Open Wheel

Epps Withdraws From USF2000 Championship

1 Mins read

Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship front-runner Michael Epps has been forced to withdraw from his 2014 campaign in the USA after encountering visa issues.

The former Protyre Formula Renault racer headed into the 2014 main USF2000 championship as one of the favourites for the title after following up a strong maiden season in 2013 with a pair of race wins en-route to second overall in the pre-season ‘Winterfest’ Championship.

The 22 year old, who was set to compete with Belardi Auto Racing, hit problems entering the USA in March ahead of the first two rounds of the season in St. Petersburg, a meeting he was subsequently forced to miss.

Since then, he’s been working hard to re-obtain his visa ahead of the third and fourth rounds of the season this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park, but has been unsuccessful.

Epps will now not be competing in any other races in the USA in 2014, and is now considering his future career options for 2014 and beyond.

“I’m disappointed with the way this has all unfolded,” Epps explained on his official website. “It all cropped up so last minute, there just wasn’t enough time to sort it out. After missing the first two races, I found out how long the whole process was going to take and I knew it was over for the year.

“The last six weeks have been unusual and strenuous. My family, team and I have worked so hard trying to sort this all out, and to have failed after such effort is a real shame. I would like to thank all my partners, sponsors and supporters for their help and involvement in this season so far.

“I’m sorry to everyone that we couldn’t make it happen this year, but I’m keeping my head up and focusing hard on the future.”

Avatar photo
4148 posts

About author
Simon is an experienced journalist and PR officer, who has worked in the national motorsport paddocks for over a decade, primarily on the BTCC support package.
Articles
Related posts
IndyCarOpen WheelOpinion

OPINION: Exhibition races have a place in IndyCar. The Thermal Club wasn't the right choice.

2 Mins read
IndyCar is racing this weekend, but not for points. That’s a sentence that hasn’t been written since 2008.
IndyCarOpen Wheel

Dale Coyne Racing adds Harvey, Braun and Siegel in split 2024 schedule

2 Mins read
After months of speculation, DCR announced its 2024 driver lineup on Tuesday, just three days before cars are on track for the first race of the IndyCar season.
IndyCarOpen Wheel

Marco Andretti returns to the #98 for 2024 Indy 500

1 Mins read
IndyCar veteran Marco Andretti will attempt to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 this year the same way he has for the past three: as a one-off affair with Andretti Global’s (formerly Andretti Autosport) #98 car.