When he was racing go-karts, Sting Ray Robb’s mother put her son in a bright yellow helmet so she could find him on track.
In 2018, he’ll have a car that matches the helmet.
The 16-year-old former karting standout from Idaho has joined Team Pelfrey for his second season in the Pro Mazda Championship presented by Cooper Tires.
“It’s hugely exciting to welcome Sting Ray back to Team Pelfrey,” Team Pelfrey general manager Jonny Baker said. “I say back, because he tested with us a few years ago in F1600 and we immediately saw how much potential he possessed then. We have had Sting Ray in the new PM-18 for a couple of tests now, and we are convinced he will surprise a lot of people next year.
With 10 championships, 96 race wins and 206 podiums in go kart ranks, Robb joins Team Pelfrey after finishing sixth in the 2017 Pro Mazda season with four top-five finishes. The Payette, Idaho native will the pilot the No. 82 Trademark Dental, Munk Family Dental, Intervention.com / Team Pelfrey Mazda.
"After my rookie season in Pro Mazda, Team Pelfrey is the proper progression for me to take advantage of the Mazda Road to Indy in my sophomore season,” Robb said. “As a team, we are well underway with the new car and the chemistry within the Pelfrey organization is fantastic. When I was transitioning into cars at age 14, Pelfrey was instrumental in helping me with my decision to go open-wheel racing.
“We did our homework this offseason and Pelfrey was the perfect fit. We have some work to do, but no doubt 2018 is going to be great year. I look forward to driving that Pelfrey Power and rewarding the team that has put their trust in me.”
Indy Lights standout Herta lands Formula E test
Andretti-Steinbrenner Racing Indy Lights driver Colton Herta will make his Formula E debut with MS&AD Andretti at the upcoming rookie test in Marrakesh, Morocco next month. The second-generation racer will test on the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan, one day following the 2018 Marrakesh E-Prix.
“I was super excited when I got the call and I can’t thank MS&AD Andretti Formula E enough for the opportunity,” said Herta. “It’s the best Christmas present I could’ve gotten.”
Herta is coming off a successful rookie campaign in Indy Lights, where he won races in St. Petersburg and Barber Motorsports Park, and captured seven poles and seven podiums on his way to a third-place finish in the 2017 championship.
“I think Colton was very impressive in his rookie season of Indy Lights and he hasn’t even turned 18 yet,” said Andretti Formula E CEO Michael Andretti. “We are very excited to see what he can do in our Formula E car. He is one of the future stars in open-wheel racing and can be a real asset at the rookie test in Marrakesh.”
South Aftrican F1600 champ van der Watt joins Team Pelfrey; Newman Wachs adds DeLuzuriaga to USF2000 effort
South African Formula Ford champion Julian van der Watt will race with Team Pelfrey in the 2018 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda.
The Cape Town, South Africa native joins the first step of the Mazda Road to Indy ladder after winning numerous South African championships, including the 2017 South African F1600 Champion where he collected 13 wins from 14 races.
“Julian came over and tested with us in October, his first outing in a USF2000 car, and we immediately saw why he dominated the South African F1600 Championship” said Team Pelfrey general manager Jonny Baker. “Not only was he fast, but his consistency and work ethic were all on display for us to see. Julian’s decision to move to the Mazda Road to Indy is fantastic news for Team Pelfrey and the series and we are looking forward to seeing how he gets on throughout the 2018 season.”
Newman Wachs Racing has added another driver to its USF2000 lineup, confirming 18-year-old Oscar DeLuzuriaga has joined the team.
The UK-born Singapore resident has been testing with the team since June and joined NWR at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the MRTI Chris Griffis Memorial test in October.
“I'm really excited to add Oscar to our team for the 2018 season,” offered Brian Halahan, NWR Team Manager. “We began a testing program a few months back to see if he would be ready for next year and he has come a very long way in a short time. He has put in a lot of work in, so I feel he deserves a spot on the team.”
DeLuzuriaga got his start in karting at the age of 13, and raced in numerous karting series across the UK and Asia. With the goal of racing single-seat formula cars, he has devoted himself to his health and fitness regime to make sure that he’s in best shape possible. In 2015, DeLuzuriaga began his open wheel program, kicking off a testing plan with numerous British F3 teams in the UK before jumping into competition this past season in the Lucas Oil Formula Race Series in the United States.