Another intriguing name has been added to the field in this year’s Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda season, with Ayla Agren confirmed for a comeback with Team Pelfrey.
The talented Norwegian driver’s results haven’t matched her ability level in two seasons of USF2000 thus far.
As a rookie graduating with Pelfrey in 2015 after winning the F1600 championship the year previous, she was one of four first-year drivers in an all-rookie lineup. A switch to John Cummiskey Racing last year saw her improve her best result up to fourth, but a lack of budget cost her a couple race weekends.
Now she’ll be back with Pelfrey in the team’s No. 82 florescent yellow Energima/Team Pelfrey Tatuus USF-17 Mazda, alongside her teammate Robert Megennis. The teenager will be in his second season.
“I am very excited to be back with Team Pelfrey, we’ve had some great results together in previous seasons and I am really happy to get the chance to work together again,” Agren said. “I’m looking forward to being back on the USF2000 grid in the new Tatuus [USF-17] car and on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder for the 2017 season. I cannot wait for the season to start!”
Agren is the 11th confirmed driver for this year’s USF2000 season, with the field expected to be in at least the mid-20s if not closer to 30 cars for the season.
This will represent her best chance yet at breaking through into the top-five of the championship and scoring either or both of her first series podium, and first win.