Former Protyre Formula Renault BARC racer Michael Epps has signed up to race in America next season, joining the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship with PRL Motorsport.
Epps heads stateside after two years of racing in the UK, the 20 year old finishing runner up in Formula Vee in 2011, before taking a best finish of fourth place on his way to thirteenth in BARC this season.
The USF2000 series will see Epps compete on a mixture of race tracks, streets circuits and ovals, supporting Indycar, ALMS and Grand Am through the season. Former USF2000 champions include Dan Wheldon and J.R. Hildebrand.
“I’m looking for a new experience, and I’d like to show what I’ve got to the USA,” said the 20-year-old. “If things pan out well I want to be pushing for the championship and scholarship money for Pro Mazda, I’m well aware of the Road to Indy support and would be looking to move up towards IndyCar in the future.”
“I think the street circuits and oval racing will be the biggest challenge of the championship, as it’s going to be new to me. I can’t wait for that though, streets look like good fun and I’m generally very smooth with my driving style, which will suit the oval stuff I imagine.”
Epps is the first signing for the new PRL Motorsport outfit, which is owned by Patrick Linn. F2000 veteran John Walko will serve as the chief engineer for Epps’ Mazda-powered entry.
“I am very excited about having Michael Epps as one of our drivers for the 2013 USF2000 season,” said Linn. “Michael has focus and a true passion for racing that myself as an owner has and wants from a driver with the outstanding ability to back it up on the track! Our team and Michael mesh extremely well and we all share the common racing desire to be the best as a team. The USF2000 series is a great opportunity for Michael to expand his career and reach the ultimate goal of moving up in the Mazda Road to Indy program.”
