Billy Frazer is eyeing a graduation to Indy Pro 2000 next year after a solid rookie season racing in USF2000.
Frazer finished his first year in America 12th in the USF2000 standings and as the fourth-highest rookie.
He recently ended the season with a pair of storming drives at Mid-Ohio, charging from lowly qualifying positions to the top ten.
“It was a nice way to finish,” Frazer told Velocity News.
“I really wanted a podium in that last round but qualifying didn’t go to plan. But we turned it around and passed like ten cars in both races.”
Frazer’s year in USF2000 started with a hiss and a roar but dipped away in the middle part of the season.
He claimed two top-tens in the first three races, including a P4 at St. Petersburg. Though it was eight more races until he finished in the single digitals again.
“We started the year strongly,” he said, “and I think that was a combination of driver and engineer.
“But we slummed in the middle.”
Still, Frazer says he took away valuable lessons from the year.
“I learnt a lot this year.
“I made some real big improvements with the cold tyre. Racing on the cold tyre was a weak point for me in TRS.
“Being a rookie, you also need to start the weekend strong. You only get one 30-minute practice, and you need to maximise that so you can maximise qualifying, and there are so many cars in qualifying.
“I’ll take what I learnt this year into next year for sure.”
As for 2022, Frazer is poised for a potential move to Indy Pro 2000, the next step on the Road to Indy programme.
He will get some testing in an old-generation Indy Pro car later this year. The Exclusive Autosport team Frazer is with does have an Indy Pro team, which the young Kiwi hopes to drive for next season.
IndyCar remains Frazer’s ultimate ambition.
“I love the environment [of IndyCar]. It is all down to the drivers. Yeah, I love it here.”
Reflecting on his USF2000 year, Frazer is proudest of how he stamped his authority.
“I implemented my spot and said I am here to race for my career.”
