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| November 15, 2010 News |
| Star Mazda: Andretti Autosport Signs Karam |
 | Sage Karam will make his Star Mazda debut piloting an Andretti Autosport entry in the 2011 championship
(Photo: USF2000 National Championship - Eric McCombs) |
Andretti Autosport has announced that it has signed Sage Karam to drive in the 2011 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear.
With backing from Comfort Revolution, a mattress manufacturer, Karam will make his Star Mazda Championship debut this coming season as part of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Driver Development program.
With it's debut involvement in the highly rated junior formula car series, Andretti Autosport will have entries in each level of IndyCar's 'Road to Indy' development program in 2011, which includes the USF2000 National Championship, Star Mazda, Firestone Indy Lights and the IZOD IndyCar Series. The Andretti name was previously part of the Star Mazda Championship in 2005, when Marco Andretti raced in association with MJ Motorsports.
"Sage did a great job in 2010 and really showed us what he is capable of," stated Michael Andretti, Chairman, President and CEO of Andretti Autosport. "I'm glad we can continue to bring him through the ranks of the 'Road to Indy' program. This takes us one step closer to developing a driver all the way through to the IZOD IndyCar Series. I'm looking forward to seeing what Sage can accomplish next season."
"I'm pleased we were able to put this program together with Sage and Michael Fux," commented J-F Thormann, Executive Vice-President and COO of Andretti Autosport. "It's always satisfying to be able to not only bring talented drivers to the paddock, but to also be able to give them the building blocks for a solid career. I have fond memories working with Marco [Andretti] in Star Mazda to bring him through the ranks of open-wheel racing, and I know Sage will have similar success with Andretti Autosport."
"We were very proud of Sage's accomplishments last season, and I know he will do just as well in Star Mazda," added Comfort Revolution's Michael Fux. "Moving up the ladder will give him the tools he needs to become the best driver he can be. On behalf of Comfort Revolution, I look forward to working with him again as a sponsor in 2011."
"Andretti Autosport did such a fantastic job of preparing me for the USF2000 series that choosing a Star Mazda team was an easy choice," added Karam. "I developed a lot of close relationships with the Andretti Autosport team members last year; it's like a family. I've always sensed the team's dedication and desire to win. Performing for them and never letting them down were always priorities of mine. Driving for Andretti Autosport is special for me. Growing up in Nazareth, Mario, Michael and Marco have always been heroes to me. So every time I strap in the Andretti car, it's very special to me.
"I believe in the 'Road to Indy' program and I know that the team does too," continued the teenage racer. "It's an exciting time to be a part of IndyCar and the Andretti Autosport family. I'd like to thank Michael Fux for believing in me and for supporting me through each step of my career."
Karam, a 15 year old native of Nazareth, Pa., won the 2010 USF2000 driver championship with Andretti Autosport, scoring nine victories in 12 starts during the season. He also helped Andretti Autosport clinch the USF2000 team title, its first championship since re-branding in 2009.
As the championship winner, Karam received a sponsorship package from MAZDASPEED Motorsports valued at $350,000 to help him advance to the Star Mazda series in 2011.
The 2011 Star Mazda season begins on March 26, with Round One run in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series' Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The schedule continues with 10 more races at IndyCar Series, American Le Mans Series and USAC events. |
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