USF2000: Pabst Racing duo sweep same-day double-header

Pabst Racing teammates Jordan Lloyd and Yufeng Luo each claimed victory in a same-say double-header of races to start the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda season.

Lloyd backed up his first career pole from the day before by winning his first race in the Priority Main Construction Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Later in the day, Luo made the pass for the lead on a late restart to win the Hi-Tide Boat Lifts Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The two races kicked off the 2016 USF2000 season.

In the first race, Lloyd motored ahead of the field on the green flag as a three-car crash broke out behind him. Parker Thompson was spun and T.J. Fischer and Max Hanratty crashed further back in the field.

Another truncated restart allowed for just 18 minutes of green-flag racing. Lloyd jumped away and cruised to an easy maiden victory uncontested. Luo finished second with Robert Megennis of Team Pelfrey third.

“It was definitely a hectic start,” said Lloyd. "It’s a great feeling being able to win the first race, big relief the car was faultless thanks to Pabst Racing."

Lloyd led most of the second race until passed by Thompson and Luo on a late restart. Luo then completed the pass of Thompson for the lead heading into Turn 10. Lloyd was able to regain second place before the race ended under caution.

“I had no idea that I was going to be able to get by those guys at the end,” Luo said. “Opportunity came and I took it. I’m just speechless right now.”

Source: MRTI