Freedom Autosport’s
Jarett Andretti and Tyler Cooke Team up for Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Jarett Andretti and Tyler
Cooke met each other for the first time two weeks ago during the Roar Before
the 24 at Daytona International Raceway. When the two teenagers meet again, it
will be as co-drivers in the No. 27 Freedom Autosport Mazda MX-5.
Andretti and Cooke will co-drive during the
GRAND-AM 200 at Daytona International Raceway on Friday, January 27, the
opening round of the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season.
Andretti, 19, will be making his debut in
GRAND-AM, as well as his debut at the track where his father John Andretti won
his first NASCAR Sprint Cup race. He had the opportunity to drive the Freedom
Autosport Mazda during the test, but is very much looking forward to racing at
the historic Daytona circuit.
“I want to keep expectations realistic for my
debut. We are a young team. But we want to go out there and run as hard as we
can for as long as we can, and see where we take it. If we have a shot to win
it, we’ll take every opportunity to do it,” Andretti says.
And how does Andretti go about learning a new
track, a new car, and a new series? “Usually I just start with the basics: read
the rulebook! I try to build up speed gradually. I still have a lot to learn,
and I look forward to learning from such a professional organization like
Freedom Autosport,” he says.
Cooke, 17, will campaign the entire season with
Freedom Autosport. Already a veteran with experience in Spec Miata and the
Playboy MX-5 Cup, Cooke was on hand two weeks ago to test the No. 27 MX-5 at
Daytona.
“I thought the test was great; it really got me
accustomed to the track in that kind of car,” Cooke says. “I really enjoyed how
the crew handled it; they did a spot-on job. I have to thank the entire team
for their help. It was a perfect test for us. I think the Mazda MX-5 is the
best car out there for braking and cornering.”
Freedom Autosport has worked hard over the
off-season to remain one of the top competitors in the Street Tuner class. The
team built two new MX-5 chassis and rebuilt a third.
“We delivered Mazda the
manufacturers championship last year, and we want to do the same again this
season. We’re looking forward to more success, as well as the chance to raise
awareness of the Semper Fi Fund,” says Freedom Autosport co-owner Derek Whitis.
“Freedom Autosport continues to be a solid
contender in the ST class with three MX-5 entries and a history of wins and
podium finishes,” adds team co-owner Rhett O’Doski, who will share the No. 26
MX-5 with Andrew Carbonell. “In addition to having veteran drivers on this
team, it’s also exciting for us to foster the talents of young drivers like
Tyler and Jarett.”
“I think the ST class is more competitive than
ever. It will be an interesting season with all of the manufacturers who are
involved in the series now, but I think the MX-5 will continue to be a strong
championship contender,” says Freedom Autosport Team Manager Tom Long. He and
Whitis will co-drive the No. 25 MX-5.
Catch Freedom Autosport’s three Mazda MX-5s in
the series opener on Friday, January 27, at 1:30 p.m. ET. The GRAND-AM 200 at
Daytona International Speedway launches the ten-race season and, hopefully,
another record year for Freedom Autosport.