D’Agostino eyes Atlantics

[Editor's Note: We hear Joe D'Agostino has a keen eye on the soon to be announced new Formula Atlantic series, especially the rumored $2 million prize to the champion.] American Joe D'Agostino will be back in racing action this weekend after nearly a month-long summer hiatus as he works to regain the championship lead in the prestigious UK Formula Ford Championship this weekend at Brands Hatch in Kent.

D’Agostino is locked in battle for the championship spoils with Irishman Charlie Donnelly, and has a margin to make up after three non-points finishes have left him second in the points despite having won six of the twelve races run so far this season. The frustration of being crashed out of two races is compounded by the fact that D’Agostino is racing with a razor-thin budget, with the support of friends and family who recognize the talent and see the potential for the young Floridian.

While he is totally focused on the racing task at hand, he is also exploring his options for the future, and is more than a little interested to see what develops with the upcoming new Atlantics package for 2006 which is due to be announced in the coming weeks.

"For next year I would like to be driving something with good power and grip and to showcase my abilities," said D’Agostino. “British Formula 3 looks to be the best option at the moment but with Atlantics revamping the cars and series that is certainly an option as well."

For D’Agostino, there are a lot of variables that will go into this decision, but he knows that no matter where he races next season, that he’ll still have the same goal.

“At the end of the day I have to do whatever is best for my sponsors and for my career, with so many strong series to choose from it will not be easy but I am confident I will win in whatever I drive," said D’Agostino. “My goal and ambition is simple, I want to be the best there is in the top level of single-seater competition, be it in Europe in Formula 1 or back home in Champ Car; I want to be the best."

He has shown his winning ways thus far in the rough and tumble racing European racing environment, and he knows that he just has to keep his head down this weekend as he gets back to work in his Team JLR machine.

"To still be second in the UK Formula Ford championship after three DNFs I think says a lot about my pace, and hopefully enough people out there will recognize that and support me." Championship updates, photos, and news are available at: www.joedagostino.com.