track, Navarro took the honors by just over one second and celebrated on the podium. Race one winner Jack Sullivan crossed the line in second earning his second podium result of the weekend while race one pole position winner Ayrton Houk continued to show his pace finishing third and earning the fastest lap of the race ahead of Porter Aiken and Jonathan Lee who rounded out the top five. David Adorno earned his first F1600 Masters win of the season with an impressive performance to hold off the advances of Joe Calasacco as Bob Reid celebrated with the top two on the podium.
With the victory in race one and a podium result in race two, it was Jack Sullivan that returned to the top of the result sheets in race three to take his second win of the weekend. Dominating the main event and taking one of the largest win margins in F1600 FRP competition, Sullivan destroyed the field by more than twenty-one seconds and climbed to the top of the podium blocks. Porter Aiken was able to find his way back to the podium in the second position, just ahead of the Rice Race duo of Ayrton Houk and Ely Navarro. Theodore Burns, a new name to the top five in F1600 action finished fifth. In the F1600 Masters class, it was Scott Rubenzer who once again stood on the top step of the podium, just ahead of Joe Calasacco and David Adorno. With Rubenzer taking the race three win, it was three different F1600 Masters winners over the weekend.
Houk dominates Speedrome Midgets
By Ken de la Bastide
Indianapolis – Former Kenyon Midget Series champion Ayrton Houk put together a perfect night Friday at the Indianapolis Speedrome. Houk set fast time during qualifications, won his heat race and led all 30 laps of the feature race.
Following the two heat races, Houk pulled a zero for the inversion which put him on the front row along side of defending champion Dameron Taylor. Houk took the lead at the start chased by Jackson Macenko, Taylor, rookie Jalen Cox and Kyle Ford.
While Houk remained on the point there was an intense battle for the second spot among Taylor, Macenko and Cox.
The race was red-flagged on lap 18 when the midget of Brian Harmon made contact with the front straight retaining wall and flipped to a stop. Harmon was unhurt.
A second red-flag waved on lap 22 when Phil Brown appeared to have lost an engine putting fluids on the track.
Prior to the stoppage Taylor and Macenko were swapping the second spot once or twice on every lap with Cox and Ford lurking just behind. On the 23rd circuit Taylor and Cox got inside of Macenko for the second and third spots. But on the final lap Macenko passed Cox in the final corner to come home in third.
“My car was hooked up tonight,” Houk said following his fourth career win and second at the Speedrome. “The JK Racing machine was just awesome it was on rails.”
He said starting up front is something not to be upset about. “Everybody was shuffling around all night,” Houk said of the tight racing. “It was good racing. Jack (Macenko) and Dameron (Taylor) were on my tail the whole night, keeping me honest.”
Taylor said it was fun battling for position. “I wish we would have run more laps, because I do well in passing lapped traffic,” he said.
Macenko said there was tight racing upfront and Taylor was braking later going into the corners. “I was a little frustrated,” he said.
Cox said he was pleased with the effort in only his second time racing on pavement. “On the last lap I wasn’t going to wreck us out,” he said.
Houk captured the K&K Marketing Fast Qualifier award with a time of 12.236 edging out Taylor and Macenko.
Houk and Taylor each won a KRJ Race Products heat race, both for the second time this year. Each received a $100 bonus for winning their heat races provided by HARF and Dave Simmermon of Jeff Hill Trailer Sales.
The Advanced Racing Suspension Hard Charger award was earned by John Robbins who started 15th in the feature and drove to a sixth place finish.
Cash Wyke advanced six positions to finish seventh and Taylor Tecco moved up three spots to finish thirteenth.
USF Pro Championship Test with Pabst Racing at 2022 Combine
Not sure where to even start about this amazing opportunity with Pabst Racing, USF Pro Championship Series, and all at Indianapolis Motor Speedway! After a strong year in both the F1600 with Team Pelfrey and the Lucas Oil Formula Racing Series, I was invited to test a USF2000 car with Pabst Racing alongside veteran Simon Sikes. I am very happy with the results from the 2 day test at IMS finishing in the top 10 separated by only a few thousandth of a second in an extremely talented field of over 25 drivers. Our goal is to raise the required budgets and pursue the 2023 with Pabst Racing.
Lucas Oil Racing School Series Final Rounds 15-18 At Sebring
What an amazing 2 days of racing. We went into the final round 49 points down from the leader and fought hard all weekend. We covered the podium with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd! It all came down to the last race for the championship. I was able to win the race but unfortunately tied Wes Workman for third. The competition in this year’s series was some of the best they have ever seen, with 3 other drivers vying for the championship win. Im still very proud of a very strong season with 4 pole positions and 11 podiums, including 2 wins! I would like to thank Neil and RC Enerson and the entire Lucas Oil Racing Series team for an amazing year. I learned a ton this year with this amazing program, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing a career in racing.
Results
FRP Summit Point –
Race 1 – 17th Place
Race 2 – 2nd Place
Race 3 – 1st Place
Race 1 was a classic battle amongst the lead pack of 6 with the now accustomed frequent lead & position changes. With 3 laps to go, contact between Schrage and myself would end my race, and dropped Schrage to the back of the lead pack. With lap times from race one setting the grid for race two, I earned the pole position ahead of race one winner Allaer. Hugh Esterson began his quest for the race two win from the inside of row three next to Rice Race Prep’s Gordon Scully and just ahead of Scully’s teammate Thomas Schrage. In a comparatively calm race, it was Esterson who climbed to the top in the second F1600 race of the weekend as he took the win in another very close finish. Outdueling me to the line, Esterson earned the top spot by .022. With me crossing the line second, and Allaer finishing third, making it an all Team Pelfrey podium, all crossing the line within thousands.
Lee earned the race three pole position and lined up next to Brienza in second. Schrage and Allaer occupied row two with Esterson and me in row three. Brienza stalled upon leaving the false grid and dropped back multiple rows for the split. Mistakenly, he regained #2 spot for the green flag which would cost him a five five second penalty added to his total time putting him back to 6th in the final results.
After 17 laps of close racing and many lead changes, contact between teammates Esterson & Allaer on the final lap dramatically changed the final charge for the checker. Crossing the line was Brienza in front (but dropped to 6th due to his time penalty) followed by me, Schrage, and Lee whom all stood on the podium for the final event of the weekend.
Lucas Oil Mid-Ohio Rounds 7-10
Round 7 – 8th Place
Round 8 – 1st Place
Round 9 – 2nd Place
Round 10 – 2nd Place
Back in the fight! I had some really strong finishes at the next four rounds of the Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series that really helped our standing in the point race for the $75,000 scholarship to Road To Indy program. I qualified 3rd for Race 1 and noticed the front 2 had made contact so I focused on fighting for the P3 spot knowing penalties were coming and I would be P1. Unfortunately, this win was not to be, with a few laps left in the race my throttle cable gave up the fight and we coasted to stop just outside the keyhole. The great team of mechanics quickly fixed the car and I set my sights on Race 2 starting from P2. I wanted to be out front as fast as possible, so I set my sights on Jack on the outside of the keyhole on the first lap. The rest of the 30min race was a vicious battle with Thomas and an attempt to out-brake me into China Beach almost every lap! He was successful with 5 laps to go putting me in P2. I continue to try and return the favor and finally on the last lap I was able to force an error and retain the lead again in corner 4. After a fun evening enjoying amazing BBQ (Thanks Dad) with the coaches and competitors, we were ready to qualify for Race 3. I had an absolute blast pairing up with Gordon. We worked together to get us both the top 3: Gordon 2nd and me 3rd. Race 3 was also action packed as I moved to the front on the second lap and was leading all but the last 3 laps. Kudus to Thomas for getting the better run out of 4 on the pass for the lead. I was happy with the 2nd place finish and the much-needed championship points. Unfortunately, leading most of Race 3 didn’t leave me very many laps in a draft to improve my start position for Race 4. I started Race 4 from P6 and had a lot of work to do if I wanted to get to the podium with some of the best drivers in front of me. It was time to lick the stamp and go! I had a strong start and was able to stay tightly in the pack for the majority of the race being patient and preserving the tire for a late race push. With 10 laps to go it was time to start the push, as I came out of turn 1 I was able to split the 2 cars immediately in front of me and we went into the keyhole 3 wide! I then set my sight on the top 2 and quick reduced the gap to the leaders. Here it was a 3-way fight for the lead. Again, corner 4 did not disappoint, with multiple passes and lead changes, I was able to come out with another 2nd place finish and great points from a very exciting race! Be sure to watch these races on my YouTube Channel! Time to regroup and prepare for FRP Summit Point with Team Pelfrey.
Making the most out of life and least out of cancer.
#cancersucks
Today I was given an amazing opportunity to share my passion with the children attending Camp Little Red Door! Little Red Door provides this opportunity for kids who are in cancer treatment or beyond, as well as their sibling or friend, to attend a weeklong camp at their HQ in downtown Indianapolis and other remote locations. It is an amazing experience and helps the children forget about cancer for a while. Today they allowed us to bring in the simulator and share it with the children. It was a tremendous success with the kids, and the adults, absolutely having a blast. Those that were not driving had so much fun cheering on the whoever was driving. Thank you again Little Red Door Cancer Agency for allowing me to be a part of your program. Your donations a greatly needed to help these programs continue. Click here to donate today!
FRP Autobahn Country Club –
Race 1 – 7th Place
Race 2 – 3rd Place
Race 3 – 16th Place
This should be called the weekend that could have been! We had pace right out of the trailer putting the 82 car on pole position for Race 1 with Hugh Esterson in P2 making an all yellow Team Pelfrey front row!. Race 1 was a great race with Team Rice right from the start they we able to work together and catch me by lap 5. F1600 racing is always tight and close and this was no exception! We went 3 wide into 4 and I just ran out of racetrack return to the track without momentum I found myself in 10th place. I worked my way back up to 7th by the checkered flag. I started Race 2 from 7th and immediately set sights for the front working with my teammate Hugh Esterson. Again, the FRP F1600 class did not disappoint as we found ourselves in a 5-way race for 3rd , the final podium position. Avoiding contact just in front of me with I found myself in P3 and my teammate Nolan Aller right behind. We had a really great battle for the remaining laps and I was able to hold on to P3 with the fastest lap of the race. I started race 3 from the pole with Hugh to my outside for an all yellow Team Pelfrey front row just like race 1! Hugh and I were patient and fast holding Team Rice behind us with 5 laps to go. Going into corner 8, I lost my front brakes. Luckily, I didn’t collect anyone else or damage the car. We had to DNF but congrats to Hugh for his podium. On to Summit Point. We have 6 races left to regain the points lead! It will be head and foot down!
Kenyon Midget – Mt. Lawn Speedway
Qualified – 2nd Place
Heat Race – 1st Place
Feature – 3rd Place
What a great time being back in the Brad Hayes Racing Kenyon Midget for Independence Day weekend! We had a really strong car all night. I qualified P2 .022sec off of Jack Macenko’s 16.097sec blistering lap. This put me on the pole of heat racing #2. I was able to gain the lead in turn 1 and never looked back. The series rules require the pole sitter to roll a dice to determine how many cars will be inverted for the start of the main event. Jack in his typical style, drew the maximum and the top 6 car were inverted so we started the main from the 5th spot, inside row 3. At the green flag, we got off to a clean start and put my head, and right foot, down to find the front. It was a really fun race working with Jack to get to the front and then racing with him and Dameron Taylor through lapped traffic for the lead spot. I was hit in turn four and spun with only a handful of laps left. This brought out the yellow and since I was able to keep moving after being hit, I was allowed to resume my 3rd place position for the restart. This was a single file restart and a 5 lap shootout to the checkered. Inverting the field really makes it exciting for the fans! I didnt get the best restart as my clutch started to slip and that allowed for Thomas Schrage to get inside me in turn 1. Once up to speed, I was able to get back past Thomas and set my sights on Dameron and Jack but unfortunately, we just ran out of laps and finished P3. Jack and were I brought home a double podium for BHR and had an absolute blast doing so! Thank you Brad!!!
After the race, it was time to give back to the fans. BHR and Mt Lawn organized an event where we were able to bring bikes, scooters, and backpacks with school supplies for children that attended the race! I was overwhelmed by the experience much like my time with the Littel Red Door campers. So great to see so many excited kids and grateful for the opportunity to share with them. MT Lawn was fun but now its time to focus on the FRP F1600 with Team Pelfrey at Autobahn next weekend! Hope to see you there!!!
FRP Pittsburgh Motorsports Park –
Race 1 – 10th Place
Race 2 – 1st Place
Race 3 – 3rd Place
Contact in Race 1 leads to fast lap and victory in Race 2! Race 3 was a photo finish with the top 3 within .009sec.
Hugh Esterson led the way in F1600 qualifying and in the first wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend as he put the #80 Team Pelfrey at the top of the results sheets. Rice Race Prep Thomas Schrage was the best of the rest to cross the line in the second position ahead of another Team Pelfrey entry, Nolan Allaer, who stood on the podium in third. Porter Aiken was the fastest driver in the top-five based on lap time as he climbed his way to fourth on track, just ahead of Tim Steele in fifth. Ayrton Houk, after contact went backwards however, recovered after to score a tenth-place finish and the fastest lap of the race. Rob Albani took home the F1600 Masters race one win ahead of Bob Reid and Scott Rubenzer as all three celebrated on the podium. Theo Peppers and David Livingston would be your fourth and fifth place finishers.
Courtesy of his fast lap in race one, Houk earned the race two pole position as he would line up alongside Aiken. Round one winner Hugh Esterson would roll off the grid in race three ahead of Steele and Schrage in fourth and fifth. Houk was able to claim his first race win of the weekend as he rocketed away from his pole position to stay ahead of Esterson who crossed the line in second for his second podium result of the weekend. Jonathan Lee showed his pace as he climbed his way to the third and final step on the podium, just ahead of Nolan Allaer and Thomas Schrage in fourth and fifth. Rob Albani claimed the F1600 Masters race two win ahead of David Livingston and Bob Reid in second and third. Theo Peppes continued his pace and performance to finish fourth, just ahead of Scott Rubenzer in fifth.
Race three would see Thomas Schrage start from the pole position but it was Nolan Allaer who scored the race win putting Team Pelfrey on top during the third and final wheel-to-wheel action in F1600 this weekend. Requiring photo finish verification, Thomas Schrage would hang on to cross the line in the second position, just ahead of Ayrton Houk in third. Jonathan Lee and Porter Aiken rounded out the top-five. Rob Albani achieved a hat trick for the weekend, as he was again the winner in the F1600 Masters class, but this time it would be Scott Rubenzer and Dave Petzko who joined him on the podium in second and third.
It’s not all about racing!!
Spend an amazing day at Camp Little Red Door today! Little Red Door provides this opportunity for kids who are in cancer treatment or beyond, as well as their sibling or friend, to attend a weeklong overnight camp at Bradford Woods and forget about cancer for a while. It was so much fun meeting the campers and staff, participating in some really fun activities and learning more about the amazing things Little Red Door Cancer Agency does to help people make the most of life and least of cancer! The best part of today was asking the campers to autograph my driving suit!! Now all my new camp friends will be racing along with me in the cars this summer. Thank you again Little Red Door Cancer Agency and Bradford Woods for allowing me to be a part of your program. Your donations a greatly needed to help these programs continue. Click here to donate today!
FRP Barber Motorsport Park –
F1600 Race 1 – 4th Place
F1600 Race 2 – 1st Place
F1600 Race 3 – 5th Place
F2000 Race 1 – 2nd Place
F2000 Race 2 – 1st Place
Houk doubles up! Running F1600 and F2000 at Barber Motorsports Park and sets new track record first weekend in F2000 car with Arrive and Drive!
The first F1600 race of the weekend was won by Hugh Esterson as he managed to turn his qualifying track record pole position performance into a victory for him and Team Pelfrey. Joey Brienza was the best of the rest as he pushed his Exclusive Autosport #92 to a solid second place result to add another podium finish to his resume while Nolan Allaer put a pair of Team Pelfrey drivers in the top-three in third. Ayrton Houk made his first appearance of the weekend in the top-five driving to a P4 finish while the first of the Rice Race Prep entries, Will Holtz, crossed the line in fifth. Bob Perona added another F1600 Masters win to his season total as he beat David Livingston Jr., and Jay Messenger to the top step of the podium. Sam Lockwood was able to cross the stripe in fourth, just ahead of Dave Petzko in fifth.
The starting grid for race two would be set on fast time from race one as Sullivan Racing’s Jack Sullivan found himself on the inside of the front row with Nolan Allaer alongside. Houk and Brienza occupied row two with Brienza and Thomas Schrage in row three. Improving as the weekend went along, Houk would drive to the front of the field and the top of the results sheets to take the race two win ahead of Thomas Schrage who has been a model of consistency all year at the front of the pack. Team Pelfrey once again put a pair of drivers on the podium with Hugh Esterson in third with Nolan Allaer in fourth along with Porter Aiken in the fifth position.
Jack Sullivan earned the pole position with a race track record performance for the third and final race of the weekend and managed to turn that into a victory. Racing out of the Sullivan Racing camp, Jack beat some of the biggest teams in F1600. Thomas Schrage made it a triple podium weekend with another second place result as Hugh Esterson kept his solid weekend going with a third place performance in race three. Exclusive Autosport’s Joey Brienza found his way into the top five and narrowly missed the podium to come home fourth while Ayrton Houk ended his weekend in P5.
F2000
Qualifying – Race 1
1. Nathan Byrd – 1:25.872
2. Ayrton Houk – 1:26.163
3. Austin Hill – 1:26.450
4. Robert Wright – 1:27.365
5. JC Trahan – 1:27.401
Race #1
In the first F2000 race of the weekend, it was JC Trahan who was the biggest mover climbing from his P5 starting position to top the results sheets and take the victory in race one. Ayrton Houk maintained his second place starting spot to join Trahan on the podium as Nathan Byrd slotted himself into the third position after qualifying on the pole position earlier in the day. Perennial frontrunner Austin Hill found himself fourth after the final checkered flag flew as Robert Wright scored a solid fifth place result in his first wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend.
Qualifying – Race 2
1. Ayrton Houk – 1:25.435
2. Nathan Byrd – 1:25.804
3. JC Trahan – 1:26.052
4. Austin Hill – 1:26.353
5. Robert Wright – 1:27.266
Ayrton Houk reigned supreme in the second race of the weekend taking his Arrive Drive Motorsports entry to the top of the results sheet with a new race track record of 1:25.197. Dominating the 19-lap race, Houk was able to maintain his position at the front of the field to earn the race win to go along with his pole position. Saturday’s race winner JC Trahan was able to secure his second podium of the weekend in second while Nathan Byrd finished third. Austin Hill outpaced Robert Wright for the fourth position and Wright rounded out the top-five.
FRP MidOhio Sportscar Park –
Race 1 – 3rd Place
Race 2 – 1st Place
Race 3 – 13th Place
Houk dominates on a wet track with a 7 Second win over the field at MidOhio
Schrage scored the race win ahead of Will Holtz in second as Ayrton Houk managed to move forward from fourth to third on the results sheets disposing of the third place qualifier, Hugh Esterson. Jack Sullivan made his first appearance in the top-five of the weekend with a solid fifth place result. On the F1600 Masters side of the program, it was Bob Perona who added yet another victory in 2022 finishing sixth overall ahead of multi-time champion Scott Rubenzer and David Livingston Jr.
With lap times from race one setting the grid for race two, Houk would claim his first pole position of the season ahead of Esterson and the hard charging Sullivan. Second place finisher and winner Holtz and Schrage would line up fourth and fifth for race two on Sunday morning. Capitalizing on his inside front row starting spot, Houk went on to claim the second F1600 race win on a wet but drying track ahead of perennial front-runner Thomas Schrage and Will Holtz who completed the podium trio. Porter Aiken made his first appearance in the top-five crossing the line with a fourth-place result while Exclusive Autosports’ Joey Brienza crossed the line in fifth.
Nolan Allaer started the third and final race of the weekend on the front row courtesy of his race two fast time as Porter Aiken, Hugh Esterson, Will Holtz and Gordon Scully would take the green in the top-five. Thomas Schrage emerged from the eighteen-lap event as the eventual winner over Esterson who turned the fastest lap of the race. Bob Perona joined Schrage and Esterson on the podium finishing third overall and winning the Masters class. Will Holtz, Porter Aiken and Nolan Allaer rounded out the top-five in F1600 while Scott Rubenzer and David Livingston joined Perona on the podium in the Masters category.
FRP Carolina Motorsport Park –
Race 1 -1st Place
Race 2 – 2nd Place
Race 3 – 2nd Place
Strong Start to the 2022 Formula Race Promotions F1600 Series for Houk
The on-track action was highlighted by the F1600 field as close finishes and hard racing carried from the end of the 2021 season onward into 2022, again seeing strong powerhouse drivers from Team Pelfrey and Rice Race Prep, as Bob Perona flexed his muscles in F1600 Masters.
F1600
Qualifying – Race 1
1. Thomas Schrage – Rice Race Prep – 1:33.699
2. Hugh Esterson – Team Pelfrey – 1:34.097
3. Nolan Allaer – Team Pelfrey – 1:34.278
4. Will Holtz – Rice Race Prep – 1:34.359
5. Ayrton Houk – Team Pelfrey – 1:34.474
The first F1600 race of the weekend started with plenty of adrenaline and drama as the green flag went to double yellow in turn one of the race after Rob Albani tagged Joe Colasacco from behind putting Joe out of the race. On the lap three restart, front row starters also entangled in turn one, when Hugh Esterson tagged Thomas Schrage, putting them both on the sidelines. A miscalculation by Will Holtz on lap nine resulted in his rebounding off the turn three tire wall and collecting Jonathan Lee.
After a shortened race, Ayrton Houk was on the top of the results sheets to score the first win of the season, with promising newcomer Nolan Allaer in second, holding off a hard-charging Joey Brienza (Exclusive Autosport) who earned the second fastest lap of the race honors in his drive from sixth to third. Bob Perona crossed the line in the fourth position overall but first of the F1600 Masters drivers to take his class win with Callum Baxter (Britain West Motorsports) rounding out the top-five, just ahead of Porter Aiken in sixth overall and fifth in class. With Perona taking the class win on the Masters side of the program, multi-time series champion Scott Rubenzer earned the second step on the podium to kick off his 2022 race season. Rob Albani joined Perona and Rubenzer on the podium in third ahead of John Dole (Dole Racing) and Sam Lockwood (Raceworks).
Qualifying – Race 2
1. Jonathan Lee – Rice Race Prep – 1:34.996
2. Joey Brienza – Exclusive Autosport – 1:35.006
3. Ayrton Houk – Team Pelfrey – 1:35.244
4. Bob Perona – BP Motorsports – 1:35.244
5. Will Holtz – Rice Race Prep – 1:34.359
With the fastest lap setting the grid for race two, Jonathan Lee began his quest for a race win from the pole position but would eventually end race two in the eighth position. Rising to the top was round one pole position winner Thomas Schrage as he drove his Rice Race Prep machine to the front of the field to earn his first win of the season. Race one winner Ayrton Houk crossed the line in the second position earning his second podium result as he led the Team Pelfrey contingent. Huge Esterson found his way back to the podium with an impressive drive to P3 after his race one issues, while Bob Perona crossed the line fourth leading the field of F1600 Masters. Exclusive Autosport driver Joey Brienza finished fifth on track but fourth in class, just ahead of Callum Baxter. With Perona doubling up on the F1600 Master wins on the weekend, it was Joe Colasacco and Rob Albani who joined him on the podium in second and third with Scott Rubenzer and Sam Lockwood rounding out the top-five.
Qualifying – Race 3
1. Hugh Esterson – Team Pelfrey – 1:33.780
2. Thomas Schrage – Rice Race Prep – 1:33.866
3. Ayrton Houk – Team Pelfrey – 1:34.131
4. Bob Perona – BP Motorsports – 1:34.200
5. Nolan Allaer – Team Pelfrey – 1:34.422
Thomas Schrage capped off the third F1600 race of the weekend as he outpaced Ayrton Houk for the top position, finishing second place in the short twelve-lap sprint style race. Bob Perona continued to be the man to beat in the F1600 Masters class with his dominating performance, finishing third overall and scoring his third Masters race win of the weekend. Fourth on track but third in the F1600 class was another Team Pelfrey driver, Nola Allaer, as Joey Brienza continued his presence at the front of the field with a fourth place finish ahead of Callum Baxter who added another top-five. Joe Colasacco was second in the F1600 Masters class joining Perona on the podium with Scott Rubenzer scoring his third podium result of the weekend in P3.
Ayrton Houk selected as the 2021 Lucas Oil School of Racing Shootout Winner !!!
After three amazing days with the best young drivers in the country, we have crowned a new 2021 Lucas Oil Scholarship Shootout Winner Presented by Cooper Tires! Congratulations to this year’s winner, Aryton Houk, who claims the Grand Prize – a fully paid scholarship for the entire 2022 Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series! Finishing second was Thomas Annuziata followed by Titus Sherlock in third, who happened to claim several race wins in our 2021 Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series, and finally Westin Workman in fourth. While prizes were only awarded to our top-4 competitors, ALL of our drivers leave the 2021 Scholarship Shootout with an invaluable education, a better foundation, greater experience, and finally, faster times. Congratulations to all of our competitors for showcasing their immense talent over this past week.
Ayrton Houk invited to the 2021 Lucas Oil $75,000 Scholarship Shootout
Thrilled and honored to announce that I have been invited to participate in the Lucas Oil School of Racing Scholarship Shootout at Sebring International Raceway in December! I will be competing for the opportunity to pilot a Lucas Oil School of Racing car for the full 2022 race season! It’s going to be a very busy “off season”!!!! 
Ayrton Houk to test a USF2000 with Pabst Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Super excited to announce the I will be testing a USF2000 car with Pabst Racing October 30 and 31 at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Named in memory of Chris Griffis, the former team manager of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports who passed away suddenly in September 2011, the cornerstone of the Chris Griffis Memorial Open Test is to provide new drivers with the opportunity to sample the Road to Indy while offering returning drivers the chance to hone their programs for the following year. More than ever the 2021 test will provide several drivers with the opportunity to experience the next rungs on the highly acclaimed driver development program as part of the 2020 and 2021 series prize packages.
2021 Kenyon Midget Series Champion and a new track record!
The 2021 season ended at Anderson Speedway with a new track record, three wide racing in the corner and a winner not decided until the final lap.
During Kenyon Midget qualifying Ayrton Houk set a new track record of 12.312-seconds around the quarter mile high-banked oval to earn the K&K Marketing fast qualifier award.
Dameron Taylor won the heat race and just by starting the feature Houk won the Kenyon Midget Series championship.
The fans that braved cool temperatures witnessed the three front running cars go three-wide coming off the second corner on the first circuit.
That set up a race long dog-fight between Taylor, Houk and Colin Grissom.
Taylor grabbed the lead at the start with Ayrton Houk and Colin Grissom glued to his tail tank. Lap after lap, Houk attempted to make an inside pass entering Turn 1, but Taylor was able to keep up the momentum coming off the second corner.
Grissom claimed the second spot on Lap 28 with an inside pass exiting the second corner when Houk drifted high.
Taylor went on to win by .175 of a second over Grissom with Houk coming home in third.
“I knew he (Houk) had a fast car,” Taylor said. “Every time I saw him on the inside, I would just give it a little gas to break his momentum.”
Houk said he was racing for a second win at Anderson Speedway this season.
“I tried everything I could to get to the lead,” he said in the winner’s circle. “We had a really fast car tonight, but I knew it would be tough to pass Dameron once he got out front.”
Grissom followed up his 2020 championship with a runner-up finish with Jack Macenko finishing third in the point standings.
Honored to be select as a Team USA Scholarship Finalist
Six talented young American drivers will assemble this week at the new Polecat Training Center facility in Lynchburg, Tenn., as part of a continuing process to select two Team USA Scholarship winners for 2021. Following two days of assessments, which will include driving on the technical 2.1-mile road course aboard the Polecat Racing Academy’s well proven 2.0-liter formula cars, as well as a fitness evaluation with industry expert Jim Leo, president of Indianapolis, Ind.-based PitFit Training, a pair of winners will contest the 50th Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, England, on October 30/31, and the following weekend’s equally prestigious Walter Hayes Trophy event at Silverstone, held in honor of the founding father of Formula Ford.
The finalists have been chosen from a group of 12 candidates, each of whom was invited to submit a variety of assignments to be evaluated by a 20-strong panel of auto racing insiders representing virtually every aspect of the sport.
The six finalists are:
• Jason Alder, 18, from Cooksville, Md. – competing in the F4 United States Championship powered by Honda
• Andre Castro, 22, from New York, N.Y. – partial season in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship
• Nicholas d’Orlando, 18, from Hartsdale, N.Y. – leads the FRP F1600 Championship Series
• Max Esterson, 18, from New York, N.Y. – second in the BRSCC Avon Tires British Formula Ford Championship
• Ayrton Houk, 18, from McCordsville, Ind. – leads the Mel Kenyon Midget Series and races in SCCA FF/F1600
• Bryson Morris, 16, from Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – leads the Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series
Matt Christensen, 16, from Orlando, Fla., Arias Deukmedjian, 16, from Merritt Island, Fla., Ax Kametches, 20, from Atlanta, Ga., Jonathan Lee, 20, from Miami, Fla., Colin Queen, 16, from Coto de Caza, Calif., and Thomas Schrage, 16, from Bethel, Ohio, also were part of the original selection process.
“We at Polecat Training Center are so excited that the Team USA Scholarship chose PTC Driving Academy to host this prestigious talent search,” said Polecat Racing Academy Owner Keith Watts. “I am honored to contribute back to young aspiring racing drivers through this program, and track owner Paul Arnold is delighted to help further these young racers’ careers.”
The final decision will be made by a panel of judges which will include former Team USA Scholarship winners Josef Newgarden, Andy Lally and Aaron Jeansonne, as well as Kelly Jones, proprietor of RaceCraft1 Simulator Training, Honda/Acura Public Relations representative Dan Layton, author and RACER Marketing and Media editor Steve Nickless, and Team USA Scholarship founder Jeremy Shaw.
“I can’t wait to meet this year’s candidates and I am honored to play a small role in the 2021 scholarship program,” said Lally. “Jeremy has worked so hard for so many years to search for and assemble the best young driving talent the United States has to offer and then give them a stage to show off their talents and potential. It is such a fun alumni to be a part of and this year’s crop of drivers are chomping at the bit to fulfil a lifelong dream of a career in auto racing.”
Formula Race Production – Autobahn Country Club
Closing out a really great weekend at the Formula Race Promotions event at Autobahn Country Club! This was my second FRP race weekend and only my 5th weekend in the car. I learned a lot and improved throughout the weekend. We struggled a bit with the engine overheating which resulted in having to drive a bit more conservatively. However by Race 3 we had it fixed and the car ran great! In Race 1 I started P10, had some contact that took me off the track in the first lap. Got back on the track in P14 and fought my way back up to a P8 finish! In Race 2 I started P7, engine was still running hot. Had a few battles back and forth and finished P7.In Race 3 I started P9. The engine was running cooler and I had some good runs. There was a full course yellow toward the end of race. Had a restart with 3 laps to go when I made my final push passing two cars and finishing P6! Had several friends come out to the track to watch and support us this weekend and that was really nice. Will be back in the midget for the next couple weekends and then I am back in the F1600 for SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Busy season start yields poles, wins, and track records
The early summer stretch of our 2021 race schedule has been incredibly busy. From late May through early July, we had seven race events stretched over just eight weeks. That schedule included road racing in the F1600 car, and midget races on both dirt and pavement. This intense dual path development is what our program is all about, and it has been an awesome test of both driver and team. In this stretch alone, Ayrton has claimed 4 wins, 6 pole positions, 7 podium finishes, and 2 track records! Here is how it all went down…
5 wins
7 Poles
2 Track Records
133 Laps Led
Leading Kenyon Midget Series Points
Qualified for SCCA Runoffs
MAY 21-23: MID OHIO – SCCA MAJORS
The summer stretch started at Mid Ohio for the SCCA Majors. In qualifying, Ayrton would secure pole position by just over a full second. While the race final results were not completely satisfying with a 2nd and a 3rd, the pace of the car and driver were evident. Ayrton would take fast lap in both races, and set a new official track record at 1:33.381 in race #1.
JUNE 5: INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDROME – KENYON MIDGET RACE #2
After a short break for the Memorial Day weekend, it was time to jump back in the midget at the legendary Indianapolis Speedrome. As it was the team’s first trip to the flat quarter mile, we had to learn quickly with only two short hot lap sessions before qualifying. The night started out tough as we were the slowest car in the first hot lap session. With only a short time for adjustments, the car was only slightly better in the second hot lap session with a best lap of 12.573. From there, the team went to work making wholesale changes to the car setup before qualifying. And those changes paid off. Ayrton laid down a great lap of 12.341 to be 2nd quick in qualifying. He would start from the pole in heat race #2. From there he would run out to a quick win in the heat race. With the feature lineup inverting the first 4 cars, Ayrton would start 3rd, inside of row two. At the green flag Ayrton took advantage of his inside starting position to move in to 2nd position. And by the end of lap 2 he had passed for the lead. He then immediately pulled away from the field opening up a huge lead….until a late race caution would bunch the field back up. On the restart with 3 laps to go, Ayrton pulled a gap and finished off a dominant victory!
JUNE 12: ANDERSON SPEEDWAY – KENYON MIDGET RACE #3
One week later it was back to Anderson Speedway where Ayrton had taken his first Kenyon Midget series win back in April. In qualifying, Ayrton once again pulled out a pole position in a tight field, with the top 6 cars all within 1/10th of a second. He also took the win in the heat race. This night was special, as Ayrton and the team were raising money for the Little Red Door Cancer Agency. All winnings were being donated, and with a chance to win some extra money, Ayrton chose to start from the back in the feature for a chance to capture the Scudder Performance Award bonus money. Anderson is a fast high banked track which is typically tough to pass on, so starting from the rear was going to be a huge challenge. At the green flag, Ayrton immediately went to work, picking his way through the filed. By the midway point of the 30 lap feature, Ayrton was up to 3rd, and closing in on reigning series champion Colin Grissom. The final 10 laps were a real battle. Ayrton trying different lines looking for a way around, and Colin fighting to hold him off. At the checkered flag, Kameron Gladish would take the win, and Colin Grissom would hold off Ayrton by just 5/100ths of a second for 2nd place. Great racing. And while we didn’t get the win, it was good experience and we still raised some money and awareness for the Little Red Door Cancer Agency.
JUNE 18-20: WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY – SCCA MAJORS
After two straight oval races, it was time to go back road racing. While the turnout at this race was disappointing, it was a chance for Ayrton and the BHR team to test some setup changes to the Piper DL7. And it was a race we needed to complete in order to get qualified for the end of season SCCA Runoffs. It was a hot weekend, with temps in the 90’s, and heat index well over 100°F. Even though we were the only FF car entered, we took full advantage of the track time, and also got to race with some other class cars. In the end the official results show 2 poles, 2 wins, and we also established the FF class track record for the new 2.0 mile track configuration. The weekend was also a success off the track, as we were able to spend some time with a couple of Ayrton’s partners/sponsors who are based in the St Louis area.
JUNE 27: MT LAWN SPEEDWAY – KENYON MIDGET RACE #4
Mt Lawn Speedway is a tricky trioval. It was the first appearance at the track for the Kenyon Midget series in several years. So it would pose a new challenge to most of the drivers and teams. Similar to the earlier event at the Speedrome, our car was simply not handling well in the first hot lap session. A big understeer meant that Ayrton was not able to carry speed through the long sweeping turns 1-2. But again the team went to work. With Ayrton’s feedback, Brad, Tony, and Kevin put their minds together, and continued working on the car setup through hot laps and the heat race. With no qualifying for this event, heat races were set by random draw, and heat results would set the feature starting lineup. A second place heat race finish would put Ayrton 4th for the start of the feature. This would end up being one of the most exciting races of the year so far. The battle at the front would see Trey Osborne, Colin Grissom, and Ayrton Houk all spend some time leading the pack. On a late restart, Ayrton would move in to second position behind Trey Osborne. Trey had been super fast all day. His car was working really well at Mt Lawn. But by the feature, the BHR team had Ayrton’s car working as well as anyone’s. Trey had suffered some damage to his engine, and was quickly losing oil in the closing laps. Ayrton was charging hard, and with 2 laps remaining he was able to get past Trey and continue on to take the win! His 3rd win in the 4 Kenyon Midget races so far this season.
JUNE 30: CIRCLE CITY RACEWAY – KENYON MIDGET RACE #5
It was a quick three day turnaround to get the BHR midget ready for the first dirt race of the season. The team was really looking forward to our first shot at the dirt. But mother nature had other plans. Steady rain would lead to this one getting canceled. At least the clean up after our first dirt race was minimal!
JULY 10: ANDERSON SPEEDWAY – KENYON MIDGET RACE #6
Next, the pavement setup went back on the car as we returned to Anderson for the 75 lap Mel and Don Kenyon Classic race. Rain was again in the forecast, but it held off at least long enough for us to get hot laps and qualifying in. Now back at Anderson for the third time this season, the team was really clicking and fine tuning what had already proven to be a fast setup at this track. First hot lap session proved we were quick, running a 12.406 second lap on used tires. For the second hot lap session, we needed to scrub some new tires, and the car was super fast with the fresh rubber. Ayrton laid down a lap of 12.294 (faster than the official track record of 12.328). We were all excited to see if we could grab the record in qualifying. As Ayrton pulled out to qualify, he was pushing for all the car would give him. A warm up lap of 12.388 was a good sign. The first official lap was a 12.358, and the second official lap was a nearly identical 12.356…..ohhh so close, but just a tick off of that track record. The car had picked up a bit of understeer, and just wasn’t quite there for Ayrton to fully capitalize. But the time was still good enough for pole, with Kameron Gladish just a tick behind with his fast lap of 12.383. Unfortunately, before we could start the feature the skies opened up. A steady rain would result in a second straight cancellation. We’ll back back at Anderson again on July 31, for another shot at that record, and more importantly, a shot at the 75 lap feature. On this night, Ayrton also had a bonus drive, with the honor of driving Don and Mel Kenyon’s national midget #16. It was awesome to see Ayrton on track chasing some of the best pavement racers of our time. Looking forward to seeing some more of that in the future! And remember that Fundraiser that we mentioned earlier…well the team from the Little Red Door Cancer Agency came out to Anderson Speedway to collect the big check. Ayrton was able to raise $2,330. This included Ayrton personally donating his winnings from the June 12 race, the team matching that donation, as well as additional donations from friends and family. Thanks to everyone who helped raise money and awareness for this special cause.
It has been an incredible start to the year for our whole program. We went in to 2021 expanding from our F1600 program to include the Kenyon Midget and really focus on a dual path development plan for Ayrton Houk. Our season stats so far….
5 wins
7 Poles
2 Track Records
133 Laps Led
Leading Kenyon Midget Series Points
Qualified for SCCA Runoffs
And while the results have been great to this point, we are not satisfied. We’ll keep pushing to improve in all areas, car prep, coaching, driver mental and physical fitness, communications, partner relationships, engineering, etc… We are just getting started!
Special thanks to Kevin and Anna Lynn Houk, my wife Nan, and Tony and Dustin Fox for all of their hard work to help make it all happen.
Also Thanks to all of our sponsors and partners who support Ayrton Houk and BHR. Horizon Equine, Upward Focus, Forum Credit Union, Redline Ace, PTH Racing Oil, Fast Forward Racing Components, Simpson Race Products, Stilo USA, Becky Risch The Alexander Group, Lamper Customs, Fortville Napa, Cortona’s Italian Cuisine and Wine Bar, Indie Asset Partners, Giraffe-X Graphics, PitFit, Corby Concepts, Kassie Kares, Jayson Swanson, Jacque and Jerry McNulty, Author Sutton Bishop, David Safarian, Mark and Judy Miller, Mike and Rosie Houk.
FIRST F1600 RACE OF 2021 SEASON – WE WENT BIG!
Wow what an amazing weekend at the MidOhio Sportscar Course in
Mansfield, Ohio with Brad Hayes Racing and Formula Race Productions. This weekend was planned to be our second
race ever in the car at a smaller regional SCCA race at Blackhawk Farms however
with no other F1600 cars registered we decided to go big and join the most prestigious
professional series MidOhio. Here we were
able to compete amongst some of the best in our sport with a 28-car field filled
with talent like Simon Sikes, Ax Kametches, Will Holtz, Nicholas d’Orlando, and others.
The weekend included several rounds of practice on Friday
with qualifying and race 1 on Saturday followed by race 2 and 3 on Sunday. Friday practice went really well and we were
able to put up a fast time in the top 10!
We went out for practice 2 and we had a few problems. After the first lap, the external safety
ignition switch failed and shut the car off causing a black flag for the entire
field as we had to be restarted. We were
able to restart and go back out but unfortunately, we were not aware that the body
of the switch was worn and it only happened again causing the second black flag
for the field. We really know how to get our name recognized right!! This time
Brad was able to tape the key in position so we could finish practice.
When we went out to qualify on Saturday morning, there we
several slide offs reducing our entire 30 minutes to 5 laps before the black
flag and 5 shortly after. With new tires
on a very cool track, we were only able to put up a time to start P12. We were very happy with this considering the
level of talent racing here this weekend.
Unfortunately, when the official results came out shortly later, we
learned that we were docked our 4 fastest laps because the two black flags we
caused in Fridays practice and now starting 20th in race 1.
Race 1 was intense to say the least. It was our first start in the F1600 this year
and the largest field we have raced in with 27 other cars all barreling down
into China Beach at 133mph!! We had want
we always ask for, a clean start, and then it was time to go to work. We were able to make some exciting passes and
work our way up to P15. Once we got to
P15 the lead pack had separated the pack I led by over 8 seconds and without a
draft we were not able to close the gap so we finished 15th. Again, still exceeded our expectation for our
first pro level race! During the fight up
to 15th, we were able to set our fastest lap at a time that
qualified us for P11 for race 2 on Saturday morning.
Race 2 was an absolute blast!! We started P11 and ran in the lead pack of 14
cars the entire race. Simon and Nicholas
were able to separate form our pack, but we had a fun race with multiple passes
every lap and I changed positions over 12 times! The last few laps got pretty intense, we
maintained focus and finished the race in 10th with the 7th fastest
time! We are now really looking forward
to race 3 starting P7.
Race 3 was our best race yet! We started P7 fell back to P9 at the start but
still in the pack. We put our head down,
managed the tires, made some impressive passes, and pick up 4 positions in the
last 5 laps to finish P5 in our first weekend with FRP. We could not be happy to have such a strong
finish with so many talented drivers and only our second time in the car.
Huge thanks to Brad Hayes Racing for providing
such an amazing program and top-notch car!
Also thank you to the crew and family helping behind the scenes and at
the track. Kevin and Anna Lynn Houk, Nancy Hayes,
Last but
certainly not least, thanks to all of our sponsors and partners who support
Ayrton Houk and Brad Hayes Racing, Horizon
Equine, Upward Focus, Forum Credit Union,
Redline Ace, PTH Racing Oil, Fast Forward Racing Components,
Simpson Race Products, Stilo USA, Becky Risch The
Alexander Group, Lamper
Customs, Fortville
Napa, Cortona’s Italian Cuisine
and Wine Bar, Indie Asset Partners,
Giraffe-X Graphics, PitFit, Corby Concepts, Kassie Kares, Jayson Swanson, Jacque
and Jerry McNulty, Author Sutton
Bishop, Mark and Judy Miller, Mike and Rosie Houk.
AYRTON HOUK STARTS 2021 WITH A WIN IN 3RD ANNUAL DICK JORDAN CLASSIC
After a long offseason of hard work at the shop, in the gym, and working with partners, it all came together with Ayrton Houk taking a dominant win in the first race of the season on April 17 at Anderson Speedway.
We knew going in that his would be a tough race, as the field was full of past series champions, and multiple time race winners. But we also felt confident that our preseason prep would put us in a position to challenge the front runners.
The day started off promising, when Ayrton went out and set he fastest time in the first round of hot laps with a lap at 12.480 seconds. He followed that up with the fastest lap in qualifying of 12.570, just ahead of 2020 series champion Colin Grissom’s lap of 12.627.
Starting up front is always good at Anderson Speedway, as passing on the fast quarter mile is tough. So the team was feeling even more confident after the pole position qualifying run.
The heat race went as planned, mostly. A great start gave Ayrton a gap to the rest of the field who were battling amongst themselves. He would go on to take the heat race win. But we noticed some engine smoke as he stopped to take the winner’s photo.
Back in the pits, the team had a short break between the heat race and the feature to check on the engine issue. It turns out, one of the cam carrier bolts had broken. So the crew went to work. Don Kenyon helped with providing a new bolt. Tony, Kevin, and John worked on extracting the broken bolt, inserting a heli-coil, and putting things back together. Brad and Dustin handled tires, fuel, and the normal pre-race checks. Ayrton was buckled in and ready to go while repairs were still ongoing. As the rest of the field started to roll out to the track for the feature, the crew was just getting the cam cover re-installed after finishing repairs. Just in time, we fired the engine and Ayrton rolled out to join the field in his pole starting position.
Leading the field to the start of the feature race, Ayrton got a great jump off of turn four to take the lead heading to the green flag. Similar to the heat race, Ayrton immediately pulled a small gap while the rest of the field was battling behind him. From lap one, he never looked back. Ayrton built his lead lap after lap, turning the race’s fastest lap of 12.388 along the way. After 30 green flag laps, Ayrton took the checkered flag and crossed the finish line with nearly a 5 second gap over second place. This was Ayrton’s first win in the Kenyon Midget series. And it was also the team’s first oval race, after focusing on road racing the past several years. Coming away with a dominant win first time out was extremely rewarding for the whole team.
Huge thanks to the crew and family helping out behind the scenes and at the track. Kevin and Anna Lynn Houk, Nancy Hayes, Tony and Dustin Fox, and John Lamper. Also thanks to Don and Mel Kenyon, and Eric Bunn from USSA.
Last but certainly not least, thanks to all of our sponsors and partners who support Ayrton Houk and BHR. Horizon Equine, Upward Focus, Forum Credit Union, Redline Ace, PTH Racing Oil, Fast Forward Racing Components, Simpson Race Products, Stilo USA, Becky Risch The Alexander Group, Lamper Customs, Fortville Napa, Cortona’s Italian Cuisine and Wine Bar, Indie Asset Partners, Giraffe-X Graphics, PitFit, Corby Concepts, Kassie Kares, Jayson Swanson, Jacque and Jerry McNulty, Author Sutton Bishop, Mark and Judy Miller, Mike and Rosie Houk.
Victory lane photo by Aaron Skillman.
FORUM Credit Union names Ayrton Houk – Young Leaders Council Entrepreneur of the Year 2021
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 1, 2021) — FORUM Credit Union is pleased to announce Ayrton Houk as its Young Leaders Council (YLC) Entrepreneur of the Year for 2021. This honor recognizes young FORUM members for their early entrepreneurial skills, leadership, and dedication to their business.
The YLC gives students an opportunity to find their voice and spark their entrepreneurial spirit. Participants in the group display valuable skills, including accountability, critical thinking, decision making and public speaking. Houk, a junior at Cathedral High School and resident of McCordsville, is a racing entrepreneur, who as a driver, founded AMH Racing, LLC, to manage the business side of racing. He is responsible for raising money to fund every aspect of his racing endeavors.
Ayrton began his racing career racing go-karts, then stepped up to bigger things in 2020. He ran the full Kenyon Midget season, competing at oval tracks across the state of Indiana. He also took his first laps, and first win in an F1600 car at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Ayrton’s 2021 season will feature a dedicated effort teaming up with Brad Hayes Racing for SCCA F1600 and Kenyon Midget races. The season will conclude with a run for the SCCA National Championship being held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I am super excited about my partnership with FORUM Credit Union!” said Ayrton. “Besides providing opportunities to help support my racing season, this [partnership] will also help me effectively manage and record my business income, expenses and bank accounts with a local financial institution that I know and trust.”
This Young Entrepreneur Recognition is part of FORUM’s Young Leaders Council, a group of young adults, ages 17-24, coming together to gain financial skills, collaborating on new ideas for products to better serve young Credit Union members, and discussing financial related topics important to today’s youth.
For more information regarding FORUM’s YLC and this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year, please visit forumcu.com/ylc-entrepreneur-program.
Thank you to Ben Porter at Redline Ace for the amazing new logo! Look for it at Anderson Speedway and select SCCA Major events with Brad Hayes Racing
ANNOUNCEMENT: Ayrton Houk and BHR partner in a unique dual path driver development program for 2021. Ayrton Houk will compete in a mix of F1600 and Kenyon Midget races. He will pilot the team’s Piper DL7 F1600 car at some of America’s greatest road courses, and drive in the Kenyon Midget series on Indiana’s short tracks. BHR will provide cohesive preparation, mentorship, coaching, and partner development across both disciplines. The team would like to thank partners Fast Forward and PTH Racing Oil for their continuing support. We are also actively seeking additional partners who share in our passion for developing the next generation of racing superstars. Message us for more details