RLR/Andersen Racing co-owner Dan Andersen announced that 21-year-old Mario Romancini will drive his team’s No. 5 car, which will be sponsored by Allied Building Products Corp., Win Brazil Marketing and Revita, a recycling company for paper, plastic and aluminum beverage bottles and cans.
“I think we will be able to fight for wins this year,” Romancini said. “I feel comfortable with the car and with the guys, and now we’ll just keep working so we can start the championship off on the right foot. I’m very happy to be running with RLR/Andersen Racing. I want to thank Dan and John Andersen and all the team members for trusting that I can do the job. I will do my best to fight for the title this year.”
Romancini, who raced in the World Series by Renault in 2008, is expected to be a contender for for both the Firestone Firehawk Cup and the series’ Rookie of the Year award. He has already won two other Rookie of the Year awards in other open-wheel series, as he was the top rookie as well as the series runner-up in the South American Formula 3 series in 2007. He earned the ride with RLR/Andersen Racing after four impressive test days last month.
“I was extremely pleased with Mario’s performance in the four days of testing on both road courses and ovals that he just completed with our team,” Andersen said. “He learned oval driving techniques much faster than most drivers do, and in fact, was the fastest driver out there when running without the benefit of a draft on the final Open Test day when all 18 drivers were testing. He is very smooth. He has excellent hand movements, which is very important on ovals where steering input affects car speed so much.”
“Mario also demonstrated a focused, positive attitude, and he works very well with our entire crew. We’re looking forward to a great season with Mario driving the No. 5 car for RLR/Andersen Racing.”
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