F2000: Series Adding Announcer, Live Internet Audio
With a planned live internet audio stream of all races in 2012 Championship, the continuity and knowledge Rickes brings will be a welcome addition to all three series.
Interest in the Championships is at an all-time high, with the F1600 Series expanding from 10 to 12 races in its sophomore season; F2000 returning for a seventh year with 14 races and a field that is more competitive than ever; and the Atlantic Championship Series, debuting for 2012 with a three-weekend, six-race schedule.
Rickes’ voice won’t just be restricted to track PA systems, however, as the Series has committed to offering live internet audio of all races in 2012, available via a link on each Series’ website.
“I'm looking forward to bringing the excitement and the behind-the-scenes stories of F2000, F1600 and the Atlantic Championship Series to the fans in 2012," said Rickes, veteran of countless holiday gatherings at Lime Rock Park, which F2000 and F1600 will visit on Memorial Day weekend for a two-day event.
“Having Greg’s well known voice, enthusiasm and understanding will be a real boost for the teams, drivers and fans," said Formula Race Promotions Managing Director Michael Rand."He is a most welcome addition to our traveling racing community and to the staff."
Rickes’ career got started when he had a motorsports article published in his high-school newspaper in 1967.
“I did my first article in Lime Rock's magazine shortly thereafter," he continued. “In a circuitous route my involvement with the local chapter of the SCCA led to an on-air radio opportunity on an auto racing talk show. Through that I met Lime Rock's promoter Jim Haynes, who invited me to do some announcing at SCCA club races at Lime Rock, and eventually the role of track announcer for all of Lime Rock's racing events. That's now going on 40 years!
“I've always been a big open-wheel fan," Rickes noted, pointing out “such as long cherished memories like the illustrious Formula Atlantic Class of 1978 that visited Lime Rock, with a field that included a future Formula One World Champion, two Indy 500 winners, and an Indy Rookie-of-the-Year."
2012 Formula Race Promotions Schedule:
April 12 – 15: VIRginia International Raceway (F2000, F1600)
May 10 – 12: Road Atlanta (Atlantic, F2000)
May 25 – 26: Lime Rock Park (F2000, F1600)
June 28 – July 1: New Jersey Motorsports Park (Atlantic, F2000, F1600)
July 26 – 29: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (F2000, F1600)
August 24 – 26: Summit Point (Atlantic, F2000, F1600)
October 12 – 16: Watkins Glen (F2000, F1600)