Series race winner set to be part of title charge by Minnesota-based championship team
In their quest to regain the series title in the Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear, JDC MotorSports has announced the signing of Alex Ardoin for the 2009 season. The former series race winner joins the ‘07 Star Mazda Champions following significant discussions during the off-season, putting another top pilot in the JDC line-up. With the addition of Ardoin, JDC MotorSports now has two series veterans on its roster, having signed Brazilian Caio Lara earlier in the year, and they appear poised to not only win races but to challenge for a second series crown during the 13-race campaign.
A native of Louisiana, Ardoin enters the 2009 Star Mazda Championship having found success in both the amateur and pro open-wheel racing ranks during the past few years. Initially getting behind the wheel of Formula Mazda via the regional Southwest Star Mazda Championship in 2005, it was not long before Ardoin was challenging for top honors. One year later, in only hissecond season of competition, he captured the series title via six wins and 10 races.
Ardoin continued his winning ways when he made the move to the pro Star Mazda Championship in 2007, scoring one win and one pole position en route to sixth place in the title fight with a brand new team. Returning to the series this past year, the 19 year-old stood on the podium four times and captured a second career pole position while finishing fourth the championship battle.
“I am excited about signing Alex,” commented JDC MotorSports co-owner John Church. “We have watched him race in the series the past two years and have been impressed with both his skill and commitment. I think the addition of Alex to our 2009 line-up gives us another driver capable of challenging for both wins and the series title.”
“I am thrilled to be joining JDC for the 2009 season,” added Ardoin. “I have very high expectations for myself this year, and an organization such as JDC will complement my efforts very nicely. My goal this year is nothing short of a championship, and the impressive personnel at JDC will be key in helping me achieve this. It will also be great to join Caio once again this year. He and I worked very well together last year, and hope to continue that chemistry into this year. This year is shaping up to be great and I'm really excited.”
Ardoin and the rest of JDC MotorSports squad will continue preparing for the 2009 Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear over the coming weeks, with the race season scheduled to commence on March 20 at Sebring International Raceway, as part of the historic 12 Hours of Sebring event.
