F2000: Former Champ McDonough in F2000 Field For Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen, NY (July 1, 2009) -- This morning at Watkins Glen it was
announced that 2006 F2000 Championship Series Champion Matthew McDonough
will be contesting the #11 Company Motorsports Piper DF-5 for this
weekend's event. It will mark the first time since 2007 that there will
be a former series champion in the F2000 field.
Subbing for series regular Jesse Yorio, McDonough will have to return to
old form, as Yorio showed great speed at the season opener at VIR,
qualifying solidly in the top five for both races.
The #11 Company Motorsports Piper chassis will be receiving full factory
support from Piper Race Cars, and will be the lone Piper in the field,
going up against more than 35 Van Diemens and a sole MyGale.
McDonough, who is known in the F2000 paddock as "Fast-Matt", dominated
the inaugural season of the F2000 Series, winning seven races en route to
his title. In 2007 he was runner up to Cole Morgan, taking a single win,
but backing it up with six podiums and three poles over the course of the
year.
"I'm looking forward to returning to F2000 and driving the Piper this
weekend," McDonough said. "Racing on an IRL weekend is always unique.
Adrenaline is pumping and concentrating is tough. Everyone wants to do
well in front of the big teams and large audience. I always enjoy putting
on a show for the fans in a hard charging style.
"I was thrilled when Jesse asked me to drive his car. I definitely need
to thank him for thinking of me This will be two favors I owe him as he
helped me set pole position in 2007 at Road Atlanta.
"I'm also looking forward to driving the Piper. It's slightly smaller
than the Van Diemens in all aspects and to me that makes it better for
most tracks in North America. If I had a Piper in 2007, I think I would
be a two-time champion. With the right preparation and momentum, everyone
should see what it looked like in 2006, with my rear wing driving away
from them."
Series regular Jesse Yorio is expected back in the #11 at Summit Point in
the middle of July for rounds nine and 10 of the championship, but is
looking forward to McDonough representing the #11.
"Of course it pains me to miss the race at my favorite track, but the
upside will be getting Matt's expert opinion on the car," said Yorio.
"The improvements made over the winter with the help of Doug Learned and
Don Sievenpiper, make this car a potential winner. I believe we had a
shot at the win at Lime Rock, but my aggression got the best of me in
practice and cut the weekend short. I think Matt will find the car
balanced and fast right out off the truck, and, expect him to be in the
hunt for the win."
-crdit: www.F2000ChampionshipSeries.com
