Latest news with #PabstRacing
Scoop
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Jacob Douglas Targets Big Results At Road America After Dominant Test Pace
New Zealand's Jacob Douglas heads to Road America this weekend for what could be a pivotal round in the USF Pro 2000 Championship presented by Continental Tires, coming oƯ a dominant performance in pre-event testing. Driving for Pabst Racing, Douglas topped three of the six sessions and finished second in the others, becoming one of only two drivers to break the 2:01 barrier around the iconic 4.01-mile (6.45km), 14-turn circuit. Currently sitting fifth in the championship standings, Douglas has been one of the standout performers of 2025, with a maiden series victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a podium finish in St. Petersburg, and a string of top-five and top-ten finishes that have kept him within striking distance of the title contenders. With teammate Max Garcia leading the standings on 231 points, Douglas trails by 90 — but with 98 points on oƯer this weekend alone, the New Zealander is focused on closing the gap. 'We've made big gains all season in pace, consistency, and execution,' said Douglas. 'Now it's about putting that together. We know Road America suits us, and if we qualify well, we'll be right in the mix for the podium.' Douglas describes Road America as one of the best tracks in North America. 'It's fast, flowing, and super technical. It rewards confidence and commitment, and after how strong we were in testing, I'm coming into the weekend with a really positive mindset. 'This is one of those tracks where if you're in the zone, you can make big things happen.' The Wisconsin circuit holds special significance for Douglas, who scored his first-ever USF 2000 top-ten at the track in 2022 and returned in 2023 to take his maiden podium while debuting with Pabst Racing. 'I've always enjoyed racing here,' he added. 'There's just something about this place that clicks with me. The atmosphere, the challenge — it brings out the best in drivers. I've had some great memories here already, and now I want to add to them.' With just four race weekends remaining — all running on the support bill of the NTT IndyCar Series — Douglas and his team are pushing hard on all fronts, both on the track and oƯ it. While much of the season's backing is already in place, a final push is now critical to ensure the campaign can be completed in full. 'We've had amazing support so far, and I'm incredibly grateful for everyone who's been part of the journey,' said Douglas. 'But to be completely transparent, we still need to secure one or two key partners to see out the rest of the season.' 'These last events are high-profile, high-stakes rounds — perfect for brands wanting to make an impact with a fast-rising driver and a championship-winning team. The opportunity is right here, right now, and we need to make it happen.' This weekend's action at Road America begins with a pair of test sessions on Thursday local time, before two qualifying sessions on Friday at 11.20 am and 1.35 pm CST (Saturday 4.20 am & 6.35 am NZST). Saturday sees the first two races at 8.00 am and 4.25 pm CST (Sunday 1.00 am & 9.25 am NZST) before Sunday's finale at 7.55 am (Monday 12.55 am NZST). Fans can watch all the action live on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel, while Douglas shares real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content across his social media platforms. About Jacob Douglas: Jacob Douglas is a 19-year-old racecar driver from New Zealand. He is a multiple-time national champion in karting and was the 2023 USF YACademy Champion. He took 11 podiums, including seven wins, in USF 2000 machinery in the United States in 2023, before making two GB3 cameos in 2024. He is a member of New Zealand's prestigious Elite Motorsport Academy, winning the renowned Bruce McLaren and Ian Snellgrove trophies among the Class of 2024 In 2025, he returns to North America to compete his rookie season in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires. Where to watch: The USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires can be viewed live on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Douglas Heads To The Oval After Breakthrough Victory
It has been a busy and rewarding month for Kiwi teenager Jacob Douglas in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires – and the action isn't over yet. This week, Douglas and his Pabst Racing team head to Indianapolis Raceway Park for the season's only oval round, following a breakthrough maiden victory at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course less than two weeks ago. The 0.686-mile (1.104 km) oval presents a unique challenge for the field, with two test sessions scheduled for Thursday, followed by qualifying that evening. A single practice session on Friday will lead into the round's only race. Douglas enters the event sitting fifth in the championship standings, buoyed by his race win in Indianapolis and confident in the team's pace. 'I'm really looking forward to getting back out there,' said Douglas. 'I haven't driven on an oval since 2022, so it's been a while, but I really enjoyed it last time. It's incredibly intense – the walls at IRP come up quickly, and you run right up alongside them. It takes maximum concentration, but we're ready for it. 'We've had strong pace all year, and getting that win at IMS proved it. I'm excited to carry that momentum into this weekend.' Douglas's victory came in Race 2 of the IMS triple-header and served as redemption after cruel misfortune in the opening race when, while leading, an electrical issue forced him to retire. Furthermore, contact from another competitor in a congested Turn 1 while battling for the lead in Race 3 denied him another potential podium. Since then, Pabst Racing has remained busy, heading to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for a two-day test. Douglas collectively completed 81 laps across four of the six sessions, finishing in the top seven in each of them. 'Conditions in Ohio were a bit mixed,' Douglas added, 'but we focused on setups and long-run pace in preparation for our round there later this season.' Douglas's performances throughout May have also impressed team owner Augie Pabst. 'Jacob's Indy pace was phenomenal all weekend,' he said. 'The team was thrilled to see him on the top step at such an amazing place. 'We made great progress at the Mid-Ohio test, albeit with challenging weather conditions. We're looking forward to capitalising on the gains made while testing when we head back in early July' On-track action at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park begins with testing at 4:00 am and 7:00 am NZST (12:00 pm and 3:00 pm EDT) on Friday, followed by qualifying at 9:30 am NZST (5:30 pm EDT). The round's sole race gets underway at 1:30 pm NZST (9:30 pm EDT) and will be streamed live on the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel.
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Douglas Primed For Major Month In USF Pro 2000 Championship
The most anticipated month in North American open-wheel racing has arrived, and rising Kiwi talent Jacob Douglas is set to take on the iconic Month of May in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tire. Four pivotal races across two weekends await Douglas and his Pabst Racing team, with a mid-season test at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course splitting the two events. It's a defining stretch in the championship's calendar—and one the 19-year-old is eager to embrace. 'The Month of May is the biggest on the IndyCar calendar, and it's no different in the USF Pro 2000 Championship,' said Douglas. 'Two race weekends at my home away from home here in Indianapolis are an exciting prospect. It'll also be fantastic to catch the Indy 500 and catch up with the Kiwi contingent.' Douglas's Month of May campaign begins with a triple-header on the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course this weekend before the field heads to Ohio for testing. The action then returns to the Hoosier State for the season's only oval race at Indianapolis Raceway Park, a high-speed 0.686-mile (1.104 km) oval located less than 10 miles from the Brickyard, just days ahead of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500. 'I can't wait to get back behind the wheel this weekend,' added Douglas. 'We tested on the Indianapolis Road Course last October and had really strong pace, finishing in the top five in every session out of a 24-car field. 'There's so much happening over the next few weeks, but for me, it's about staying focused, building momentum, and continuing to push toward the front.' Douglas currently sits fourth in the USF Pro 2000 Championship standings and is the third highest rookie, despite failing to finish the season opener in St. Petersburg. He rebounded with a maiden podium in Race 2, then backed it up with three fourth-place finishes at NOLA Motorsports Park—cementing his status as a championship front-runner. His team, Pabst Racing, lead both the Drivers' and Teams' standings, with teammate Max Garcia atop the individual leaderboard heading into the month. Track action begins on Thursday (local time) with two hour-long test sessions and an official 30-minute practice, followed by qualifying on Friday. Race 1 takes place at 7:20 a.m. NZST on Saturday, with Race 2 at 1:30 a.m. and the finale at 6:20 a.m. on Sunday, leading directly into the NTT IndyCar Series race on the same circuit. All races can be streamed live via the USF Pro Championships YouTube channel. About Jacob Douglas Jacob Douglas is a 19-year-old racecar driver from New Zealand. He is a multiple-time national champion in karting and was the 2023 USF YACademy Champion. He took 11 podiums, including seven wins, in USF 2000 machinery in the United States in 2023, before making two GB3 cameos in 2024. He is a member of New Zealand's prestigious Elite Motorsport Academy, winning the renowned Bruce McLaren Trophy among the Class of 2024. In 2025, he returns to North America to compete his rookie season in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tires.
