| Keep up with our dear friend Scott Hutchison at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/scotthutchison. He's fighting GBS and your thoughts and prayers are always appreciated.
DOUBLE USF2000 CHAMPIONSHIP WINS FOR ZSPORTS/TEAM E RACING WITH HOMETOWN HERO IN ST. PETERSBURG Rookie star Enerson swept the National class doubleheader and set a new lap record at Florida street circuit FORT MYERS, FLA. (March 27, 2012) – It hasn't taken long for ZSports/Team E Racing to return to its winning ways, with a pair of victories over the weekend (March 24-25) in the highly-competitive Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda. Rookie sensation RC Enerson made the most of racing in front of family and supporters during his hometown Grand Prix St. Petersburg, capturing two National class victories and setting a new lap record in only his second-ever series event.  After showing superb speed and skill just one week ago in the season-opening event at Sebring - earning the pole position and a top-four result - the ZSports/Team E Racing squad was excited to get back on-track on the streets of St. Petersburg with the talented Enerson behind the wheel. While the Florida street circuit presented new challenges, both the teenage racer and team were confident they could once again challenge for National class (for Zetec-powered F2000 and Formula Enterprises cars) top honors.
A full weekend slate of racing in Florida, meant Enerson - who resides in nearby New Port Richey - got the first opportunity to shine in front of his hometown crowd via a rare Thursday practice session. Despite having never competed on the concrete-lined 1.8-mile circuit, the No. 10 Patriot Bank/ZSports/Team E Racing entry was quickly the car to beat in the National class, ending the run P1. Returning to the cockpit one day later, the goal was to keep the momentum going. The ZSports/Team E Racing rookie promptly did just that, posting the second best time in the final practice outing, before overcoming a brief red flag stoppage and extensive traffic in qualifying to secure the second best National time. Well aware that running a clean, albeit fast, race in Round Three would be key for success, the 15 year-old proved to be up to the task when the green flag waved. Enerson spent the early stages of the 21-lap affair avoiding assorted scuffles between competitors, before setting about going after the National class leader. Displaying both speed and racecraft he not only closed the gap, but found a way past on lap eight to take over the top spot. From that point forward he never relinquished the position, holding off a late race re-start challenge to capture his first USF2000 Championship win in only his third race, setting a new lap record of 1:15.187 in the process. Starting on the class pole one day later - thanks to the fastest race lap in Round Three - Enerson was focused on steering his ZSports/Team E Racing entry back into victory lane. Things did not get off to an ideal start, with Enerson losing several positions through the opening sequence of turns. The ZSports/Team E Racing crew, however, kept their driver calm and focused, and Enerson responded by steadily working his way forward. Making the most of every passing opportunity and two full-course cautions and restarts, the talented teenager worked his way back to the front of the class. When the checkered flag waved after 19 laps, the ZSports/Team E Racing car was back in victory lane, completing the weekend sweep to take over the National class points lead. "The St Pete track is amazing, and I loved racing on it," stated Enerson. "I'm very happy to get the win in both races, especially in race two, as I had no radio communication the entire race. It is really exciting to have gotten the National class race lap record for the St. Pete track too. I want to thank Steve, Ron, and Jose (Dave) for giving me a fantastic car the entire weekend. The ZSports/Team E Racing guys are really awesome. I also want thanks to Dave Metcalf, along with Patriot Bank." "We were amazed at how quickly RC came up to speed on a totally new track," commented ZSports team principal Steve Thomson. "He never put a wheel wrong all weekend, and raced smart in traffic, pushing just enough to maintain the lead and score the wins. What an awesome weekend!" ZSports/Team E Racing now has a two-month hiatus to savor the two wins and prepare for the next challenge on the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda calendar...oval racing. Round Five takes place on May 26, with Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis playing host to the prestigious Night Before the 500 event. Enerson enters the single-race event with the National class championship lead. Prior to race five on the schedule, ZSports/Team E Racing will take part in official series testing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on May 2-3, and a one-day official test at Lucas Oil Raceway on May 5. Keep up to date with RC Enerson via Twitter @ RCEnerson and his Facebook page at RC-Enerson-Racing or at www.rcenerson.com
STRONG SHOWING BY ZSPORTS/TEAM E RACING IN 2012 USF2000 CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER Impressive learning debut by Florida rookie Enerson at Sebring International Raceway FORT MYERS, FLA. (March 18, 2012) – ZSports/Team E Racing has quickly established itself as one of the teams to watch in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda, thanks to an impressive debut outing by rookie RC Enerson this past week (March 15-16) at Sebring International Raceway. The Florida teenager was the National class driver to beat for the majority of season-opening doubleheader, before a pair of incident shortened races resulted in a four place finish in Round Two. Given Enerson had only conducted limited testing in his No. 10 Patriot Bank/ZSports/Team E Racing entry - albeit showing good speed - prior to the USF2000 Championship season-opener at Sebring, the goal entering the doubleheader was to gain valuable experience. The 15 year-old, however, had other ideas upon rolling on-course in his finely tuned National class entry. Making the most of the resources under the ZSports/Team E Racing awning, Enerson was not only quickly up to speed, but setting the pace among the National class contingent (Zetec-powered F2000 and Formula Enterprises cars).  The former Skip Barber Racing regional race winner started things off by posting the fastest time in event testing, and continued his run of form when the action officially got underway, turning the quickest National class time in both practice sessions.
The lone qualifying run around the fast and bumpy 3.7-mile Sebring road course featured Enerson continuing to impress onlookers. The talented teenager overcame two red flag stoppages and traffic via the 30+ car field to secure the National class pole position in his series debut, edging multiple Championship class cars in the process. Returning to the cockpit only few hours after qualifying, the stage was set for Enerson to battle for the National class victory in his USF2000 debut. While Enerson managed to miss the first turn melee, involving a couple of the overall leaders, things did not go according to plan. A subsequent off-course excursion, while not significant, was enough to lose several positions and force a trip to pitlane to have the car examined. With a limited number of green flag laps in the shortened nine lap affair due to two caution periods, Enerson never had opportunity to work his way back forward. The end result was an unrepresentative 11th place finish in class. With each driver's fast lap from race one setting the grid for Round Two, Enerson started the action seventh in class. The ZSports/Team E Racing up-and-comer promptly made the most of the opening six-lap green flag run to work his way up to fourth in the National class, setting a new class record of 2:08.102 in the process. Unfortunately, two nearly back-to-back caution periods, and the race once again ending behind the safety car ultimately prevented any further progress up the charts, with Enerson finishing fourth in class. "It was a great learning experience racing with many of the older racers," stated Enerson. "I can't wait for St Pete. I am here to develop my skills, and this is certainly the right place." "What the books won't show is that he turned a 2:05.9 in Sunday warm-up - on his oldest tires," added ZSports Ron Boltik. "That's well into Championship class lap times. Our goal for the weekend was low to mid 2:07's. He never put a wheel wrong. He did what his coach Jonatan Jorge asked. He was blindingly fast, and went faster every session. He'll win races. What more can you ask from a 15 year-old kid? ZSports is really looking forward to the rest of the 2012 USF2000 season with RC and Team E Racing." ZSports/Team E Racing and Enerson will have the opportunity to once again showcase their talents almost immediately, as the chase for Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda supremacy resumes this coming weekend (March 24-25), with Rounds Three and Four being contested on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series season-opener. Racing in front of friends and family, the local racer enters the doubleheader currently fourth in the National class points chase. Live timing and scoring will be available at www.f2000.com/Multimedia/Live.aspx Keep up to date with RC Enerson via Twitter @ RCEnerson and his Facebook page at RC-Enerson-Racing or at www.rcenerson.com
ZSPORTS MOTORSPORTS SIGNS ENERSON FOR NATIONAL CLASS TITLE EFFORT IN USF2000 CHAMPIONSHIP Talented teenager impressed in pre-season testing in Florida FORT MYERS, FLA. (February 24, 2012) – ZSports Midwest is very pleased to announce young up-and-comer RC Enerson as its first driver for the 2012 edition of the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda. The highly-regarded teenager will make his series debut as one of the youngest drivers in championship history, piloting a Van Diemen Zetec in the National class.  With the goal of not only challenging for top honors in its return to full-time USF2000 Championship competition, but also continuing its proven history of helping train and develop talented young racers, ZSports Midwest has joined forces with Enerson for the upcoming 2012 season. As part of a multi-car effort - which includes an additional National class car and a Championship class entry - the soon to be 15 year-old will pilot a Van Diemen RF02 with Zetec power in the National class of the Mazda Road to Indy series. The Team E Racing-backed racer impressed both the ZSports Midwest crew and onlookers in his inaugural off-season test at Sebring International Raceway, highlighting the belief that the Skip Barber race winner is poised to be a USF2000 National class title contender in 2012.
"Everyone at ZSports Motorsports greatly looking forward to working with RC this season," stated team principal Steve Thomson. "He showed a lot of speed and very good car control in testing, we think he is a true talent behind the wheel. The goal now is to challenge for National class wins and the series title." "I am so excited about getting my IndyCar license and racing in the USF2000 Championship with ZSports Midwest," commented Enerson. "I think the championship is the right place for me to develop as a driver, and I am looking forward to starting my Mazda Road to Indy career with a great result in 2012. I would really like to thank my driver coach Jonatan Jorge at JJRD for his incredible help to get me to this level, and most importantly, Team E Racing." A native, of New Port Richey, Fla., Enerson joins ZSports Midwest in the USF2000 Championship with a good deal of success behind the wheel, despite his young age. The son of Indy Lights Team E Racing owner Neil Enerson, he initially made his mark in the karting ranks and winning numerous races. Making the transition to car competition as a 12 year-old, Enerson continued his development via Skip Barber Racing and Formula 100 testing, culminating in a Skip Barber Racing Regional win at the age of 14. The chase for top National class honors in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda commences for Enerson and his ZSports Midwest squad on March 15-16, with Rounds One and Two as part of the prestigious 60th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida event. Prior to the season-opening doubleheader in central Florida, the race-winning pro F2000 team will continue to evaluate potential drivers and commence its season-long testing program .Drivers interested in competing in either the Championship or National classes of the USF2000 Championship are encouraged to contact team principal Steve Thomson. SCCA Club Racing and testing programs are also available. Keep up to date with RC Enerson via Twitter @ RCEnerson or at www.rcenerson.com
ZSports Midwest Moves To Sunny Florida Working in conjunction with JRS Motorsports, Zsports Midwest is proud to announce its move to Fort Meyers Florida. The Zsports team will be operating out of a full service 9000sf modern facility, and offers a proven, professional team, top competitive equipment and a spacious team transporter for the upcoming winter racing season. Zsports Midwest owner/partner, Steve Thomson, met up with long time friend and colleague, John Schaller of JRS Motorsports to attend the Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine held at Andersen Racepark in Palmetto Florida. It was an exciting time to meet and observe the young talent on hand for the competition. The event demonstrated the rising interest in the USF2000 Mazda Road To Indy Series. The team has 2 Van Diemen Zetec powered cars, prepped and ready to go for the SCCA FC National events in Florida, and will also be eligible to run in the upcoming USF2000 Cooper Tires Winterfest Series in February. 
The team is eagerly awaiting delivery of its new Van Diemen-Mazda DP08 in time for the start of the 2012 Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda season. Contact: Steve Thomson steve@zsportsmidwest.com 612.964.9572
Scott Comes Home for a VisitUPDATE: Leslie's company charity contest video entry HERE!
16 months after being stricken with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), our friend Scott Hutchison comes home for a visit The best way to describe it is by his girlfiend Sandy Lien's most recent Caring Bridge Update....... Sunday, October 2, 2011 11:30 PM, CDT written by Sandy Lien I can't tell you how great it was to be able to bring Scott back "home" amongst friends and family. Thanks to Denise for the van, Steve and Leslie for opening their home to all of us, and to all of you who were able to be there with us today. We both had a great time.  Lots of emotions for me (and I am sure of Scott as well though we haven't chatted too much about that yet as once we got back to the care center . . .not until 8 as we stopped by CJ and Steve's super cool house . . . there was lots to do: bathroom, suctioning, meds, ear drops, visit from Steve and his dog Romeo, hair wash, range of motion, nebulizer, and get into bed all within 2 hours!) especially when Nancy arrived - a flood gate of all that I was going through during those first weeks of Scott's illness. Nancy was with me during Scott's stay at Methodist ICU and giving me so much support even as her brother was there and she was going through some very trying times. Then, watching the video that Leslie is putting together for her company's Giving Campaign. It's about her encouraging others to give to caringbridge during their pledge week. It' a tear jerky and as I watched it, it was like looking in to my and Scott's life from someone elses perspective. It was like, wow, this is really sad what has happened. And yes, I do feel sad and Scott feels sad too, but really with all the trials and tribulations we have experienced, we try to focus on what we have, who surrounds us for support and how lucky we are because of those friends and family members, are don't focus on the sadness everyday.  I just want all of you to know who were able to visit with us today that Scott said he had a great time. He was so happy to see all of you and was just thrilled (and amazed that you would take the time to come visit with him when it was such a gorgeous day) to be able to catch up with all of you. For those of you wo were unable to make it today - we'll be back!
Thanks Everyone! | | Helping You Climb the Development Ladder ZSports Midwest, LLC provides the highest level engineering, prep and development for all drivers looking for the most competitive USF2000, F2000 and Formula Continental experience. We offer complete preparation, engineering, data/video analysis, hospitality, and trackside support. Driver coaching and promotion services are available for a complete arrive-and-drive experience. We have several seats available, or if you prefer, we can prepare your car for you. Contact us for information about our off-season testing opportunities. ZSports Midwest looks forward to talking with you!
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