US F2000: Mike Potekhen signs with P.D.R.

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

May 10, 2001

FT. COLLINS, COLO. (May 10, 2001)-Performance Development Racing has recently signed Mike Potekhen, 21, of Phoenix, Ariz. as the driver of their second team car for the remainder of the 2001 season.

P.D.R. team manager, Steve Wulff is extremely pleased with testing results so far this season, and feels that Potekhen will be a great asset to the team.

For the past three years, Potekhen has successfully competed in the STAR Formula Mazda Series, consistently running in the top five, and with finishes as high as fourth place. Potekhen is looking forward to the season, and a chance to showcase his talents in a new arena, as well as having an opportunity to advance his career. Prior to the Mazda Series, Potekhen first began racing karts at the age of 10, advancing to Formula Fords at 16, becoming the Rocky Mountain division champion that year. He was one of the youngest drivers ever to receive his SCCA National License and was featured as a "SCCA Speed Freak".

The first race of the U.S. F2000 National Championship season, at Homestead, was a trial run for Potekhen with P.D.R. After very little track time and driving a new car, Potekhen posted impressive times throughout practice. During qualifying, Potekhen captured tenth place on the grid. A fluke electrical failure forced him to drop out of the race on the pace lap.

Following the initial Homestead weekend in March, the team opted to spend the interim time to prepare the second 2001 Van Diemen, and to do additional test days in preparation for the remainder of the season.

The team is anxious to compete in the upcoming fourth and fifth rounds of the U.S. F2000 National Championship at Watkins Glen, N.Y., on May 19th and 20th, 2001.

Text provided by Allan Craighead

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