RiceRace continued it's driver development program with trips to Homestead and Sebring in early January. Attending SCCA events, the team introduced two new drivers to their first F1600 events. Gordon Scully, from Chicago, debuted at Homestead in the #13 Mygale, running 3rd in a wet qualifying session and finishing 5th in the Saturday race. Racing against much more experienced competitors, Gordon had a strong race going on Sunday, battling for 3rd, before tangling with another car and getting a flat tire.
Gordon was joined a week later at Sebring by Mateo Naranjo, who ironically had also been racing at Homestead the week before, but across the road at the Homestead kart facility. The 15 year old from Peoria, IL will return to karting for the season but wanted to sample F1600 racing in the #43 Mygale. Again racing against much more experienced drivers, Mateo finished 3rd, and Gordon 6th, in the Saturday Hoosier Super Tour race. In Sundays wet race, the duo finished 3rd and 4th.
"Both drivers had very solid debuts" reported team owner Greg Rice. "Both could be competitive in F1600 events right now and showed potential to become front runners with more seasoning. Plans are developing, and we hope to have some driver announcements within a month or so." The RiceRace team will next race at the Hoosier Super Tour event at Road Atlanta in March.
