USF2000
A podium on Saturday and an unfortunate collision on Sunday means Billy Frazer is fifth in the USF2000 championship after four races.
Frazer, racing in front of his mother for the first time in the United States, charged from sixth to second in the weekend’s opening race at Barber Motorsport Park.
The Exclusive Autosport driver made a strong impression on the field, especially after a cunning lunge on Simon Sikes with four laps remaining.
“Book it,” screamed the commentator after the move.
Neat.
“Barber has a reputation as a difficult track to pass at, but I think I proved that wrong today,” Frazer said.
“Sixth to second, I’m super proud of myself and of the team.”
Unfortunately, race two wouldn’t go as swimmingly. Frazer was forced to pit at the end of lap one because of front wing damage, eventually finishing 17th.
Instead, flying the New Zealand flag high was Jacob Douglas.
The USF2000 rookie was looking to be put the pain of round one to bed, coming away with results of 12th and eighth in the two races.
Douglas is 14th in the overall standings and the third highest rookie.
Hunter McElrea (Indy Lights)
Meanwhile, Hunter McElrea’s start to his rookie Indy Lights campaign continues to battle to find any footing.
McElrea crashed with Matt Brabham two minutes from the chequered flag. He ultimately retired and was classified as P12.
As for the race, the field had to start on rain tyres as a morning shower made for a damp start.
However, the track eventually dried, leaving those who survived the conditions fighting it out on worn wet tyres.
Linus Lindqvist skated to the finish a mere 0.178s ahead of Benjamin Pedersen.
McElrea is 13th in the championship standings but has plenty of time to make amends, starting with back-to-back races on the Indianapolis Road Course later this month.