Zach Veach Undeterred By Windy Weather At Iowa Speedway; Looks Onto New Jersey

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Andretti Autosports' Zach Veach took home fifth place at the USF2000 National Championship presented by Cooper Tires, Powered by Mazda at Iowa Speedway this past weekend. Veach, who led the field throughout the entire second practice session, qualified third after fighting strong head winds during this qualifying run.

USF2000 field in Iowa Credit: Ron McQueeny

"The weekend didn't start off pretty," said 15-year-old Veach. "We had a tornado about 30 miles from the track and heavy rain that cancelled most of the morning practice sessions, but my Andretti Autorsport team gave me a competitive car from the start."

Despite the weather, Veach rolled from the third position for the race and was confident he could take home the win. While contact with Patrick McKenna during the first lap could have taken Veach out of the race completely, all Veach lost was his front wing.

"We had a little bad luck on the first lap," said Veach, "but my Andretti Autosport team worked really hard to repair the damage and get me back on track. I was able to put the car anyplace I wanted as I worked my way through the field from almost three laps down to finish in the top five. I can't thank Kyle Moyer and the crew enough for giving me such a great race car to drive."

Veach's teammate, Sage Karam, took home the win.

The Andretti Autosport's team will continue along their 'Road to Indy' by making a stop at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) this weekend. NJMP will host the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda race on their signature Thunderbolt Raceway 2.25 mile track. Veach and Karam will navigate through Thunderbolt's 14 challenging turns and its one half mile straightway.

"I can't wait to get to New Jersey," said Veach, who plans to announce an upcoming teen safe driving initiative early later this month. "I hope the weather cooperates, but I have the best team and I am confident we can handle anything this track throws at us. I am just excited to get back behind the wheel."

Veach will have plenty to keep him busy between practice sessions, as the teenager is about to release his first book, "99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Turning Sixteen," this year.

Veach, along with his No. 7 Team ADS car will continue the 2010 USF2000 season at the over 700 acres of unique motorsports attractions at NJMP on Sat.

To follow Veach's progress in his No. 7 Team ADS Andretti Autosport Mazda, tune into HD Net, which will be providing live coverage of the USF2000 races on both Saturday and Sunday at 2:05 p.m. EDT both days as part of its coverage of the Mazda Motorsports Festival Presented by VisitFlorida.com. In addition, live timing and scorning coverage of practice sessions and qualifications will be available on www.usf2000timing.com.

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