SAINT-THERESE, QC – Quebec driver Jean-Christophe Trahan is the new champion of the American Formula 2000 series (Formula Race Promotions). Trahan won the last two races of the season held last weekend at the Pittsburgh International Complex, Pennsylvania to capture the series’ title at the conclusion of an exceptional season that saw him win seven of the 12 races.
The F2000 series drivers were back in action last weekend after a two-month hiatus for the final doubleheader of the year, which would decide the title between Trahan and American racer Austin Hill.
Having raced on the Pittsburgh track last July was an advantage for Jean-Christophe.
“It’s the only track where two F2000 races are held during the same season. I felt confident quickly and that helped me greatly to be able to work on the set-up of the car from the word go without having to learn a new track”.
Despite gusty winds, the two races were held on a dry track. The meeting turned out to be highly successful for the Quebec driver who claimed the two pole positions and the two victories.
“I could have run more laps during the qualifying session, but I was conserving my tires since the series’ rules require that competitors race on the same tires that they qualify on. That didn’t prevent me from claiming the two pole positions, each time with an advantage of more than half a second ahead of my closest rival, which was really promising for the races,” said Trahan.
In the first race, Trahan lost a place after the start, allowing Austin Hill to take the lead. On lap 5, Trahan caught Hill and passed him to take the lead.
“We started to brake for Turn 1 side-by-side and neither of us wanted to give up. But when we reached Turn 3, I took the advantage on him and I was never worried again,” explained the winner.
At the start of the second race, Trahan had to finish seventh or better to become the 2022 champion of the series. He started from pole position, led the race, and didn’t crack under pressure. He even increased his lead as the laps went by to cross the line by over 30 seconds.
“I had a great start while behind me Hill was onto the grass and losing several positions. There was quickly less pressure on my shoulders, and I drove carefully, which did not prevent me from increasing the gap over my pursuers lap after lap,” Trahan declared.
Following the exploit of Rémy Audette 11 years ago, Jean-Christophe Trahan becomes the second Quebec driver to become an American F2000 champion.
“When I started talking to Global Racing Team back in the spring, I didn’t have much money to race, and I didn’t expect to run the entire season. I missed the opening event and only signed up for three races. Just six months later, I am the winner of seven races, and I am the 2022 champion. It’s a dream come true, it’s exceptional,” said Trahan.
Jean-Christophe Trahan was able to become the series’ champion thanks to the help of his partners.
“Gestion Lux Automotives, MF Racing, OMP, Contour Détour, Imprimerie Les 4 Points, Blud Lubricants who supported the team throughout the season… and of course my parents who have always supported me and all the generous contributors of my GoFundMe!” Trahan continued “This title is very satisfying for me because it I was discovering everything: the car, the tracks and the team. My win at Barber remains one of my best memories, because I didn’t qualify well, but I still won on my debut there.”
The new American F2000 champion has a new partner in Guillaume de l’Isle’s company, “L’Émouleur” (a specialist in high-end Japanese knives). Trahan would now like to be able to take part in the “Chris Griffith Test”, which brings together teams from the USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000 series to evaluate the performance of drivers they are considering hiring for 2023. The test will take place in two weeks at the prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Beyond that, the Ste-Thérèse driver hopes to raise enough money to continue to move up the motorsports ladder in 2023.
“The open-wheel series leading to IndyCar asks for enormous budgets. I want to believe in it, but I also leave the door open to different series, where the budgets remain reasonable. I want to keep winning and offer outstanding visibility to my partners. I have dreams, but I also want to grab the best opportunities depending on the available financing,” Jean-Christophe Trahan concluded.
Report from Service Presse
