Finland's Suvanto Joins USF2000 National Championship

Indianapolis, Feb. 10, 2011: Finnish karting standout and 2010 Formula BMW scholarship winner Petri Suvanto will join Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing for the 2011 Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda.

In signing the talented 18 year-old Finn, the Florida-based team believes it has taken the first step towards reaching its goal of taking home the USF2000 National Championship title in

"Everyone at Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing is delighted to have Petri in our USF2000 program," Team Principal Dominic Cape said. "He is a young very talented driver who competed right at the front of a very competitive European Karting Championship over the past several years. He has also shown great ability adapting to the USF2000 car, which immediately suited his driving style. He has impressed everyone on the team over the course of the test days with his natural ability his determination and desire to succeed. We are very confident he will be competing for the championship, and we believe it will be a breakthrough year for him in the Road to Indy Program."

Suvanto joins the squad following a successful three-day test, and having met Team Co-owner Wayne Taylor during the recent Rolex 24 At Daytona.

"I'm very excited about the chance to be racing with such a successful team as Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing," Suvanto said. "I stayed with the team for two weeks, and I was impressed with their mentality and professionalism right from the start. After 12 years' experience in European karting and a year in car racing, it was time to make the next step. It was four months ago when I heard about USF2000 and Road to Indy Program for the first time, and since then I've been working towards what now can finally be confirmed. It was a big decision for my career in racing as well as for my whole life, but now that it's been done I'm more motivated than ever before. I can't wait for the first race at Sebring, but between now and then, I need to work hard in order to be fully prepared for the season."

Suvanto will be part of a multi-car effort by Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing in the 2011 USF2000 series, with further driver signings expected shortly.

"I am really excited about signing Petri," Wayne Taylor said. "I believe with his natural talent and CMWT experience, I feel strongly that this could end up with a championship in his first year. I believe he has all the credentials to go all the way to the top. Not only is he fast, but also gives great feedback. I really am looking forward to a potentially long, successful relationship."