News Releases

Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies becomes Official Parts Supplier to Formula 1000 Championship Series presented by Goodyear

Cape Coral, FL (April 18, 2012) – The Formula 1000 Championship Series announced today that Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies has become the Official Supplier of parts for the Championship’s Tech Center.

“Pegasus has been providing parts to the racing industry for 32 years,” stated F1000’s Jon Lewis. “The Series will be utilizing their services for parts needed to inspect and check cars coming through our Tech Center. We’re happy to have them supporting our Championship.”

Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies, based in Wisconsin has been providing quality auto racing supplies and helpful friendly service since 1980. Learn more at www.PegasusAutoRacing.com

From Race Car Driver to Series Director

A life’s journey

The real journey began in March of 1987. Jon Lewis entered his first race at Sebring International Raceway in the IMSA Firestone Firehawk Endurance Series. Driving a Toyota MR2, Lewis remembers is vividly. “I didn’t have much money and didn’t really know what to expect from my first race. I camped out in a pup tent in the paddock. I didn’t have a crew, so I partnered with another Toyota team to use their pit equipment and refueling rig. I even drove the race car down from New Hampshire with a dealer plate on it. It was an eye opener for sure.”

Upon returning to his home after the race, Lewis began compiling all the equipment to operate correctly. He gathered a crew from a local Toyota dealership and set off on the journey. Lewis’ dedication caught the eye of Toyota Motor Company and soon gained support for his efforts. He ran for Toyota for two seasons before switching to Honda support from 1990-1993.

As a driver, Lewis climbed all the way to the pinnacle of sports car racing driving in the GTP class of the IMSA Camel GT Series. But, after the birth of his youngest daughter, Lewis decided to hang up his helmet and concentrate on the marketing side of the business and Team operation. Lewis’ American Spirit Racing has successfully campaigned front running and race winning teams in IMSA’s American Le Mans Series (LMP1 & LMP2), Trans-Am. Formula BMW, Bridgestone Super car Series and Indy Lights. He even partnered in an Indy Car effort that fielded driver Sam Hornish, Jr in his rookie year. All the time, developing and implementing many successful sponsorship marketing programs.

But marketing in motorsports has always remained a strong part of his business acumen. Lewis was hired by the newly formed North American Touring Car Championship in 1995 as their Director of Marketing to help develop the new Series. He was also hired by the two-time Championship winning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team of Germain Racing as their Vice President of Marketing.

Lewis however, is an entrepreneur at heart and always had his eye on developing a series that stands out from the crowd. Using his years of knowledge and experience, Lewis set out in April of 2011 to form the Formula 1000 Championship Series. “It was on my 57^thbirthday when I thought to myself, now is the time. I learned about these new cars in SCCA club racing that had tremendous performance capabilities, looked and sounded great, and most of all, were not all alike. The light in my head went off. The cost of junior level professional racing was going through the roof. There had to be venue that is cost effective in this arena.”

Lewis developed the Formula 1000 Championship Series with 5 basic principles. 1) the cars had to be fast, non-spec and exciting, 2) the cost of operation for the teams had to be under $100,000, 3) there had to be the opportunity to win more than it costs to race, 4) there had to be international exposure through either webcasts or television and 5) races had to be at major events on the professional racing calendar and it had to be exciting to watch.

Lewis has accomplished all these goals. Using his marketing expertise, he captured the support of over 20 companies throughout the series formation. “I can’t really call it work. It’s been a great deal of fun working with companies I have in the past as well as new companies in gaining their support. It’s a very satisfying feeling when you can bring it all together.” In a rather short time, Lewis has formulated a brand new Series that already has 17 registered drivers. “I felt that if we had 15 drivers in our first season, it would be a success. We are receiving inquiries from new drivers all the time. Many are waiting to see how our first year goes before jumping in with both feet and I can understand that. But, I see this Series growing very fast in 2013.”

The Formula 1000 Championship Series has captured this niche market. Races are run in true Grand Prix style with standing starts, engines that rev over 12,000 rpms, paddle shifters, open aerodynamics, and so much more. The first race of its inaugural season kicks off at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport) on May 18-20 and continues at such tracks as New Jersey Motorsports Park, Virginia International Raceway, Mid-Ohio Sports car Course and Road Atlanta.

The journey continues.

To learn more about the Formula 1000 Championship Series, visit: www.F1000.co. Races can be watched on-demand at: www.SpeedcastTV.com.

Hooters becomes Title Sponsor of the Formula 1000 Championship event at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

Cape Coral, FL (March 21, 2012) – Hooters of Whitby, Ontario, Canada has signed on to be the Title Sponsor of the Hooters F1000 Grand Prix of Canada, at the newly named Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (Mosport) during the Victoria Day Speedfest. As part and parcel to the entitlement, there will be a Drivers Autograph session at Hooters Whitby on Thursday evening, May 17^th.

“We are very pleased to announce this event entitlement,” stated F1000’s Jon Lewis. “Our racing team has represented Hooters in the past across the United States in various series over the past years. It’s great to have our new Championship continue the relationship and I’m thankful for Hooters Whitby for coming on board for our inaugural event.”

Beyond the Drivers Autograph session at Hooters Whitby, there will be an F1000 car on display, courtesy of Area 81 Racing. The famous Hooters Girls will be at the track on Saturday and Sunday presenting trophies to the podium finishers.

“Hooters Whitby is extremely excited and proud to be the Title Sponsor of this fabulous upcoming event,” said Manager Kevin Gordon. “The Hooters Brand and Motorsports have worked hand in hand for almost 3 decades and are happy to have this great opportunity to be involved with Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on this Championship event.”

Hooters Whitby is located approximately 25 minutes west of the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

The Formula 1000 Championship Series presented by Goodyear is a non-spec professional open-wheel racing Series designed to resemble a junior version of Formula 1. Standing starts, engines that rev over 12,000 rpm’s and open aerodynamics are just part of this class. The Championship kicks off its inaugural season at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park May 18-20. The Series will also represent the Clarington East Food Bank, accepting financial and food donations at the track. Those who donate will have the chance to win one of two GoPro HD HERO2 cameras given away during the event.

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MK Technologies announces Contingency Program

Cape Coral, FL (March 8, 2012) – MK Technologies announced today a contingency program for teams in the Formula 1000 Championship Series. A Certificate good for $75.00 towards the purchase of any MK Technologies equipment will be awarded to drivers in each race by a random draw.

“I want to thank MK Technologies for not only coming on board the Championship as the Official Pit Equipment, but also for posting a great award program for our teams,” stated F1000’s Jon Lewis. “It’s also great that this award will be given out at random, making it available to all teams no matter where they place.”

About MK Technologies

MK Technologies is a proven manufacturer of top quality products that serve the racing industry, from karts to IndyCar and ALMS. Please have a look at our website (www.mktechnologies.com) for a complete list of equipment we can provide. If you don’t see what you want there please call us and ask for it, we can build anything. We have been doing that since 1992!

Formula 1000 Championship Series presented by Goodyear website gets new user friendly address

Cape Coral, FL (February 26, 2012) – F1000.CO is the new shortcut web address for the Formula 1000 Championship Series presented by Goodyear website. This new domain has been registered to provide easier and quicker access to information about the Championship.

“We are always looking for ways to make the Championship more accessible to our teams and fans,” stated F1000’s Jon Lewis. “Our new web address F1000.CO will make it easier to remember and identify.”

The new web address will become effective on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. In addition, F1000TV.com is the web shortcut for webcasts of the Championship. Users who go to F1000TV.com will be automatically linked to the Formula 1000 Championship Series page on SpeedcastTV, the webcast producer of the Championship. This link will go into effect before the first webcast of the 2012 season.

The Formula 1000 Championship Series is a 10 race Championship with events on the eastern part of North America. Featuring some of the most technically advanced race cars in junior professional racing, the Championship will play a supporting role to NASCAR, Indycar, American Le Mans, USGT and others.

Championship Watches Arrive at Headquarters

Cape Coral, FL (February 21, 2012) – The Championship watches by Equipe arrived today at the Series headquarters. The watches provided by RaceWatches.com will be awarded to the 2012 Series Champion and the Crew Chief of the Year.

“These are really unique watches,” commented F1000’s Jon Lewis. “They feature a drive chain around the inner dials that corresponds to our chain-driven race cars. The buttons are little pistons, the band resembles a tire and they come in a terrific locking case. I should have got one for myself!”

RaceWatches.com was created by racers for racers to provide the finest quality, Swiss timepiecesfor those on the Track, in the Paddock or in the Stands. Whether you race on the track, dirt, water or the air RaceWatches.com is dedicated to bring you the watch you deserve.

MK Technologies named Official Pit Equipment of the Formula 1000 Championship, Series

Cape Coral, FL (February 20, 2012) – The Formula 1000 Championship Series announced today that MK Technologies has been named as the official pit equipment of the Championship. MK Technologies produces some of the finest quick jacks, car lifts, alignment tools and other pit support equipment in motorsports.

“It’s great to have a company like MK Technologies on board,” stated F1000’s Jon Lewis. “The quality of MK Technologies equipment is second to none and the Championship will utilize this equipment at the Tech Center.”

“MKT is pleased to be a part of this excellent new championship,” said Marty Knoll of MK Technologies. “It reminds us of the days in F-Atlantic when the tech specs allowed for technical innovation by the teams! Good luck to all this season.”

About MK Technologies

Peter Argetsinger becomes Director of Driver Development

Cape Coral, FL (February 15, 2012) – The Formula 1000 Championship Series presented by Goodyear announced today that Peter Argetsinger has joined the Championship and will serve as the Director of Driver Development.

“I’ve know Peter for 22 years and I’m proud to have him on board our Championship,” stated F1000’s Jon Lewis. “Peter will be a valuable asset to the Championship and our teams. Peter was the one who coached me in GTP for my first run at the Miami Grand Prix in 1989 and he has been a lead driver coach for Skip Barber for several years, as well as being the driver development coach in Formula BMW. Peter’s experience, both as a coach and a driver, are extensive and our Championship and our teams will benefit immensely from his participation.”

“I am looking forward to working with Jon and his team and to help bycontributing as a resource to both the drivers and their teams for this exciting Formula 1000 Championship Series presented by Goodyear,” said Peter. “I have had the opportunity over the years to help many young drivers at the beginning of their careers and I look forward to carrying on that tradition. While racing and coaching in the UK I worked with a young Damon Hill later as coach for the Skip Barber Pro Series. I worked with Juan Pablo Montoya, Ryan Hunter -Reay, and Alex Gurney amongst many others and more recently as Head Coach/Mentor for the Formula BMW series, I worked with many rising stars including Alexander Rossi, Gabby Chaves, Billy Johnson, and Graham Rahal to name but a few.”

Teaching Background

Head Coach / Mentor Formula BMW America 2004 to present

Head Coach / Pro for The Club at Lime Rock Park founded 2008

Senior Lead Instructor Skip Barber Racing School 1989 - present

Chief Instructor Brands Hatch Racing School, England 1977-1988

Vice-President / Chief Instructor Brands Hatch America 1988-1989

Lead Instructor Audi Quattro High Performance Driving School, UK 1980 - 1988

Lead Instructor Ian Taylor Racing School at Thruxton, England 1978 -1988

Chief Instructor Ferrari Club Southern Region 1989 to present

Chief Instructor Sports Car Driving Experience School 2005 to present

Private Coach to the Industry -- notable clients include world champion Damon Hill,

Juan Pablo Montoya, Ryan Hunter- Reay, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, members of the

House of Lords, U.S. State Dept. Anti-Terrorist Division

Special project Porsche Club Dallas Texas region teaching two day clinic for

Porsche Club instructors

Racing Background

Winner Petit Le-Mans Road Atlanta ALMS GT Porsche

Winner Grand Am Cup Watkins Glen

Pole position/track record Grand Am Cup Homestead

Multiple winner HSR / GTP Sebring

Winner British Formula Ford Championship

Lap Record Holder Hockenheimring Germany

Factory driver for team winning European FF Championship

Winner British Racing and Sports Car Club Driver of the Year Award

Winner Rookie of the Year Award Germany

Veteran of British Formula Three Championship and Grand Prix of Monaco support race

Factory driver British Formula Ford aprox. 180 races over 7 years

Veteran 1000ks Nuerburgring, 24 Hours Nuerburgring, 24 Hours Daytona, 12 Hours

Sebring, 24 Hours Spa, 24 Hours Watkins Glen, 6 Hours Watkins Glen

Pro drive in 1985 IMSA/Camel GTP series for AMOCO Chemicals Lola T