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."