McNeilly Secures USF2000 Season Opener Victory in St. Petersburg
The USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire season kicked off in style on the scenic Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. The backdrop of the picturesque city streets and the adjacent Albert Whitted Airport runway set the stage for an exhilarating battle among budding racing talents. Jay Howard Driver Developments’ Liam McNeilly emerged as the star of the show, hailing from London, England, and making a statement with a remarkable win in the first of two 20-lap races at The Foundation Building Materials Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Behind McNeilly, the competition was fierce, with San Antonio’s Jack Jeffers trailing closely in second place on the challenging 1.8-mile street circuit. Jeshua Alianell of The Woodlands, Texas, rounded out the podium for DEForce Racing, showcasing the diverse talent pool and competitive spirit that defines the USF2000 series.
The excitement began early in the day as Pabst Racing’s Caleb Gafrarar claimed the Continental Tire Pole Award, edging out McNeilly by a mere fraction of a second. The grid was a tight battleground, with all top eight positions held by rookie drivers, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown on the track.
As the race unfolded, the spectators were treated to a spectacle of skill and strategy. Despite a few interruptions and caution periods, the final laps delivered a nail-biting duel for the lead, much to the delight of the sun-drenched crowd. McNeilly’s decisive move to overtake Gafrarar on the outside line of Turn One showcased his composure and determination, securing a lead that he masterfully defended till the checkered flag.
Reflecting on his victory, McNeilly shared, “The race was pretty hectic…I just had to hold on really and brought it home. Good points and a good start to the championship.” His experience on the Streets of Toronto last fall proved invaluable, as he fended off the relentless pressure from Jeffers, a fellow USF2000 graduate.
Alianell’s debut performance in USF2000 was a standout highlight, demonstrating his adaptability and skill on the challenging street circuit. Jeffers’ teammate, Evan Cooley, also made his mark with a strong fourth-place finish, adding to the intensity of the competition among the young racers.
In the midst of the action-packed race, Anthony Martella’s impressive climb from 13th on the grid to sixth earned him the Tilton Hard Charger Award, highlighting the grit and determination of these rising stars. Team owner Jay Howard’s success was also recognized with the PFC Award, underscoring the collaborative efforts and expertise behind the winning drivers.
As the anticipation builds for the second race of the weekend, the stage is set for another thrilling showdown on the Streets of St. Petersburg. With the green flag scheduled to wave at 12:30 p.m. EDT, fans can expect more heart-pounding action and fierce competition as the USF2000 season unfolds.
Stay tuned as these young talents continue to showcase their skills and passion for racing in the pursuit of victory and championship glory. The road ahead promises more twists and turns, and the USF2000 series is poised to deliver high-octane excitement and unforgettable moments for drivers and fans alike.
