Season in Review: Champion Dario Cangialosi

Looking at back at 2018, what was your favorite moment and why?

My favorite moment from the series was definitely pulling into Victory Lane at Watkins Glen after the last race. It felt great to finish the weekend, standing on the top step of the podium after winning the final two races of the day, on a track with so much racing history, on a podium where INDYCAR and Formula 1 champions have stood!

Another highlight of my FRP season was that I got to race a Formula Atlantic at Pittsburgh. It was an amazing car to drive and I managed to qualify third on my second day in the car!

Favorite track/event and why?

My favorite track and event was Watkins Glen which was the second round of the series. I did really well there after a tough first weekend at Road Atlanta. Watkins Glen is semi close to home for me, the track has a great layout with lots of elevation changes, and it is such a historic place. This was my favorite event because I won two races and I was able to pull away from the field. 

What did you learn / how did you grow as a driver?

This year I learned a lot about how to drive an F1600 and how to work with professional race engineers to setup cars to make them quick. I also think that my racecraft got even better this year because of how close the draft causes the F1600’s to be.

Take us through a race weekend from your point of view.

My routine is pretty much the same for every race weekend.  I drive the track on my simulator, watch my videos and review data if I tested at the track, and workout to stay in shape before each race weekend. 

Once at the track, after every session in the car, I work with my mechanic, engineer and coach to figure out how we can make things better for the next session.  Before qualifying and races, I like to listen to music to get prepared for the race.  Hopefully I am on podium after every race.  In the evenings, I review my data and look at my videos for the day and take notes about what I can do better.  After the race weekend, I write my social media posts and put together a blog recapping the weekend.

Any traditions/superstitions during a race weekend?

I always get into the car from the left side. A habit I have from karting.

What advice would you give new drivers looking at the series next year?

For new drivers that are planning to run the series next year, be brave, be smart, drive hard, have fun and talk to K-Hill!

How would you describe your driving style?

I am smooth but aggressive. I always try to focus on finishing as far up as I can no matter what the situation, because every point counts and consistency wins championships.

I had two major sponsors this season that I would like to thank: VSG Holdings and The F-Series. I would also like to thank my parents for always supporting me. Finally, I would like to thank the K-Hill Motorsports team for giving me a great car all year and also for helping me develop as a driver.